Celica was styled at Calty Design Research, Inc., Toyota's U.S. styling studio in Newport Beach, Calif. The cab-forward design features a high-fashion look with Indy-car design elements. Sharp-edged panels, dramatic plunging curves, a tall tail and a radically lowered front fascia are stark contrasts. Compared to past models, Celica is shorter in length, but longer in wheelbase with greatly reduced front- and rear-overhangs. 

     Celica GT-S is powered by an all-new 1.8-liter, four-cylinder DOHC all-aluminum engine that generates 180 horsepower at 7,600 rpm and 133 lbs./ft. of torque at 6,800 rpm. The GT-S powerplant, co-developed with Yamaha, utilizes variable valve timing and lift, with intelligence control (VVTL-i) to open up a new era of performance from 6,000 rpm to the redline at 7,800 rpm. WTL-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 an all-new 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 125 lbs./ft. of torque at 4,200 rpm. Both versions of the all-new 1.8-liter engine have been 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 2000 Celica GT and GT-S are both available with different variations of all-new automatic and manual transmissions. The newly developed high-response, four-speed automatic transmission is found in both the GT and GT-S models.

     For an even sportier driving experience, the Celica GT-S automatic comes equipped with sport-shift steering-wheel mounted buttons, similar to a Formula 1 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 GT-S receives a six-speed gearbox, a first for Celica. 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 suspension and braking systems also have been upgraded. The front suspension is outfitted with MacPherson struts with offset springs and a solid anti-roll bar. Rubber bushings and anti-dive geometry have been tuned to improve ride comfort and steering feel. The rear suspension uses a double wishbone design with a new camber-control function and a solid anti-roll bar, as well.

     Excellent braking performance is aided by 11 -inch ventilated front discs with 10.5-inch solid rear disc brakes on the GT-S, and 10-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 195/6OR15 tires, while the GT-S 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 GT-S.

     From the outside in, occupant safety was of utmost importance when designing the all-new Celica. Its energy-absorbing structure was developed using a high degree of computer-aided design and engineering which helped reduce development time.

     The front bumper, side members, and front- and center-floor cross members were all constructed using high-strength steel. To help disperse energy from a side collision, Celica's side-door impact beams also were made of high-strength tensile steel. For additional integrity, the front floor pan was also reinforced. To further help reduce the risk of injury to the driver, the brake pedal assembly was designed to minimize pedal intrusion in a frontal collision.

     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  passenger-front SRS airbags, ALR/ELR front passenger seatbelt 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 2000 Celica. Driver- and passenger side-impact SRS airbags are offered as optional 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 grade levels offer a center console big enough to hold eight CID 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, an AM/FM stereo with cassette and CID player and six speakers, power steering and power mirrors. The GT-S adds standard power windows and door locks, cruise control, fog lights, aluminum sport pedals and premium audio with eight speakers.

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

     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.

     For the GT grade, exterior colors are complimented by a black seat front with a choice of either red, blue or amethyst-tone fabric on the side bolsters, while the GT-S model offers solid black seating in either fabric or leather 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.

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