Toyota Celica: История модели (1970–2006)

Automobile

The is an automobile produced by Toyota from 1970 until 2006. The Celica name derives from the Latin word coelica meaning heavenly or celestial. In Japan, the Celica was exclusive to the Toyota Corolla Store dealer chain. Produced across seven generations, the Celica was powered by various four cylinder engines, and bodystyles included convertibles, liftbacks, coupés and notchback coupés. In 1973, Toyota coined the term liftback to describe the Celica fastback hatchback, and used the name Liftback GT for the North American market. Like the Ford Mustang, the Celica concept was to attach a coupe body to the chassis and mechanicals from a high volume sedan, in this case the Toyota Carina. | length =
| width =
| height = together with the Toyota Carina and marketed from December of the same year, the Celica was a two door hardtop coupé that emphasized styling and driving enjoyment. Based on a platform shared with the Carina sedan which is one size above the Toyota Corolla, and a shared size with the Toyota Corona, according to Automobile Magazine, the Celica was based on the Corona platform. The A40 automatic transmission became an option on North American ST and LT models starting in the 1973 model year. For 1975 the 1974 body was used and sturdier chrome and black rubber bumper bars with horizontally mounted shock absorber mounts (Volvo style) replaced the chrome bumpers used in the earlier cars (in accordance with US Federal bumper laws) mandating impacts without minor damage at Unfortunately the early 8R and 18R series engines proved to be less than durable, with early failures common. The 1974 18R C engine's durability was improved somewhat, but the 20R introduced for 1975 proved to be a better engine in most respects.

In August 1972 the tail lights were updated from one piece tail lights (affectionately called one tail or flat lights) to tail lights with distinctive raised brake & turn signal "bubble" lenses. The rear center panel was also redesigned as the fuel tank was moved from the trunk bottom to behind the rear seats and the fuel filler was moved from a concealed location between the tail lights to the left "C" pillar. Other changes included changes to the front and rear badges, the relocation of the towing hooks, changes to the color of the wing mirrors (on cars equipped with sports type mirrors) and changes to the centre console on ST and GT models.

The Japanese model grades were ET, LT, ST, SE, XT, GT, and GTV. The GT and GTV have an 18R G twincam engine. In August 1978, the GTV was replaced by the GT Rally, a limited edition model that had a 1.6 liter 2T GEU or 2.0 liter 18R GEU engine, special grill, special bumpers, black interior (against the norm of colored interiors of the time) and was only available in white or lime green paint. There were about 70 different variants of second generation Celica sold in Japan over the model's lifetime. At its pinnacle in 1979, Toyota retailed 49 versions at once.

Power for North American models was provided by a 2.2 L SOHC 20R 4 cylinder engine for both ST and GT models. This new generation offered more safety, power and fuel economy than previous models and was awarded Motor Trend's Import Car of the Year for 1978. In 1980, the limited edition U. S. Grand Prix GT Liftback was offered due to Toyota's connection to the U. S. Grand Prix West in Long Beach, California. For 1981, the North American models were given a bigger 2.4 liter SOHC 22R 4 cylinder engine producing , which was simultaneously fitted to the Pickup. To celebrate the Celica 10th Anniversary, the GTA coupe was released. This was basically a GT coupe with a four speed automatic transmission, Supra style interior, power windows, upgraded sound system and alloy wheels. The GTA is distinguishable by its copper brown / beige two tone paint and a "GTA 10th anniversary" plaque on the center console. The Canadian models were similar to the U. S. models, but the Liftback was also offered in the more affordable ST trim, instead only the higher GT trim in the U. S.

In Australia, the new Celica was less sporty than earlier models. The only engine available was the 2 liter 18R, producing , hooked up to a five speed manual or a three speed automatic. The suspension was also quite soft and the recirculating ball steering came in for some criticism for its vagueness. Both the coupé and the liftback bodywork were available in Australia.

Toyota launched the Celica Camry, a four door sedan, in the Japanese market during January 1980. This model was essentially a second generation 1977–1981 Toyota Carina (A40 and A50) with an elongated front end styled to resemble the 1978–1981 Celica XX, known as the Celica Supra in export markets. Unlike other Celicas, this Carina derived model is a four door sedan rather than a coupe or Liftback. Toyota replaced the Celica Camry upon the arrival of the front wheel drive Toyota Camry (V10) in 1982.

August 1981 saw the introduction of the third generation Celica. The car was initially available in notchback coupe and liftback forms with many buyers preferring the liftback. The U. S. made convertible came in 1984. Styling was changed considerably from previous models and power was provided by a 2.4 L 22R or 22R E engine in all North American models, while smaller engines were used in other countries. The 2.4 L became the biggest 4 cylinder engine offered in any Celica ever. Other engines were the 1.6 liter 4A, 1.6 liter 2T, 1.8 liter 3T, 1.8 liter 4T, 1.8 liter 1S, 2.0 liter 2S, 2.0 liter 18R G and 2.0 liter 21R, depending on the particular market. Trim levels for the Japanese market were SV, ST, ST EFI, SX, GT, and GT Rally. Rack and pinion steering was offered for this generation Celica. The Australian, European, Japanese, and general export model Celicas came with rear side vents, which are highly sought after by North American Celica enthusiasts. In 1982, the New York Yankees began using a Celica as their bullpen car. Fuel injection became standard on all North American Celicas started from August 1982, therefore the 22R engine became 22R E (or 22R EC with California emissions equipment). In August 1982, Toyota added the GT S model to the North American market to re inject the sports image that Celica had lost as it grew larger and heavier with each subsequent model. The GT S included larger 14x7 inch wheels and 225/60HR14 tires, fender flares, independent rear suspension, a sports interior including special seats, and a leather wrapped steering wheel and shifter knob. Most of these came from the Supra. From the windshield back, both cars were nearly identical when in Liftback form. There were also optional rear louvers for the coupe and Liftback. The Celica was facelifted in August 1983 for the 1984 model year. The revision included fully retractable headlights, restyled grille, and airdam. The rear combination lamps were also revised. The Japanese Celica 1600 GT got new 4A GE engine, and the 1600 GT R also powered by the same motor was introduced. Another new model was the turbocharged 1800 GT TR. The GT S convertible, built by American Sunroof Company (ASC) in California, was originally released in a limited 200 units in 1984. 4,248 more were built for the 1985 model year. For the European continent, the Celica was offered as 1600 ST with 2T engine and live rear axle (TA60), 2000 XT (21R), and 2000 GT (18R G). The UK models were 2.0 ST for early version and 2.0 XT for the facelift. All 60 series Celicas intended for the UK market were powered by the 21R engine. In Australia, Toyota decided initially to use the 21R C in the Celica. As a result, the car only turned out However, for the facelift model, it was replaced by the quicker 2S C motor, now in combination with independent rear suspension rather than the traditional live axle differential. This version, model code SA63, was only sold in 1983 and 1984 and only in Australia. The 2.0 was then replaced by the injected 2.4 liter motor (22R E, model code RA65) which provided .

In September 1982, the first Celica turbo was launched in Japan for the local market only. The GT T (TA63) came with the twin spark 1.8 liter 3T GTE engine, W55 5 speed manual gearbox, a limited slip differential, pump up lumbar "sports" seats and optional digital dash. To meet the FISA regulation for Group B Rally Car to compete in the World Rally Championship (WRC), 200 units of the Celica GT TS were built. These were the basic cars for Group B Celica Twincam Turbo (TA64) which were built and rallied by Toyota Team Europe (TTE). The Group B Celica TCT made its WRC debut in the 1983 Rally Finland. The production car had a engine, and with a 4T GTE engine, the fully works rally car was the most powerful third generation Celica.

In July 1999, Toyota began production of the seventh generation Celica, with European sales beginning late that year. It closely resembled the XYR concept with the exception of the front bumper and rear spoiler, while omitting the previously available coupe body style. The 2000 model year Celica was an element of Toyota Project Genesis, a failed effort to bring younger buyers to the marque in the United States. Toyota took time to lighten the car and lower cost wherever possible. Power window and door lock controls were placed in the center console so only 1 set was necessary for both doors. Initial sunroofs were made of polymer plastic instead of the traditional glass. This generation was assembled by Kanto Auto Works at its Higashi Fuji plant in Susono, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. The Celica came in only one Liftback body style with the choice of two different engines. The ZZT230 was powered by a relatively economical 1.8 L 4 cylinder 1ZZ FE engine and the ZZT231 powered by a higher performance 1.8 L 4 cylinder (in Europe and Japan) 2ZZ GE version, co developed with Yamaha, the latter featuring a two step variable valve lift control in conjunction with its variable valve timing. In 2004, CNNMoney. com rated the Celica as one of the best cars to purchase for fuel economy. Exporting of the Celica ceased in July 2005 for North American and Australian markets. However, until mid May, customers could still order one, although it was advised they took action before that time ended. The last Celica was rolled off production line on 21 April 2006, after 36 years and seven generations. In its last year of production, the Celica was only officially sold in Japan and Europe. There has been no direct successor to the Celica, however, the Scion tC (exclusive to North America) is seen by some people as the spiritual successor to the Celica.

In the U. S. and Canada, two models were offered; the base model GT and the higher performance GT S. All models were Liftback only. 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. Power door lock and power window switches were mounted on the center console to reduce costs. Rear seats were contoured for only 2 passengers and can split down 50/50 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. In the interest of reducing weight, the optional sunroof was made of polymer plastics instead of glass. In later models, the sunroof was made of glass. Other options include ABS, rear spoiler, 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, cold area package (heavy duty battery and starter motor) and liftback cargo cover. The GT was powered by the 1ZZ FE engine rated at at 6,400 rpm and of torque at 4,200 rpm. It uses Toyota's VVT i (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence) system which modulated the intake cam phase angle to increase torque and horsepower throughout the rev range. This is a similar engine used on the Matrix, Corolla, and MR2 Spyder. Transmission choices comprised a five speed manual or four speed automatic. The GT has standard front disc brakes and rear drum brakes, 195/60/15 with standard wheel covers or optional alloy wheels. The GT S was powered by the 2ZZ GE engine rated at at 7,600 rpm and torque at 6,800 rpm. The engine featured Toyota's VVTL i (Variable Valve Timing and Lift control with intelligence). A second stage valve lift control for intake was added to the variable intake cam phase timing. 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 four speed automatic with shift buttons on the steering wheel, or a six speed manual. 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 GT S models had four wheel disc brakes and metal pedals. Manual transmission shifters and all steering wheels were upgraded to leather wrapped. Liftback 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 , albeit mostly at higher rpm. 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 aggressive front bumper with wider grille, rocker panels, and higher rear spoiler. These body kits are the same as JDM Mechanical Sports. The revised front fairing interfered with the mounting location for the standard factory fog lights, requiring them to be adjusted or removed when this option was added. On 2000, 2001, 2003, and 2004 GT S models, the rev limiter is set to around 8,200–8,300 rpm (seems to differ vehicle to vehicle) while the 2002 and 2005 have it set to 7,800 (left hand drive markets only). This allows models without the limited rpm range to remain within the car's power band throughout the gears. First gear is excluded because the gearing ratio is much lower than 2nd gear. The Celica received a facelift for the 2003 model year. The interior was mildly restyled, a power antenna replaced the fixed one, the front and rear fascias were redone. In 2004, all models were fitted with a cabin air filter. The Action Package body kit was restyled for the 2005 model year, with a different front bumper and rear spoiler which is not as same as Japanese Mechanical Sports, but still higher than the standard one.

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 a lack of sales. 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 2005 model year was the last year of the Celica in the US. At that time the sports coupe market in general had been rapidly shrinking in that region, in part due to the 1997 Asian financial crisis, the effects of the collapse of the Japanese asset price bubble (also known in Japan as the "bubble economy"), and the rising yen which had pushed up prices in overseas markets. Sales of all sports coupes had started to decline, and customers began to choose other vehicles such as SUVs. The Subaru SVX, Nissan 240SX, Honda Prelude, Mazda RX 7, Toyota Supra, and many others had been discontinued and the Acura RSX was soon to follow.

All the European models have the 6 speed manual transmission and all around disc brakes, and was just marketed as 1.8 VVT i and 1.8 VVTL i 190 or T Sport, which are the GT and GT S, respectively. Premium and Style Packages were offered for the 1.8 VVT i model. The European Celica has rear fog lights on the rear bumper. In 2005, Toyota GB released the Celica GT. It is unrelated to the GT offered in North America. Powered by the 2ZZ GE VVTL i engine, the British GT is actually the T Sport with a different body kit, different alloy wheels, 30 mm lowered suspension and part leather part Alcantara interior. 7th Generation Models as of 2006, pricing for UK market Chassis Code Model(s) Drivetrain Engine Power Torque Markets Price ZZT230 1.8 VVTi FWD MT 1ZZ FE at 7,600 rpm at 4,200 rpm UK, EUR ($32824) ZZT231 1.8 VVTLi T Sport FWD MT 2ZZ GE at 8,250 rpm at 6,800 rpm UK, EUR ($41711) ZZT231 1.8 VVTLi GT FWD MT 2ZZ GE at 8,250 rpm at 6,800 rpm UK ($44560)

In Australia and New Zealand, the Celica was only offered with 2ZZ GE engine in two trim levels, SX and ZR. The SX was fitted with 15 inch alloy wheels, CD player, electric windows and mirrors. The ZR has standard ABS, moonroof, SRS side and front airbags, fog lights, 16 inch alloy wheels, 6 stack in dash CD player with cassette, and aluminum pedals. All models have front and rear disc brakes. Optional extras was the 4 speed tiptronic (Automatic), air conditioning, and metallic paint. TRD Sportivo body kits (which is the same as Mechanical Sports Version in Japan) are available. Although not officially imported by the official Toyota dealerships, the Celica based on the Japanese market models was imported and sold through parallel imported dealerships in some Asian markets such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. In Thailand and Hong Kong, the Celica was offered in a single trim level, similar to the Australian ZR with the 2ZZ GE engine.

In Australia, 1981–1999 Toyota Celicas were all assessed in the Used Car Safety Ratings 2006 as providing "average" protection for their occupants in the event of a crash.

A driver's side SRS airbag is standard in all U. S. models from 1990. Dual SRS Airbags are standard from 1994. Seat mounted side airbags are optional from 2000. The NHTSA NCAP rating for the 2005 model year is 4 stars for the Driver Front, 4 stars for the Passenger Front, and 3 stars for the Front side.

In motorsports, the Celica is known for its rallying prowess. The first World Rally Championship (WRC) event for the Celica was 1972 RAC Rally when Ove Andersson drove the 1600 GTV (TA22) into the ninth place. The first victory came in the 1982 Rally of New Zealand with Björn Waldegård in a 2000GT (RA63). From 1983 to 1986, the Group B Celica Twincam Turbo (TA64) won all six WRC events in Africa they entered. After the demise of Group B, the Celica GT Four competed in Group A Rally racing from 1988 to 1997. The car won two manufacturer's titles and four driver's titles. Carlos Sainz was its most successful driver, winning WRC titles with the ST165 in 1990 and the ST185 in 1992. The ST185 also won the 1993 and 1994 titles with Juha Kankkunen and Didier Auriol, respectively. The ST185's fourth consecutive Safari Rally victory came in 1995, which was also Toyota's 8th victory in this event. The ST205 became a center of controversy when the works Toyota Team Europe was banned for 12 months from the WRC because of use of an illegal turbo air restrictor. An almost identical Celica GT Coupe Turbo was built in Denmark in 1978–1979 and raced by Peter Hansen in the Danish championship. He came second in 1979 before winning the Danish Championship in 1980. The car had the same 2,148 cc engine block (18R) and the same Mahle forged pistons as the German DRM car but with an 8 valve cylinder head, producing The Danish built engine with K jetronic fuel injection proved more reliable than the mechanically fuel injected Schnitzer built engine. Both engines were equipped with KKK turbochargers. In circuit racing, the Celica was raced by Dan Gurney's All American Racers team with factory backing in the IMSA GTU and GTO classes from 1983 to 1988. The team captured many class wins and the GTO Championship in 1987. Slightly modified versions of stock Celicas were also used as the spec car in the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race, always held during the weekend of the Long Beach Grand Prix or (from 1976 to 1983) the United States Grand Prix West until 2005. The Celica (usually the first through third generation rear wheel drive models powered by R series engines) was sometimes raced privately in stock car racing, usually in four cylinder classes at the grassroots level. A less stock version of the Celica with factory backing and development was campaigned successfully by several drivers in the Goody's Dash Series. These Celicas started racing in 2000 and had 6th or 7th generation bodies but a steel tube frame race chassis and a production based V6 engine that was not available in the street Celica. Robert Huffman won the 2003 Dash Series Championship driving one of these Celicas, leading to Toyota's entry in the NASCAR Truck Series the following year and then the NASCAR Cup Series and the then NASCAR Busch Series in 2007. Osborne Motorsport won their class in the 2003 Bathurst 24 Hour race. The seventh generation Celicas were also successfully campaigned in the NHRA Sport Compact Drag Racing series during the early 2000s. Toyotas run in the NHRA Funny Car class also used Celica bodies, although besides the body, these cars do not share any resemblance to their street counterparts. In Japan, the Team Racing Project Bandoh created a special rear wheel drive variant of the seventh generation Celica using a 3S GTE engine, having previously ran a front wheel drive sixth generation model. It was entered into GT300 class of the Japanese Grand Touring Championship (and later Super GT) until 2008, which they switched their car to Lexus IS350 in race 3 that season.

+Toyota Celica sales (1985–2006)ModelCalendar yearU. S. EuropeT160198580,4801986106,731198779,333198866,331198961,936Total394,811T180199078,521199160,187199241,750199329,237Total209,695T200199434,597199521,260199614,26619979,8957,76619984,2906,420199916,4186,996Total100,72621,182T230200052,40617,996200135,72013,460200222,8939,446200314,8568,54020048,7106,59020053,1134,536200691,684Total137,70762,252