The Toyota Celica GT-Four: A Rally-Bred Legend

The Toyota Celica GT-Four is an iconic sports car that made its mark in the world of rallying. It is known for its powerful turbocharged engine, all-wheel drive system, and nimble handling.

History

The Celica GT-Four was first introduced in 1986 as a homologation model for Toyota's Group B rally car. It was based on the fifth-generation Celica but featured a number of performance enhancements, including a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, full-time all-wheel drive, and a limited-slip differential.

The Celica GT-Four quickly proved to be a competitive rally car, winning the World Rally Championship (WRC) in 1990, 1992, and 1993. It was driven by legendary drivers such as Carlos Sainz, Juha Kankkunen, and Didier Auriol.

Technical Specifications

Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four
Power: 255 horsepower at 6,000 rpm
Torque: 258 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm
Drivetrain: Full-time all-wheel drive
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Suspension (front): MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Suspension (rear): Double wishbones, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Brakes (front): Ventilated discs
Brakes (rear): Solid discs
Curb weight: 2,760 pounds

Performance

The Celica GT-Four is a potent performer. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds and has a top speed of 142 mph. Its all-wheel drive system provides excellent traction in all weather conditions, while its limited-slip differential helps to put the power down effectively.

The Celica GT-Four is also a nimble handler. Its suspension is well-tuned, and its steering is precise and responsive. The car is a joy to drive on winding roads, and it is sure to put a smile on the face of any driving enthusiast.

Rally Success

The Celica GT-Four is best known for its success in rallying. It won the WRC three times in a row from 1990 to 1993, and it also won the Asia-Pacific Rally Championship four times. The Celica GT-Four's success in rallying is a testament to its performance and reliability.

Production

The Celica GT-Four was produced from 1986 to 1999. It was available in both coupe and convertible body styles. The car was sold in Japan, Europe, and Australia, but it was never officially sold in the United States.

Legacy

The Toyota Celica GT-Four is a legendary car that made its mark in the world of rallying. It is a testament to Toyota's engineering prowess, and it remains a popular choice among collectors and enthusiasts today.

Why the Toyota Celica GT-Four Matters

The Toyota Celica GT-Four is a significant car for a number of reasons. First, it is a successful rally car that won the WRC three times in a row. This is a testament to its performance and reliability.

Second, the Celica GT-Four is a technological showcase. It was one of the first cars to feature full-time all-wheel drive and a turbocharged engine. These technologies have since become commonplace in performance cars, but they were groundbreaking at the time.

Third, the Celica GT-Four is a cultural icon. It is a symbol of the "golden age" of rallying, and it remains a popular choice among car enthusiasts today.

Benefits of the Toyota Celica GT-Four

There are a number of benefits to owning a Toyota Celica GT-Four. These include:

• Performance: The Celica GT-Four is a potent performer with a turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive. It is capable of accelerating quickly and handling well.
• Reliability: The Celica GT-Four is a well-built car that is known for its reliability. It is backed by Toyota's reputation for quality.
• Collectibility: The Celica GT-Four is a rare and desirable car. It is a popular choice among collectors and enthusiasts.

Drawbacks of the Toyota Celica GT-Four

There are also some drawbacks to owning a Toyota Celica GT-Four. These include:

• Rarity: The Celica GT-Four is a rare car, which can make it difficult to find parts and service.
• Fuel economy: The Celica GT-Four is not known for its fuel economy. It is rated at 17 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway.
• Maintenance costs: The Celica GT-Four can be expensive to maintain. It requires specialized parts and labor.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is the Toyota Celica GT-Four the same as the Celica Supra?

No, the Celica GT-Four is not the same as the Celica Supra. The Celica Supra is a different model that is based on the Toyota Supra. The Celica GT-Four is based on the Toyota Celica.

2. What engine powers the Toyota Celica GT-Four?

The Toyota Celica GT-Four is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine.

3. How fast is the Toyota Celica GT-Four?

The Toyota Celica GT-Four can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds. It has a top speed of 142 mph.

4. Is the Toyota Celica GT-Four a good investment?

The Toyota Celica GT-Four is a good investment for a number of reasons. It is a rare and desirable car that is likely to appreciate in value over time. It is also a well-built car that is known for its reliability.

5. How many Toyota Celica GT-Fours were produced?

Toyota produced approximately 28,500 Celica GT-Fours from 1986 to 1999.

6. Is the Toyota Celica GT-Four street legal?

Yes, the Toyota Celica GT-Four is street legal in most countries. It is a homologation model that was built to meet the regulations of the Group B rally car class.

Conclusion

The Toyota Celica GT-Four is a legendary sports car that made its mark in the world of rallying. It is a potent performer with a turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive. It is also a well-built car that is known for its reliability. The Celica GT-Four is a rare and desirable car that is sure to appreciate in value over time.

Appendix

Table 1: Toyota Celica GT-Four Specifications

Table 2: Toyota Celica GT-Four Production Figures

Table 3: Toyota Celica GT-Four Rally Success