GT-S leads the Celica lineup with distinctive styling, nice handling and an impressive 180-horsepower 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine developed with assistance from Yamaha. The GT-S retails for $21,555.Most buyers will opt for the more affordable 140-horsepower Celica GT, which retails for $17,085.
Both models are powered by an all-aluminum four-cylinder engine displacing 1.8 liters. Both feature Toyota's VVTL-i variable valve timing, lift and duration, a feature previously exclusive to the up-market Lexus division. Variable valve timing allows the previously difficult combination of high horsepower with lots of flexible torque around town.
But it's not the same engine: Each Celica model has its own block, and different dimensions in bore and stroke. With 10.0:1 compression, the base GT engine makes a respectable 140 horsepower at 6400 rpm, and 125 foot-pounds of torque at a useful 4200 rpm.
The Celica GT comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission. The GT-S gets a six-speed. Either model can be ordered with a four-speed electronically controlled automatic that adds $800 to the GT, and $700 to the GT-S. But only the GT-S automatic features the E-Shift semi-automatic shift program from the hot Lexus GS sport sedan, which allows the transmission to be shifted manually via buttons on the steering wheel spokes.