Toyota Celica GT-Four is a homologation variant of the Toyota Celica built by the Toyota from 1986 to 1999. The Celica GT-Four was built to compete under the Group A WRC.
All engines come with 2-litre turbocharged and a typical standard 5-speed manual gearbox with different gear ratios. The first ST165 with initially power rated at 190-bhp, the LSD operated with manually lockable through viscous type. UK-market launched in 1988 but only runs on the unleaded petrol. The ST185 receives a turbo upgrade, the Torsen LSD, the bonnet, etc. The body style combined a coupe and hatchback. The ST185 GT-Four saw the wins of the WRC at the hands of Carlos Sainz in 1990 and 1992, and therefore carry his name as the Carlos Sainz special edition (known as Group A Rallye and Celica GT-Four RC) in-honour of success in rallying with the upgrades of the turbo intercooler and triple cone synchromesh with the special plaque on the console with limited 5,000 units.
Uniquely, the ST185 has a two distinctive body style both with narrow and widebody.
The third ST205 Celica GT-Four launched in 1994, it retains the body style but receives a rear-wing, with the power got increased up to 255-bhp with the engine upgraded, the turbo and the intercooler, as well. The ST205 features a unique suspension as the "Super Strut", includes the anti-lag turbo to spool quickly, a small hood-mounted spoiler aft of the windscreen washers (includes the UK but standard), etc. For the 1995 up to 1999 model, the ST205 receives the unique special Toyota's Sport ABS, the 6-spoke wheels as the facelift MY-model years.
In 1995 WRC season, the Celica GT-Four became infamously equip with the specialised turbo restrictors and bypass the power limit regulations. Thus, was banned in the WRC with the sanction of one-year ban. Privateers still continue to compete until 1997. Eventually, the Celica GT-Four replaced the small hatchback the Toyota Corolla WRC and took it's WRC victories in 1999.
Appearances[]
- The Celica GT-Four commonly appears on the Lombard RAC Rally report, presented by William Woollard and Tony Mason.
- In 1989 Old Top Gear episode. Tiff Needell reviews the ST185 GT-Four alongside the SW20 MR2, where he praises the four-wheel system and the handling. But he criticise the looks and slightly cramped.
- In 1994 Old Top Gear episode. Jeremy Clarkson roadtested the ST205 alongside the Ford Escort RS Cosworth, then he compares both, the roots rallying, turbocharged, the four-wheel drive system, etc. In the end Clarkson pointed as the practical but more fun in the Escort RS Cosworth.