Become a Member: Get Ad-Free Access to All Our Content
2000_Toyota_CelicaConvertibleConcept1

2000 Toyota Celica Convertible Concept

2000 Toyota Celica Convertible Concept

The Celica convertible concept was developed in Southern California by Calty Design Research, Inc., Toyota’s U.S. styling studio in Newport Beach. Conversion to a convertible required very little design change. A soft-top was installed and the sleek lines that run from the front bonnet adopted in the design of the new rear boot lid. The soft top folds neatly under a hard tonneau cover.

The interior was fashioned to give it a feeling of race car aggressiveness blended with sophisticated style. The centre console shares the convertible’s unique blue exterior colour. The seats are upholstered with leather; the fronts trimmed in grey and vivid blue ultrasuede accented with grey pearlised leather. The back seats consist of solid grey leather with grey perforated seat backs over blue fabric. Pearlised grey leather is also applied to the top and bottom of the steering wheel.

The convertible is powered by a 1.8-liter, four-cylinder DOHC all-aluminium engine that generates 180 horsepower at 7,600 rpm. It utilises variable valve timing and lift, with intelligence control (VVTL-i) to open up a new era of performance from 6,000 rpm to the redline at 7,800 rpm. VVTL-i increases the intake/exhaust lift when the engine speed is high to improve output and fuel efficiency.

In Detail

submitted by Richard Owen
engine Inline-4
position Front Transverse
aspiration Natural
valvetrain DOHC 4 Valves per Cyl w/VVTL-i
displacement 1795 cc / 109.5 in³
bore 82 mm / 3.23 in
stroke 85.1 mm / 3.35 in
compression 11.5:1
power 134.2 kw / 180.0 bhp @ 7600 rpm
specific output 100.28 bhp per litre
bhp/weight bhp per tonne
driven wheels FWD
front tires 215/45 ZR 17
rear tires 215/45 ZR 17
front brakes Vented Discs
f brake size mm / in
rear brakes Discs
r brake size mm / in
front wheels F 43.2 x 19.0 cm / 17.0 x 7.5 in
rear wheels R 43.2 x 19.0 cm / 17.0 x 7.5 in
f suspension MacPherson Struts
r suspension Double Wishbones
transmission 4-Speed Auto
gear ratios :1