All the sculpted sheet metal in the world can't camouflage a gutless engine or soft suspension. Not to worry - as Road & Track put it, The Celica sets a new standard of performance for 21st century compact sports coupes.(November 1999-2002)
Much of the credit's due to the VVTL-i system, which is Variable Valve Timing with Lift and intelligence, optimizes engine breathing by adjusting intake valve timing as engine speed and load vary. When the engine reaches 6,000 rpm, high-lift cams take over and the power curve really spikes. incorporated in the GT-S 1.8-liter double overhead cam (DOHC) powerplant. This technology helps produce 180 horsepower - 100 horsepower per liter of displacement - giving the GT-S and many cars one of the highest specific output engines on the planet. Harness all that power with what you see below and you've got a ride that's definitely not for the faint of heart.

• MacPherson strut independent front suspension
• Double-wishbone independent rear suspension
• 6-speed manual transmission (GT-S)
• 10.8" power-assisted ventilated front brakes (GT-S)
• 10.6" solid rear disc brakes (GT-S)