1993 Toyota Celica GTS All-Trac

The Toyota Celica GTS All-Trac was a car that exceeded its maker's meager reputation, with plenty of mechanical excitement in a refined, attractive package. Known at the time as the 'ultimate Celica,' its existence began first with the Japanese market, where it was known as the GT-Four (ST165) upon its introduction in October 1986. Equipped with a turbocharged version of the GTS 2.0 liter engine, the 190 horsepower it produced was sent to the road via a full-time all-wheel drive system that included an electronically controlled central locking differential.

The North American market had to wait patiently until 1988 (exports began in 1987 for the 1988 model year) and when they arrived on shore they were known as the All-trac Turbo (known as the Turbo 4WD in Canada). They had a revised viscous coupling central locking differential, and its engine with T-VIS (Toyota Variable Induction System) offered 190 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque. It was solely offered with a five-speed manual transmission. The front suspension comprises MacPherson struts with an anti-swaybar and strut tower brace, while the rear arrangement included struts with a trailing link and twin lateral links per side.

Seventy-seven special-edition examples were sold in North America in 1987 as 1988 models. Each of the 77 Toyota dealerships in California received one example, commemorating Toyota's IMSA GTO Championship victory. These special edition cars wore a white exterior with white wheels, blue interior, and a white stripe on the grille. They also wore the words 'IMSA GTO CHAMPION' on the side moulding.

The GT-Four (ST165 / All-trac Turbo) became Toyota's weapon of choice in rally competition, and it made its World Rally debut in the 1988 Tour de Corse where it placed 6th overall. The car's first victory came later that year at the non-WRC Cyprus event, and its first WRC victory followed a year later at Rally Australia.

Toyota introduced the 'fifth generation (T180)' of the Celica in September 1989 for the 1990 model year, and it remained in production through 1993. Mechanical updates included a better cooling system, upgraded wheels and tires, and a more powerful GT-Four (All-Trac Turbo). the full-time 4WD system in the GT-Four had Torsen rear differential and viscous coupling limited-slip center differential. The engine powering the Japanese market GT-Four produced 221 horsepower and 224 lb-ft of torque, thanks in part to the ceramic turbine and more aggressive ignition. The North American All-Trac Turbo was equipped with an updated 2.0-liter 3S-GTE engine that was rated at 200 horsepower and 200 lb.-ft of torque.

The All-Track Turbo for the Japanese market had an E150F gearbox with a 4.285 final gear ratio. The GT-Four Rally was a Japanese market only special lightweight edition that came with the E152F gearbox with close-ratio on the 1st through 4th gear and a 4.285 final ratio. They also had steel wheels and were devoid of power windows, power antenna, or air conditioning.

The European and Australian models had the E151F gearbox with a 3.933 ratio.

Anti-lock brakes (ABS) were optional on the All-Trac Turbo through 1992; it became standard equipment in 1993. Additional optional equipment on the 1990 to 1992 All-Trac Turbo included a System 10 premium sound system, power sunroof, and leather interior. Standard amenities included cruise control, an auto tilt-away steering wheel, and power-operated driver's seat.

The exterior bodywork wore the new Super Round organic styling that was more curvaceous than its predecessors, with both an elegant appeal and athletic stance. The Celicas delivered to most markets had folding mirrors and front clear corner lights, but those sent to North America had amber front corner lights and fixed door mirrors. The GT-Four/All-Trac Turbo sent to export markets were wide-body liftbacks with flared fenders.

With the arrival of the 'sixth generation (T200)' Celica in 1994 (introduced in October 1993), the turbocharged All-Trac was no longer offered in the U.S.

Toyota Celica GT-Four RC
The Celica GT-Four RC was introduced to the Japanese market in September 1991 as a homologation special for the FIA WRC Group A Competition. The export versions were dubbed the Carlos Sainz (CS) Limited Edition in Europe and Singapore and Group A Rallye in Australia. A total of 1,800 examples were sold in the home market, 3,000 were sent to European countries, 25 went to Singapore, 150 to Australia, and a few were exported to other markets. A total of 5,000 examples were built.

The Toyota GT-Four RC had a more aggressively tuned ECU, a different intercooler, a different hood, and a much lighter front bumper.

By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2024