Toyota Celica GT-Four

For the base model, see Toyota Celica.
Toyota Celica GT-Four

Toyota Celica GT-Four All-Trac Turbo (ST185, USA)
Overview
Manufacturer Toyota
Also called Toyota Celica All-Trac Turbo (USA)
Toyota Celica Turbo 4WD (Canada & some European countries)
Production October 1986 - June 1999
Model years 1986-1999
Assembly Tahara, Aichi, Japan
Body and chassis
Class Sports car
Sport compact car
Body style 3-door Liftback
Related Toyota Celica

The Toyota Celica GT-Four is a high performance model of the Celica Liftback, with a turbocharged 3S-GTE engine, and full-time AWD. It was created to compete in the World Rally Championship, whose regulations dictate that a manufacturer must build road-going versions of the vehicle in sufficient numbers. These vehicles are referred to as "homologation special vehicles".

The Celica GT-Four came in three generations; ST165, based on the fourth generation Celica, and manufactured between October 1986 and August 1989; the Super Round shape ST185 produced from September 1989 to September 1993; and ST205 was built from February 1994 to June 1999.

The Celica GT-Four production cars were built at Toyota's Tahara plant in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, and the rally cars were prepared by Toyota Team Europe in Cologne, Germany.

The Celica GT-Four ST165 made its World Rally Championship (WRC) debut in the 1988 Tour de Corse, but the first WRC victory came in 1989 Rally Australia. The ST185's WRC debut was in 1992 Rally Monte Carlo, and the first WRC win was in the 1992 Safari Rally, and won four events in that year. The ST185 is Toyota's most successful rally car. It won the WRC Driver's Championship in 1992, and the WRC Manufacturer's and Driver's Championships in 1993 and 1994. The ST205 came in late 1994, and became official rally car in 1995 with one WRC victory. It also won the 1996 European Rally Championship.

The significance of the Toyota Celica GT-Four in WRC history, previously dominated by European manufacturers, is that it was the first time a Japanese car manufacturer entered the WRC with an AWD turbocharged car, took trophies and won the titles. Since then other Japanese manufacturers have been successful in the WRC. Toyota preceded the Mitsubishi (Lancer Evolution and Galant VR-4) and the Subaru (Legacy and Impreza), but not the Mazda (Mazda 323GT-R & 323GT-X). Toyota later exited the WRC to concentrate their racing efforts in Formula One.

Toyota Team Europe (TTE) was also the first to introduce the anti-lag system (ALS) in their Group A ST205 Celica GT-Four cars, a technological breakthrough that was later adopted by other teams.

WRC Celica ST185 GT-Four

WRC Celica ST205 GT-Four

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ST165 (1986-1989)

ST165
Overview
Also called Toyota Celica All-Trac Turbo (USA)
Toyota Celica 4WD Turbo (Canada)
Production October 1986 - August 1989
Assembly Tahara, Aichi, Japan
Layout Front engine, all-wheel drive
Powertrain
Engine 2.0 L 3S-GTE turbo I4
Transmission 5-speed manual E50F
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,525 mm (99.4 in)
Length 4,365 mm (171.9 in)
Width 1,710 mm (67.3 in)
Height 1,260 mm (49.8 in)
Curb weight 1,480 kg (3,270 lb)[1]

The Celica GT-Four concept started with a convertible prototype displayed at 1985 Tokyo Motor Show. The white car with burgundy interior is the first car to be called Celica GT-Four with theme "Open Air 4WD Motoring". The convertible never went into production, but the concept went to the liftback model which began production in October 1986.

The ST165 GT-Four can be distinguished from the front-wheel-drive Celica by its front bumper, which has larger openings, and the "GT-Four" decals on the doors. Inside, the original GT-Four has a differential lock switch near the hand brake for the 1986 and 1987 model years.

The Celica GT-Four was updated in October 1987. As with other front-drive Celicas, the ST165 received a new grille, tail lights, and alloys. The export version also has ground effects, noticeably the side spoilers and dual front round fog lights. The center differential was changed from a manually lockable unit (either open or locked) to a viscous-coupling limited-slip type. The GT-Four was marketed in the USA as All-Trac Turbo and in Canada as 4WD Turbo.

The ST165 was not sold in North America before 1988 except for seventy-seven special-edition cars sold to commemorate Toyota's IMSA GTO championship win. These Celicas are all white with white wheels and blue interior and have "IMSA GTO CHAMPION" printed in small letters on the side moulding, as well as a white stripe on the grill. One car was sold at each of the 77 Toyota dealerships in California. They were sold in 1987 as 1988 models, and do have the viscous-coupling center differential.

The ST165 was the only car to be sold with the first version of Toyota's 3S-GTE. It developed 182-190 hp (depending on the market & model year) and 249 N·m (184 lb·ft) of torque.

ST185 (1989-1993)

ST185
Overview
Also called Toyota Celica All-Trac Turbo (USA)
Toyota Celica Turbo 4WD (Canada and various European countries)
Production September 1989 - September 1993
Assembly Aichi, Japan (Tahara plant)
Layout Front-engine, all-wheel drive
Powertrain
Engine 2.0 L 3S-GTE turbo I4
Transmission 5-speed manual E150/E151F/E152F
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,525 mm (99.4 in)
Length 4,420 mm (174 in)
Width 1,690 mm (67 in) (normal body)
1,745 mm (68.7 in) (wide body)
Height 1,285–1,305 mm (50.6–51.4 in)
Curb weight 1,390–1,520 kg (3,060–3,350 lb) (depends on optional equipment) [2]

The first 21 units ST185 were built in December 1988 as prototypes for various tests. The production model was launched in Japan in September 1989, and delivery began a month later.

The 3S-GTE in the GT-Four features an air-to-air intercooler and CT26 twin entry turbo to eliminate exhaust gas interference. The Japanese market GT-Four has 225 PS (165 kW; 222 hp) of power and 224 lb·ft (304 N·m) of torque, a result of more aggressive ignition advance and ceramic turbine. The Full-time 4WD system in the GT-Four has viscous coupling limited slip center differential and some models are equipped with a Torsen rear differential.

All export market GT-Four are wide-body Liftback models with flared fenders. The Japanese market GT-Four was also offered as normal/narrow body from 1989 to 1991.

In August 1990, the wide body GT-Four A was added into the Japanese lineup. Super Live Sound System with 10 speakers became standard on the GT-Four A.

Japanese market ST185 Models
Production Date Body Style Model Code Model Name Intercooler type Price (¥'000) Remarks
October 1989 - August 1991 Narrow-body Liftback E-ST185-BLMVZ GT-Four Air-To-Air 2,685 Optional: ABS, Auto A/C, Leather, 10-Speakers Premium Sound System, Sunroof.
October 1989 - August 1991 Narrow-body Liftback E-ST185-BLMVZ(V) GT-Four V Air-To-Air 2,427 Economy model with wheel covers (no alloys), no fog lights, limited options.
October 1989 - August 1991 Narrow-body Liftback E-ST185-BLMVZ(R) GT-Four Rally Air-To-Air 2,385 Rally model with close ratio gearbox, steel wheels, no power window.
August 1990 - September 1993 Wide-body Liftback E-ST185H-BLMVZ GT-Four A Air-To-Air 2,900 (Aug '90 launch); 2,975 (Aug '91 facelift) Similar to all export models, equivalent to All-Trac in the USA. 10-Speaker Premium Sound System is standard.
August 1991 - September 1993 Wide-body Liftback E-ST185H-BLMVZ(R) GT-Four Rally Air-To-Air 2,691 Rally model with close ratio gearbox, steel wheels, no power window. The rarest ST185 model.
August 1991 - February 1992 Wide-body Liftback E-ST185H-BLMQZ GT-Four RC Water-To-Air 3,200 For WRC Group A homologation. Export version is called Carlos Sainz Limited Edition in Europe or Group A Rallye in Australia.

There are three different gearboxes for ST185 GT-Four. The E150F with 4.285 final gear ratio was installed in the Japanese market and All-Trac. European and Australian specs come with E151F with 3.933 ratio. The Japanese market only GT-Four Rally has E152F with close ratio on the 1st through 4th gear and 4.285 final ratio. All the RC/Carlos Sainz/Group A Rallye have E151F.

1993 Toyota Celica All-Trac Turbo (ST185)

Anti-lock braking system (ABS), Leather interior, Sunroof, and System 10 Premium Sound System are optional on '90–'92 All-Trac Turbo, and standard on '93 model year All-Trac Turbo. With its sport-style interior, power-operated driver's seat, auto tilt-away steering wheel, SRS Airbag, and cruise control as standard equipment, the ST185 All-Trac Turbo was the most expensive Celica yet. With a 2.0 L turbocharged 3S-GTE producing 149 kW (203 PS; 200 hp) and 270 N·m (200 lb·ft) of torque, it was the most powerful Celica ever sold in the USA.

The European versions have standard ABS. Headlight washers are also offered. Sunroof came standard in the UK models, or optional for cars in the Continent. However, System 10 Premium Sound System and Leather interior were only available as options in selected European countries, and were not offered in the UK.

The Australian spec is less luxurious than other destination models. Cruise control, leather, and sunroof were not offered. Early models don't have ABS and fog lights which became standard few months after introduction. However, Australia was the country with the large numbers of ST185.

Like other Celicas, the GT-Four received minor changes in August 1991 for the 1992 model year. This facelift included the new Toyota ellipse emblems on the hood and trunk, restyled tail lights with smoked red frame, and shorter gear shift. The Japanese models also got round-shape front fog lights. The All-Trac Turbo retained the automatic air conditioner, but the fan switch was changed from the push button type to the more conventional rotary type, the same one as in the lesser grades Celica.

1992 Toyota Celica GT-Four Carlos Sainz Limited Edition (ST185)

The special rally edition of 5000 units was known as the GT-Four RC was launched in September 1991 in Japan. The export version is known as Carlos Sainz (CS) Limited Edition in Europe (in honour of their famous WRC driver), or Group A Rallye in Australia. Special features include:

Out of 5000 units, 1800 were for Japanese market, 3000 were allocated to Europe, 150 were delivered to Australia, 25 for Singapore, and very few made a trip to New Zealand and general markets.

ST205 (1994-1999)

ST205
Overview
Production February 1994 - June 1999
Assembly Aichi, Japan (Tahara plant)
Powertrain
Engine 2.0 L 3S-GTE turbo I4
Transmission 5-speed manual E154F
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,535 mm (99.8 in)
Length 4,420 mm (174 in)
Width 1,750 mm (69 in)
Height 1,305 mm (51.4 in)
Curb weight 1,390 kg (3,064 lb)[3]

The Celica GT-Four ST205 was launched for the Japanese market in February 1994, and for the Australian, European, and British markets in the mid-year. This version was to be the most powerful Celica produced to date, producing between 242 PS (178 kW; 239 bhp) for the export model and 255 PS (188 kW; 252 bhp) for the Japanese market model from an updated 3S-GTE engine matched to the E154F gearbox. Influenced strongly by Toyota Team Europe, Toyota's factory team in the World Rally Championship, the final version of the GT-Four included improvements such as an all-aluminum hood to save weight, four-channel ABS (optional for the Japanese market), an improved (enthusiast dubbed) CT20B twin entry turbocharger, and "Super Strut Suspension".

The 2500 units homologation cars built to allow Toyota to enter the GT-Four as a Group A car in the World Rally Championship also sported extras such as all of the plumbing required to activate an anti-lag system, a water spray bar and pump for the front intercooler, a basic water injection system, a small hood-mounted spoiler aft of the windscreen washers (also standard fit on all UK cars) and an extender rear spoiler mounted on risers. Out of the 2500 GT-Four WRC built, 2100 stayed in Japan, 300 were exported to Europe, 77 for Australia, 5 for New Zealand and a few to the general markets. The Japanese market ST205 came with a standard automatic climate control air conditioner, but ABS was initially optional and became standard from August 1996. Export WRC models only received a manual air conditioner system but all came with standard ABS.

Plaque for car number 61 of the 77 Australian Group A Rallye GT-Fours

Official WRC models in the initial 2500 were only produced in 1994 as required by the WRC homologation rules. All ST205 sold in Australia were WRC models and called the GT-Four Group A Rallye. All the Australian-spec ST205 came with leather interior, and the only options were air conditioner and glass sunroof. Each of 77 cars also came with limited edition numbered plaque mounted ahead of the gear shift. Instead using the Super Strut Suspension as found in the production cars, the actual ST205 rally cars for WRC came with standard strut suspension as they found the wear rates too high from the rigors of rallying.

In August 1995, the ST205 received minor changes which consisted of new 6-spoke alloys, contoured side spoilers or rocker panels, and a redesigned rear spoiler. The Japanese model also got restyled tail lights. The high WRC-style rear spoiler was not available for this facelift model, but returned on the second minor change in December 1997. Another new feature for the final facelift model was projector headlights.

During the 1995 World Rally Championship season, Toyota was caught using illegal turbo restrictors at the Rally Catalunya and were given a one-year ban by the FIA. FIA president Max Mosley called the illegal turbo restrictor "the most sophisticated device I've ever seen in 30 years of motor sports." Toyota and their drivers, Juha Kankkunen, Didier Auriol and Armin Schwarz, were also stripped of all points in the championships. Kankkunen had been in contention for the drivers' world title. Mosley stated that "there is no suggestion the drivers were aware of what was going on."[4][5]

Although TTE was banned for the 1996 World Rally Championship season, the Celica ST205 still competed in 1996 and 1997 World Rally Championship season ran by private teams, most notably HF Grifone from Italy and Toyota importers in certain countries.

Rally results

TTE's Celica GT-Four (ST185) Group A in Safari Rally trim

World Rally Championship (WRC)

WRC victories

No. Event Season Driver Co-driver Car
1 Australia 2nd Commonwealth Bank Rally Australia 1989 Finland Juha Kankkunen Finland Juha Piironen Toyota Celica GT-Four ST165
2 Kenya 38th Marlboro Safari Rally 1990 Sweden Björn Waldegård United Kingdom Fred Gallagher Toyota Celica GT-Four ST165
3 Greece 37th Acropolis Rally 1990 Spain Carlos Sainz Spain Luis Moya Toyota Celica GT-Four ST165
4 New Zealand 20th Rothmans Rally of New Zealand 1990 Spain Carlos Sainz Spain Luis Moya Toyota Celica GT-Four ST165
5 Finland 40th 1000 Lakes Rally 1990 Spain Carlos Sainz Spain Luis Moya Toyota Celica GT-Four ST165
6 United Kingdom 46th Lombard RAC Rally 1990 Spain Carlos Sainz Spain Luis Moya Toyota Celica GT-Four ST165
7 Monaco 59ème Rallye Automobile de Monte-Carlo 1991 Spain Carlos Sainz Spain Luis Moya Toyota Celica GT-Four ST165
8 Portugal 25º Rallye de Portugal 1991 Spain Carlos Sainz Spain Luis Moya Toyota Celica GT-Four ST165
9 France 35ème Tour de Corse 1991 Spain Carlos Sainz Spain Luis Moya Toyota Celica GT-Four ST165
10 New Zealand 21st Rothmans Rally of New Zealand 1991 Spain Carlos Sainz Spain Luis Moya Toyota Celica GT-Four ST165
11 Argentina 11º Rally Argentina 1991 Spain Carlos Sainz Spain Luis Moya Toyota Celica GT-Four ST165
12 Spain 27º Rallye Catalunya-Costa Brava 1991 Germany Armin Schwarz Sweden Arne Hertz Toyota Celica GT-Four ST165
13 Sweden 41st International Swedish Rally 1992 Sweden Mats Jonsson Sweden Lars Bäckman Toyota Celica GT-Four ST165
14 Kenya 40th Martini Safari Rally Kenya 1992 Spain Carlos Sainz Spain Luis Moya Toyota Celica GT-Four ST185
15 New Zealand 22nd Rothmans Rally of New Zealand 1992 Spain Carlos Sainz Spain Luis Moya Toyota Celica GT-Four ST185
16 Spain 28º Rallye Catalunya-Costa Brava 1992 Spain Carlos Sainz Spain Luis Moya Toyota Celica GT-Four ST185
17 United Kingdom 48th Lombard RAC Rally 1992 Spain Carlos Sainz Spain Luis Moya Toyota Celica GT-Four ST185
18 Monaco 61ème Rallye Automobile de Monte-Carlo 1993 France Didier Auriol France Bernard Occelli Toyota Celica GT-Four ST185
19 Sweden 42nd International Swedish Rally 1993 Sweden Mats Jonsson Sweden Lars Bäckman Toyota Celica GT-Four ST185
20 Kenya 41st Trustbank Safari Rally 1993 Finland Juha Kankkunen Finland Juha Piironen Toyota Celica GT-Four ST185
21 Argentina 13º Rally Argentina 1993 Finland Juha Kankkunen United Kingdom Nicky Grist Toyota Celica GT-Four ST185
22 Finland 43rd 1000 Lakes Rally 1993 Finland Juha Kankkunen France Denis Giraudet Toyota Celica GT-Four ST185
23 Australia 6th Telecom Rally Australia 1993 Finland Juha Kankkunen United Kingdom Nicky Grist Toyota Celica GT-Four ST185
24 United Kingdom 49th Network Q RAC Rally 1993 Finland Juha Kankkunen United Kingdom Nicky Grist Toyota Celica GT-Four ST185
25 Portugal 28º TAP Rallye de Portugal 1994 Finland Juha Kankkunen United Kingdom Nicky Grist Toyota Celica GT-Four ST185
26 Kenya 42nd Trustbank Safari Rally 1994 Kenya Ian Duncan Kenya David Williamson Toyota Celica GT-Four ST185
27 France 38ème Tour de Corse 1994 France Didier Auriol France Bernard Occelli Toyota Celica GT-Four ST185
28 Argentina 14º Rally Argentina 1994 France Didier Auriol France Bernard Occelli Toyota Celica GT-Four ST185
29 Italy 36º Rallye Sanremo 1994 France Didier Auriol France Bernard Occelli Toyota Celica GT-Four ST185
30 France 39ème Tour de Corse 1995 France Didier Auriol France Denis Giraudet Toyota Celica GT-Four ST205

Overall Winner in the W2L Series

No. Event Season Driver Co-driver Car
1 Sweden 43rd International Swedish Rally 1994 Sweden Thomas Radstrom Sweden Lars Bäckman Toyota Celica GT-Four ST185
2 Spain 30º Rallye Catalunya-Costa Brava 1994 Italy Enrico Bertone Italy Massimo Chiapponi Toyota Celica GT-Four ST185
3 Kenya 43rd 555 Safari Rally 1995 Japan Yoshio Fujimoto Sweden Arne Hertz Toyota Celica GT-Four ST185
4 Portugal 30º TAP Rallye de Portugal 1996 Portugal Rui Madeira Portugal Nuno da Silva Toyota Celica GT-Four ST205
5 United Kingdom 52nd Network Q RAC Rally 1996 Germany Armin Schwarz France Denis Giraudet Toyota Celica GT-Four ST205

Other important rallies

References

  1. "Celica All Trac ST165 specification". "AllTrac". Retrieved 3 September 2015.
  2. "Celica All Trac ST185 specification". "AllTrac". Retrieved 3 September 2015.
  3. "1998 Toyota Celica GT-Four". Carfolio.
  4. "Toyota team pick up a one-year ban". The Independent (London). 4 November 1995. Retrieved 16 June 2011.
  5. "The Story Of Toyota's 1995 Illegal Turbochargers". December 1995. Retrieved 31 January 2012.

Further reading

External links

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