7th Generation Toyota Celica - Basic Information
Toyota's new Celica coupe is leaner, lighter, and more compact and efficient. Reflecting Toyota's ongoing strategy, it is more youth-oriented and represents a good sporting value for money. Gone is the out-and-out performance version, the all-wheel-drive GT-Four, on which the company's world rally championship contender was based. All Celica models are now front-wheel driven by a new transverse powertrain.
The new Celica's radical and crisp styling theme was created in the fertile mind of an American designer at Toyota's California center, refined in shape and aerodynamics, and adapted to the production model at the Toyota-city design center. The two-door hatchback coupe shares its platform with the Japanese-market-only Vista sedan. Its 2600-mm (102-in) wheelbase is 65 mm (2.6 in) longer than its predecessor's, while overall length has been reduced by 100 mm (3.9 in) to 4335 mm (171 in). The interior space, both for occupants and luggage, has been increased by the new packaging. The car is slightly narrower at 1735 mm (68 in), and its height remains the same at 1305 mm (51 in). The base Japanese SS-I model's mass is 1090 kg (2403 lb), 60 kg (132 lb) lighter than the comparable model in the previous series. Front and rear weight distribution is 64 and 36%, respectively.
The 1ZZ-FE's standard transmission is a beefed up version of the front-wheel-drive C50 five-speed gearbox, redesignated C56 for the Celica. The 2ZZ-GE is mated to a new six-speed unit, the C60, which has a sixth ratio added next to the fifth in the end case. The C60 may be combined with a helical-gear-type limited-slip differential. Either engine type is available with an electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission. The U341E unit fitted to 2ZZ-GE-powered high-performance models features Toyota's Sports Steer-matic, which allows manual shifting of gears by push buttons on the steering wheel spokes.
All Celica models that are equipped with ABS have the EBD (electronic brake force distribution)system except the sporty 2ZZ-GE Super Strut model, which is fitted with ABS without EBD. The EBD controls left- and right-side brake force distribution, as well as front and rear distribution, to aid the vehicle's braking stability during cornering maneuver.
Weight reduction was the design team's top priority. The body-in-white makes extensive use of high-tensile steel, accounting for more than 40% of its mass, and is about 10 kg (22 lb) lighter than the preceding model. A novel feature is the moonroof panel that is made of transparent polycarbonate, halving its mass.
