2000 Toyota Celica Cruising Deck Concept

The Toyota Celica Cruising Deck embodies the three key elements ofa lightweight high-performance sports coupe designed for theyounger set: style, power, and affordability. A cunningly designed open-air rumble seat in the back allows for two extra passengers or flat deck space that can be used to store luggage. Fitted with a powerful 1.8-liter twin-cam engine that employs an all-new VVTL-i systemcapable of producing 187 horsepower at 7,600 rpm.

The rumble seat is an American invention that first came to prominencein the early 1920s with the Ford Model-A. An ingenious method of making the rear of a vehicle into an open-air sports convertible, it enjoyed a revival in the 1970s, and has been a feature of older Celica models at past motor shows. ‘We decided to bring back the cruising deck one more time,’ explains Mr. Nakagawa. ‘It’s cool,sporty and a heck of a lot of fun!’.