Celica Is All About "Action"

The seventh-generation Toyota Celica has been a head turner since its launch. With its cutting-edge styling, which borrows many Champ-car design elements, including its radically lowered front fascia, the Celica appeals to young, new car buyers looking for sports car excitement. New for 2002 is a standard front bumper mesh grille.

The new Celica "Action" Package turns that hot look even hotter. Styled at Calty Design Research, Inc., Toyota’s U.S. styling studio in Newport Beach, Calif., the "Action" package adds an aggressive front-bumper, rocker panels and rear aero bumper, which are constructed of durable polyurethane, and an adjustable rear wing. The body kit, which is affordably priced as a $1,590 option, is factory installed to ensure high quality fit, and is available on both the Celica GT and Celica GTS.

Celica GTS is powered by a 1.8-liter, four-cylinder DOHC all-aluminum engine that generates 180 horsepower at 7,600 rpm and 130 lbs./ft. of torque at 6,800 rpm. The GTS powerplant utilizes variable valve timing and lift, with intelligence control (VVTL-i) to inject an extra dose of performance from 6,000 rpm to the redline at 7,800 rpm. VVTL-i increases the intake/exhaust lift when the engine speed is high to improve output and fuel efficiency. Weighing in at only 2,500 pounds, it has one of the best power-to-weight ratios in its segment.

The Celica GT engine utilizes a laser-clad valve seat technology. With laser-clad valve seats, as opposed to shrink-fit seats, high-strength steel is deposited by laser directly onto the aluminum head casting, then machined into place. This process allows the valve-face diameter to be increased, optimizing air flow through the valve area, improving intake and exhaust performance.

The GT model’s 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine comes equipped with VVT-i variable valve technology and produces 140 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 126 lbs./ft. of torque at 4,200 rpm. Both versions of the 1.8-liter engine are designed so that the weight and friction of every moving part has been altered to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions, vibration, noise and weight.

The 2001 Celica GT and GTS are both available with different variations of automatic and manual transmissions. The high-response, four-speed automatic transmission is found in both the GT and GTS models.

For an even sportier driving experience, the Celica GTS automatic comes equipped with sport-shift steering-wheel mounted buttons, similar to a Formula One race car. The sport-shift feature allows “manual” shifting of the automatic transmission via buttons embedded in the steering wheel when the gear shift lever is in the "M" mode position. To upshift, simply press one of the two buttons on the back of the steering wheel spokes then depress one of the two buttons on the front of the spokes to downshift.

Both Celica automatic transmissions utilize an Uphill Logic shift control feature to minimize unwanted upshifts and hunting between gears while driving up hills or steep grades. The engine control module calculates the rate of acceleration predicted by the throttle angle and compares it to actual vehicle speed to determine when the vehicle is climbing a hill.

A five-speed manual transmission is featured on the GT model while the GTS receives a six-speed gearbox. The six-speed manual adopts a high sixth-gear ratio with close-ratio gears for first through fifth speeds to maximize Celica’s engine performance. A smaller gear ratio is used for its sixth speed to help reduce noise and fuel consumption during higher-speed, freeway driving.

Celica’s front suspension is outfitted with MacPherson struts with offset springs and a solid anti-roll bar. Rubber bushings and anti-dive geometry provide improved ride comfort and steering feel. The rear suspension uses a double wishbone design with a camber-control function and a solid anti-roll bar.

Braking is handled by 15-inch ventilated front discs with 10.5-inch solid rear disc brakes on the GTS and 15-inch ventilated front disc brakes and 8-inch drums on the rear of GT models. An available four-channel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution is also offered on both Celica models.

The Celica GT rides on 15x6.5-inch steel wheels with 195/60R15 tires, while the GTS features 15x6.5-inch alloy wheels on 205/55R15 tires. The GT grade offers optional 15-inch aluminum alloy wheels and 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels are available on the GTS.

Celica is loaded with safety features. Celica’s front bumper, side members, and front- and center-floor cross members are all constructed using high tensile strength steel to help manage collision energy. To help deflect impact forces from a side collision, Celica’s side-door impact beams are made of high tensile strength steel. In addition, the front floor pan is also reinforced.

Occupants are further protected by Celica’s whiplash injury lessening (WIL) front seats. The seat frame design, headrest position, seatback construction and recline lock feature all help reduce the risk of whiplash injury in low-speed rear-end collisions. Driver and front passenger SRS airbags, ALR/ELR front passenger seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters, two sets of rear three-point seatbelts, and anchor brackets for child restraint systems are all standard equipment on the 2002 Celica. Driver and front passenger side-impact SRS airbags are offered as available equipment.

Celica’s interior complements its race-car inspired exterior styling. A simple cross-over dash layout, big analog gauges and sporty bucket seats add to the cockpit experience.

Both Celica grades offer a center console big enough to hold eight CD cases or 10 cassette tapes as well as two oversized cups. Ample-sized door and seat pockets also provide excellent storage room. The rear seat-backs also can be folded forward, providing additional trunk space.

Standard features on Celica GT include air conditioning, a deluxe 3-in-1 combo AM/FM/Cassette/CD player with six speakers, power steering and power mirrors. The GTS adds standard power windows and door locks, cruise control, fog lights, aluminum sport pedals and premium audio with eight speakers.

Available equipment on both the GT and GTS grades includes a power sunroof, sport alloy wheels with 195/60 R15 tires on the GT and 205/50 R16 tires on the GTS, ABS, a rear spoiler, side SRS air bags and a Premium 3-in-1 combo AM/FM/cassette/CD with eight speakers. The GTS also offers an available leather trim package.

Color and Trim
Celica comes in six exterior colors which include Super White, Liquid Silver, Black, Carbon Blue, Absolutely Red and Spectra Blue Mica. The Blue Mica exterior is finished with a clear coat containing an extremely small amount of blue and black pigment, an effect which changes the color slightly as the eye travels around the Celica’s body.

The GT's interior features a black seat front with a choice of either red, blue or amethyst-tone fabric on the side bolsters, while the GTS model offers solid black seating in either fabric or leather-trimmed surfaces.

Limited Warranty
Toyota offers a comprehensive manufacturer’s warranty package. A basic warranty of three years/36,000 miles covers all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Powertrain components receive a five-year/60,000 mile warranty while corrosion perforation is covered for five years and unlimited mileage. Toyota dealers have complete details on the limited warranty.