Celica Forums General Discussion General 8TH Gen Celica!?!?!?

I have been working for a local toyota dealer and I have gottten to know my toyota rep fairly well. Well today he blew my mind. In seems that toyota is not happy with the way the Gen 7's are selling so the 2004 will be the last. And in 2005 there will be a new body style celica, Gen 8. There are no designs yet, it seems toyota has just decieded this over the last month or so. But he did tell me that the document that he read said that "it will be a 180 degree turn from the curret model". I just found out and wanted to let you all know.

[ 05-26-2003, 03:16 PM: Message edited by: joylover24 ]

Toyota CELICA Product History

**NOTE: All chronology dates are model year, unless noted otherwise. CY refers to "Calendar Year".**

Series Chronology

1971 - 1st generation introduced in U.S. as 'ST' model.
1974 - Celica GT introduced.
1974 - Celica wins Motor Trend "Import Car of the Year."
1976 - CY 1976 - Celica wins Motor Trend "Import Car of the Year".
1977 - Celica introduced in liftback form.
1977 (June) - 1-millionth Celica produced.
1977 - Celica wins Motor Trend "Import Car of the Year."
1978 - 2nd generation Celica introduced.
1978 - CY 1978 - Wins Motor Trend "Import Car of the Year".
1982 - 3rd generation introduced.
1984 - Celica GTS among "Best Buys" -- Consumers Digest
1984 - "Ten Best Cars" -- Car and Driver
1985 - 1st generation convertible produced.
1986 - 4th generation, front-wheel-drive introduced.
1987 - 2nd generation convertible produced.
1987 - 89 - Among "Best Buys" by Consumers Digest.
1988 - All-trac introduced.
1990 - 5th generation introduced.
1991 - Among "Best Buys" by Consumers Digest.
1993 - Last year of GTS, All-Trac Turbo.
1994 - 6th generation introduced.
1995 - 3rd generation convertible produced.
1996 - Minor change to front fascia.
1997 - "Most Reliable Used Vehicles, MYs ˜89-˜95" -- J.D. Power & Associates
1999 - Coupe grade is discontinued.
2000 -The all-new seventh-generation Celica is introduced
2001- Consumer Reports rates Celica GTS "Best Sports Coupe"

Celica was originally designed for motorists who were young at heart and wanted more than simple transportation. Planning for the Celica was begun in 1967, and the vehicle was released to the public in 1971. Based on the EX-1 "Car of the Future" prototype, its styling was quite revolutionary for the day and it was influential in the establishment of the sporty subcompact market segment.

The original Celica was equipped with a carbureted four-cylinder engine displacing 1.6 liters. Available only in ST form and as a two-door sport-coupe, the Celica was Toyota's version of the Mustang - an image car rather than a high-volume car. The Celica sold well from the outset, its first major change or addition taking place in 1974 with the addition of the GT model. Introduction of the GT brought with it a two-liter engine that would, in various versions, power Celicas for the next 11 years.

In 1976, the Celica line was enlarged with the addition of the liftback model, available only in GT trim. The GT package included the larger engine, offered sportier handling, higher-grade trim, etc. The liftback model was marketed as a sport-touring type vehicle, offering greater comfort and luggage capacity than the notch-back models.

The second generation Celica was released in 1978, and was again available in both ST and GT trim levels. Power was provided by 2.2-liter engines for both models. This new generation offered more safety, power and economy than previous models, and was awarded Motor Trend's "Import Car of the Year" for 1978.

1982 saw the introduction of the third generation Celica. Styling was changed considerably from previous models and power was now provided by 2.4-liter engines. In 1983, Toyota added the GTS model to the Celica line to re-inject the sports image that Celica had lost as it grew larger and heavier with each subsequent model. The GTS included larger wheels and tires, fender flares, sports suspension, and a sports interior including special seats and a leather-wrapped steering-wheel and gearshift knob.

For 1986, Celica changed completely. It was an all-new vehicle with front-wheel-drive, a rounded, flowing body and new 2.0-liter four-cylinder twin-cam engines. Celica was now available in ST, GT and GTS trim, all available as either coupe or liftback models. STs and GTs came with a 116-horsepower engine, while the GTS was given a 135-horsepower version of the same 2.0-liter engine. Front-wheel-drive and four-wheel independent suspension made the Celica the perfect all-around sports car.

In 1988, Toyota introduced the "ultimate Celica", the All-Trac Turbo. With full-time all-wheel-drive and a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, it immediately took its place as the flagship of the Celica range.

The next generation Celicas, the fifth, were introduced in 1990. They received revised styling, upgraded wheels and tires, and more power. The GT and GTS engines grew to 2.2-liters, while the ST sported a 1.6-liter -- all were DOHC 16-valve. Anti-lock brakes were available on all models, as were numerous luxury items -- all were standard on the All-Trac model though. With its leather interior, ten-speaker sound system and power-operated driver's seat and sunroof included as standard equipment, the All-Trac was the most expensive Celica yet. With its 200-horsepower turbocharged engine, it was also the most powerful Celica yet.

For 1994, Toyota pulled out all the stops. The sixth-generation Celicas bore very little resemblance to their previous brethren. Celica was only available in ST and GT configuration for the 1994 model year, but the addition of the optional "sports package" to the GT produced GTS-like handling. The All-Trac model was dropped, and for 1994 there was no convertible. Styling of the new Celicas was acclaimed by most publications as "Supra-esque" with four exposed headlights. Celicas were available in either coupe or liftback form, with the GT sports package available only on the liftback.

New safety equipment in the form of driver- and passenger-side airbags was standard, and anti-lock brakes were available on all models. Celicas also sported Carbon FiberC-free air-conditioning.

1995 saw the introduction of the third generation convertible. Built off of the GT Coupe model, the conversion takes place in the ASC facility in Rancho Dominguez, Calif. The vehicle arrives in the U.S. as a partially assembled vehicle. At ASC, the roof is removed and a three-layer insulated and power-operated top is installed, producing a vehicle that is virtually water and wind proof.

The 1996 Celica received optional side skirts to improve its aerodynamic efficiency, as well as a redesigned rear spoiler. Also available were optional driving lights in the redesigned grille area (standard on GT models).

For 1997, the only change in the Celica was the discontinuation of the GT Coupe model.

In 1998, the ST model was discontinued to simplify the Celica ordering process. All Celicas (Coupe, Liftback and Convertible) were now GT models. All ˜98 Celicas included additional standard equipment, making Celica a better value.

In 1999, the Celica ordering process was simplified even further with the elimination of the Coupe grade. Celica was now available in GT Liftback and GT Convertible.

For 2000, Celica went back to its performance car roots by entering its seventh generation with all-new cutting edge styling, powerful performance and an aggressive attitude.

The new Celica was styled at Calty Design Research, Inc., in Newport Beach, Calif. The cab-forward design featured a high-fashion look with Indy-car design elements. Sharp-edged panels, dramatic plunging curves, a tall tail and a radically lowered front fascia were stark contrasts compared to past models. The new Celica was shorter in length, but longer in wheelbase with greatly reduced front- and rear-overhangs.

look at the history of the celica (or ever other car make on the market)... they last for about 4 years before being redesigned and in the dealerships again as a "new generation" within the next year or so (Mitsubishi & Honda are also natorious for doing this)

When was the last time you saw an advertisement for Toyota's celica on the television? Heck, Ill do one better... when was the last time you got a flyer from your local Toyota dealership that had a picture of the Celica on it?

So, does this mean toyota's 8th gen celica will be like the next Tercel?!?

Why downgrade the celica? that is the dumbest idea in the world!

The 8th gen. Celica's gotta be a rear-wheel drive. Any news re. the '04 model? i called the local dealership last week & they said it's expected around Sept, but i couldn't find any solid info on changes/updates.

Cripes, this is an old thred.
Hey, maybe Toyota is going for a convertible option. That same feature help revitalize the VWs Beetle. The dealership I picked my car up from sent me a flyer recently to see if I wanted to trade in my '00 white GTS as they said there is a demand for type of car right now. It'll be interesting to see what 2004 holds in store for us. The 2005 will hit sometime in August of next year.

So, does this mean toyota's 8th gen celica will be like the next Tercel?!?

Why downgrade the celica? that is the dumbest idea in the world! [/quote]

hey now, dont trash on the tercel, thats what i had before my celi and it never did me wrong!

lol, sorry dude. I know your pain. The users at escortracing.com used to work on a lot of how-to's with the tercel guys, neither of us had much aftermarket at the time.

I have seen one pic of probably a concept or something. I don't know if it was done in photoshop or something though. I found a link from one celica site. The one I saw looked similar to a 350Z. It looked pretty good whatever it was.

they always down grade the celi...wtf "looks fast" I mean comn' do they want to sell the car or not??

So, does this mean toyota's 8th gen celica will be like the next Tercel?!?

Why downgrade the celica? that is the dumbest idea in the world! [/quote]

hey now, dont trash on the tercel, thats what i had before my celi and it never did me wrong! [/quote]

you know you guys need to realize that the Tercel is also a Toyota Manufactured vehicle like your celica, jeeeez, i agree on you ilovemyGT...

With the already futuristic design and shape of the 7th gen i really dont see it falling dramatically out of fashion in the near future...well i hope so anyways.

It seems that most car companies want to sell SUV's and sedans, due to the baby boomers who are now in there 50's and 60's and account for a big % of the spending public.

toyota wants to appeal to the younger market because they have the baby boomer market, they dont want to become the next oldsmobile.

Thank you!!

I hope they stop making the Action Package so they won't be as common and all these 60 year old's around here won't be driving them!!!!

hey chiller bro, i feel you..hehehehehe im starting to see a few people over 65 drive the celi w/ action package here. i dont have any problems with that . its just funny.

this was already talked about...search and you should find lots of info.

Maybe they will make this an option: (i know this pics been posted before...)

uh no...lol...
that was a concept but would never go into production.

How about a Targa Top Celica, guys?? or

a convertible celica takes out all of the style

yeah, i generally dislike all convertible forms of car.. save the bmw z3 which is better than its ugly wagon regular version. they wouldnt put out a convertible celi because the mr2 is already a convertible. mr2's might take a dip in sales because you could get a cheaper toyota convertible

i just don't want them 2 change the 7th gen model... but change is unavoidable

do a search, this has been discussed before. speculate all you want, the REAL 8th gen will debut in october in Toyko.

I agree stop messing with perfection the car is awesome. aside from minor ish with trannys and misshifts, I mean the car looks hott. I've always been a fan of the celica sine like '88 or sumtin and this is the nicest looking gen yet, so why change because sales didn't exceed their expectations..IMHO they shouldn't have set their expectations so high, perhaps saying this car will sell very well, (no figuers noted would have been fine)...Seriously I think the celica is 1 of the highest bought cars in my town and the towns around there are so many celicas... Toyotas not happy don't get it... well all just mty opinion..

no they really arent selling well at all. id rather them change it than keep the same model for 15 years or something stupid like that. change makes your car more identifiable less common.

I dunno why all you guys think the convert is so ugly and sucky, I think it's sweet! I'd buy that shit up in a heartbeat

If they made a 'Vert Celica, it would cut into their MR-S sales.

I really don't like constant styling changes. Five years from now, I want my RSX to look like the '08 model.

Think about the people who buy new Mustangs or Corvettes this year. Their car will automatically look old next year. Whereas, my old '91 300ZX TT still passed for a brand new car back in '96.


EDIT: OK, maybe that was a bad example. I think most styling changes happen after the five year mark. I would just like it more if the styling change didn't happen for 7-8 years, like with the '94-01 Integra.

3rd Gen Cavalier is still in production, 1995-2004

what? They redesigned it.

I know that the tail lights r different this year. They kinda look like the intrepid tails

they also kind of look ugly as a mother too...

Why mess with a good thing.

I second that, I saw one of those on the road, and I wanted to throw up in my lap, it almost caused me to have an accident I was so appauled that I couldn't open my eyes for like 10 secs, almost hit a lady on her rascal scooter, wasn't a pretty sight.

-Mike

cavaliers are gay as my moms alter ego!!!! They just look like a crappy sheet metal sheel with an engine. I'd rent one and fuck it up on some back roads.

No matter what toyota does with the celica they need to bring back the 3s-gte motor dammit or if possible at least the 7a-ge motor that would be killer

I'm right there with ya

Thanks, I own one

Chevy has this thing called phases. They're minor changes within a generation.

1st Gen Phase 1 - 85.5-87

2nd Gen Phase 1 - 88-90
2nd Gen Phase 2 - 91-94

3rd Gen Phase 1 - 95-99
3rd Gen Phase 2 - 00-02
3rd Gen Phase 3 - 03-04

Candidate for Ecelica.com's Quote of the Year.

Although I don't have anything against Cavaliers. Hell, GM provides an optional supercharger and other performance parts for it.

I don't care what the 8th gen looks like, as long as 'yota doesn't do another one of those "Looks fast" ad campaign. What a horrible idea that was...that's just like saying "All show and no go."

oh ok that's cool. I see now...

i saw a cavalier on a TRD catalog

if the celica doesnt turn out so well in 2005, we can always fall back on the MR2, and if we are so lucky the 93 twin turbo supra. Ill tell you what, the 91 through 94 mr2's rock.

or buy a Corolla S and supercharge it and mod it...hmm sounds cool to me!

u think that the 8th gen celica will look better then the 7th??

Probably not. 7th gen looks wicked, and they say that the 8th gen will be a complete turn around...

mmm... now we're talkin, major sleeper potential there

ok, this whole thread is based on a rumor someone posted. Has anyone checked the valididy of the thread creator? Sorry if I am in the wrong here. I just see so many rumors and the like by people claiming to know people. My very BIG apologies to the thread creator if he's a credible source. Anyway, moving the celica to rear wheel would work against the sales of other product. IE MR-S and Supra(it's coming back!YAY!) and running it as a corolla type is bad for the corolla, matrix, camary, solara, etc. Toyota could make it 2 seat...but then it'd be a 2 seater ff car.Not too much interest in that.
Not to mention that all that was said was that the car would be a 180 degree turnaround. No specifications on what that would be. In a business sense, the smart move on a 180 degree turnaround would be to leave the general setup of the celica the same and go for the same market, but to run a totally different style theme. That meaning, since toyota thinks the celica didn't do as well as they had hoped with an angular, agressive look, toyota should switch to a sleek, flowing theme. Smooth curves and "soft" (colortone and edge)metals with the lighting and accent. Anyway, that is my two cents and again, if I insulted ANYONE, I didn't mean to and apologize.

all toyota needs to do is advertise the celica... dont they know that...