How fast is the Toyota Celica GT?
The Toyota Celica GT’s speed varies widely by generation and trim, but in general most non-turbo GT models reach 0–60 mph in roughly 7.5 to 9 seconds with top speeds around 125 to 140 mph. Turbocharged or all‑wheel‑drive variants deliver substantially quicker straight‑line times, often dipping into the mid‑5 to mid‑6 second range for 0–60 mph. The Celica line ended in 2006, so performance figures are historical and depend on year, market, and condition.
Performance snapshots by generation
Below are representative performance figures for typical Celica GT variants from each generation. They reflect common configurations in the U.S. market and similar engines worldwide, but exact numbers vary by model year, transmission, and condition.
- Gen I (1970–1977): 0–60 mph roughly 11–12 seconds; top speed around 105–115 mph.
- Gen II (1977–1981): 0–60 mph roughly 11–12 seconds; top speed around 110–120 mph.
- Gen III (1981–1985): 0–60 mph typically in the 9–10 second range; top speed about 120–130 mph.
- Gen IV (1989–1993): 0–60 mph around 8–9 seconds; top speed near 130–135 mph.
- Gen V (1994–1999): 0–60 mph commonly in the 8–9 second zone; top speed about 130–135 mph.
- Gen VI (2000–2005): GT around 7.5–9.0 seconds to 60 mph; GT-S around 6.4–7.0 seconds; top speeds roughly 125–140 mph depending on configuration.
- Gen VII (2006): 0–60 mph approximately 7.5–8.0 seconds; top speed around 140 mph.
In short, performance improved across generations, with the most dramatic gains coming from higher‑output or turbocharged variants in the later years.
Trim levels and how they affect speed
Different Celica GT trims defined acceleration and top speed, especially in the late model years when Toyota offered clearly distinguished configurations. Here’s a concise look at the main setups.
- GT (base): Generally the least powerful in a generation, with 0–60 mph in the upper end of the eight‑ to nine‑second range for late gens; top speeds usually around 125 mph.
- GT-S: Higher output, most notably in the 6th generation, with 0–60 mph often in the mid‑6 to low‑7 seconds range and top speeds near 140 mph.
- GT-Four / Turbo variants: Turbocharged all‑wheel‑drive models (notably the ST185 and related generations) deliver the quickest times, often 0–60 mph in the mid‑5 seconds range and top speeds around 140–150 mph in some markets.
Conclusion: The key driver of “how fast” a Celica GT is comes down to the powertrain and drivetrain. Turbocharged or AWD versions provide the most dramatic gains, while base GT trims offer solid but more modest performance.
Summary
The Celica GT family spans seven generations, each bringing its own performance character. Early generations offered accessible sportiness with modest acceleration, while late‑model GT-S and turbocharged GT-Four variants delivered much stronger straight‑line speed. With production ending in 2006, today’s understanding of the Celica GT’s speed is grounded in historical data, model year specifics, and the condition of classic cars on the road or in the shed.
