Toyota Celica DIY

Seventh generation / T230 series (1999-2006)

In the USA and Canada, two models were offered; the base model GT and the sportier GT-S. All models were in hatchback only form. In the interest of light weight, optional sunroofs were polymer plastics instead of glass. In later models, the sunroofs were made of glass, probably for cost reasons. All models featured dual front airbags, daytime running lights (DRL) with auto-on parking and headlights, and 4 cup holders; two in the front and two in the rear. Rear seats were contoured for only 2 passengers and can split down 60/40 to increase cargo capacity. Two-speed front wipers had variable intermittent adjustment. The rear wiper had a single speed and fixed intermittent speed. Windshield and rear window washers were also standard. Options include ABS, rear spoilers, fog lights, HID low beam headlights, upgraded JBL stereo system, 6-disc cd changer, leather seat surfaces, side-impact airbags, floor mats, vehicle intrusion protection (VIP) alarms with door lock/unlock feature, cargo net, and hatchback cargo cover.

The GT was powered by the 1ZZ-FE rated at 140 bhp (104 kW; 142 PS) at 6400 rpm and 125 lb·ft (169 N·m) of torque at 4200 rpm. It uses Toyota’s VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence) system which changed the phase timing of the intake and exhaust to increase torque and horsepower throughout the rev range. This is a similar engine used on the Matrix, Corolla, and MR2 Spyder. Buyers had the option of between a 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmissions. The vehicles were shod with 195/60/15 tires, front disc brakes, with rear drum brakes.

The GT-S was powered by the 2ZZ-GE engine rated at 180 bhp (134 kW; 182 PS) at 7600 rpm and 133 lb·ft (180 N·m) torque at 6800 rpm. The engine featured Toyota’s VVTL-i (Variable Valve Timing and Lift control with intelligence). A second stage valve lift control was added to the variable phase timing. This is similar to Honda’s VTEC but was more advanced because of the variable phase timing that Honda was yet to release (i-VTEC). Variants of this engine were offered in the Matrix XRS, Corolla XRS and the Lotus Elise (with a Lotus ECU which added 10 bhp). Buyers had the option of a 4-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmissions. The base tire size was 205/55/15 but the optional size offered was 205/50/16. The tire upgrade was merely $42 so most GT-S models had the optional wheels and tires. All models had 4-wheel disc brakes. Manual transmission shifters and all steering wheels were upgraded to leather. Hatchback cargo covers were standard along with fog lights for models without the “Action Package.”

TRD USA offered performance upgrades such as lowering springs, dampers, anti-sway bars, brake disc pads, air filters, exhaust, short-shift kits (manual transmissions), and body kits. The exhaust offered an increase of 14 hp (10 kW), albeit mostly at higher RPM’s. A supercharger was also offered for the 1ZZ-FE engine however Toyota never marketed it directly for the Celica GT due to being too large to fit under the hood, The supercharger was available as an option for 2003-2004 Corolla and Matrix models. The most popular among buyers were the “Action Package” which offered a more pronounced front spoiler, rocker panels, a rear wing, and lower rear fascia extension. This unfortunately did not allow for fog lights.

On the 2000, 2001, 2003 and 2004 GT-S models, the rev limiter is set to 8400 rpm while the 2002 and 2005 have it set to 7800 (The RHD Celicas did not incur the reduction in the redline RPM). This difference results in a big hit to performance as the 2ZZ is primarily a high-revving engine, and also making it much more difficult to land in the ‘lift’ (aggressive cam) rev range on an upshift.^{[citation needed]}. For 2003, minor updates were made to the car. The interior was mildly restyled, power antennae replaced the fixed one, the front and rear fascias were redone. In 2004, all models were fitted with a cabin air filter.

In July 2004, Toyota announced the Celica (as well as the MR2) would be discontinued in the United States at the end of the 2005 model year due to lack of sales. [2] Celica sales hit 52,406 units in 2000, but dropped sharply to 14,856 in 2003. Just 8,710 Celicas were sold in 2004, and only 3,113 were sold in 2005. The sports coupe market, in general, was rapidly shrinking. The Subaru XT6, Nissan 240SX, Honda Prelude and Mazda RX-7 were already gone and the Acura RSX was soon to follow.