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