Drove a 2000 Celica GT-S this weekend

Apex · 01-10-2000, 03:56 PM

Well, the car was lots of fun. Handling was great for a FWD car. Tight, and predictable, with little if any torque steer. Too much gas in corners tends to cause it to understeer, but initial turn in is good, and handling is reasonably neutral.

The engine sounded nice, and spins to like 8000rpm. REALLY pushed it (hit the rev limiter 3 times). Very smooth electronic rev limiter, instead of the cheaper fuel cut methods. I'd say perfect for turn 2-3 at Streets of Willow, instead of upshifting.

Tires were a pretty good choice (mid line yok's). The 205-50-16" tire and 16" rim upgrade costing a total of $50, TOTALLY WORTH IT.

The shifter was incredible. Very slick, smooth, solid engaging 6 speed. Obviously didn't bother to try the slushbox (if that's what you're looking for, you're in the wrong forum...hehe, surf your little macintosh using self over to consumer reports or something). Reverse was far left and up.

Overall though, I was definitely disappointed with the power. Power through the gears was ok, but in 1st and 2nd, definitely disappointing. I'm currently driving a 235hp & 225lb/ft of torque or so MR2 turbo (2780lbs). The celica is much weaker. Definitely needs some supplemental aspiration, perhaps even as small as a T28. May I suggest HKS's GT series BB turbo?

Interior is VERY nice. Steering wheel is small, thick, and well designed. Seat is low, and shifter falls pretty much into hand. Overall feel of the fit and finish is reasonably good, if a bit plasticy. Controls are weighted pretty evenly (steering, gas, shifter, etc) except for the pansy feeling clutch. We're talking honda level pressure here. Then again, who am I to say. My 97 lb fiancee drives an AWD turbocharged car with a 2600lb clutch, so I may be biased here.

Price is pretty nice. Retail is like $21.9k including side airbags, bigger rims, spoiler, ABS, and few other goodies (but not including sunroof and leather, two things I don't really want). For a 180hp, 2475lb car, it's not bad at all.

All I have to say is bring on the GT-4 version already! (turbocharged, AWD, instead of normally aspirated FWD). It's porsche hunting time at Willow Springs.

NoMAD · 01-11-2000, 03:09 AM

You might get your wish...

NoMAD · 01-11-2000, 10:31 PM

Have you seen the new Lexus IS? I think it's only gonna debut this year with an auto but there's a 6-speed scheduled for next year. The latest rumor I heard is that it might have a NA supra straight 6 in it, which is ok, but that also means you can bolt on supra turbos =)

Also, check out this Supra...

[This message has been edited by NoMAD (edited 01-11-2000).]

Apex · 01-11-2000, 10:39 PM

Yeah, it'll be called the IS300 over here in the States. I really hope it comes over with the JZA80 inline-6, but I sort of doubt it. That's a very nice engine with lots of potential. What's doubly nice is you can probably do an engine swap with the TT version (easier than turbocharging the NA one, believe me, I've looked into it).

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01-10-2000, 03:56 PM	#1
Apex Can you hear me now? Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Here Posts: 5,506	Well, the car was lots of fun. Handling was great for a FWD car. Tight, and predictable, with little if any torque steer. Too much gas in corners tends to cause it to understeer, but initial turn in is good, and handling is reasonably neutral. The engine sounded nice, and spins to like 8000rpm. REALLY pushed it (hit the rev limiter 3 times). Very smooth electronic rev limiter, instead of the cheaper fuel cut methods. I'd say perfect for turn 2-3 at Streets of Willow, instead of upshifting. Tires were a pretty good choice (mid line yok's). The 205-50-16" tire and 16" rim upgrade costing a total of $50, TOTALLY WORTH IT. The shifter was incredible. Very slick, smooth, solid engaging 6 speed. Obviously didn't bother to try the slushbox (if that's what you're looking for, you're in the wrong forum...hehe, surf your little macintosh using self over to consumer reports or something). Reverse was far left and up. Overall though, I was definitely disappointed with the power. Power through the gears was ok, but in 1st and 2nd, definitely disappointing. I'm currently driving a 235hp & 225lb/ft of torque or so MR2 turbo (2780lbs). The celica is much weaker. Definitely needs some supplemental aspiration, perhaps even as small as a T28. May I suggest HKS's GT series BB turbo? Interior is VERY nice. Steering wheel is small, thick, and well designed. Seat is low, and shifter falls pretty much into hand. Overall feel of the fit and finish is reasonably good, if a bit plasticy. Controls are weighted pretty evenly (steering, gas, shifter, etc) except for the pansy feeling clutch. We're talking honda level pressure here. Then again, who am I to say. My 97 lb fiancee drives an AWD turbocharged car with a 2600lb clutch, so I may be biased here. Price is pretty nice. Retail is like $21.9k including side airbags, bigger rims, spoiler, ABS, and few other goodies (but not including sunroof and leather, two things I don't really want). For a 180hp, 2475lb car, it's not bad at all. All I have to say is bring on the GT-4 version already! (turbocharged, AWD, instead of normally aspirated FWD). It's porsche hunting time at Willow Springs.

01-11-2000, 03:09 AM	#2
NoMAD Ensign Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Torrance, CA USA Posts: 6	You might get your wish...

01-11-2000, 10:31 PM	#3
NoMAD Ensign Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Torrance, CA USA Posts: 6	Have you seen the new Lexus IS? I think it's only gonna debut this year with an auto but there's a 6-speed scheduled for next year. The latest rumor I heard is that it might have a NA supra straight 6 in it, which is ok, but that also means you can bolt on supra turbos =) Also, check out this Supra... [This message has been edited by NoMAD (edited 01-11-2000).]

01-11-2000, 10:39 PM	#4
Apex Can you hear me now? Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Here Posts: 5,506	Yeah, it'll be called the IS300 over here in the States. I really hope it comes over with the JZA80 inline-6, but I sort of doubt it. That's a very nice engine with lots of potential. What's doubly nice is you can probably do an engine swap with the TT version (easier than turbocharging the NA one, believe me, I've looked into it).

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