What engine is in the 7th gen Celica?
In brief, the seventh-generation Toyota Celica offered two engine options: a base 1.8-liter 1ZZ-FE and a higher-revving 1.8-liter 2ZZ-GE with VVTL-i used in the sportier GT-S trim. They were produced roughly from 2000 to 2006, with variations by market.
Engine options and configurations
Below is a quick breakdown of the two engines used in the 7th-gen Celica and their typical outputs by trim.
- 1ZZ-FE 1.8L inline-4: typically around 138–140 hp (103–104 kW) and about 125 lb-ft (170 N·m) of torque; used in the base GT trim. Redline around 6,800 rpm; commonly paired with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.
- 2ZZ-GE VVTL-i 1.8L inline-4: about 180 hp (134 kW) and around 133 lb-ft (180 N·m) of torque; used in the sportier GT-S trim. High-revving with a redline near 8,000 rpm; commonly paired with a 6-speed manual, with some markets offering automatic options.
The two engines share displacement but differ in valvetrain and power output, delivering a broader performance range across the lineup.
Performance and drivetrain details
Manufacturers offered the Celica with front-wheel drive and multiple transmissions depending on market and trim. The GT-S featured a higher-performance focus and rev-happy power delivery, while the GT balanced everyday usability with adequate performance.
- Drivetrain: front-wheel drive (FWD).
- Transmissions: 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic for the GT; the GT-S typically used a 6-speed manual, with some markets offering automatic options.
In practice, the GT-S with the 2ZZ-GE engine provided a stronger top-end rush compared with the base GT's 1ZZ-FE engine, thanks to the VVTL-i system's variable timing and lift.
Notes by market and year
U.S. market Celicas typically followed the GT with 1ZZ-FE and the GT-S with 2ZZ-GE from 2000 through 2006. European and other markets sometimes had minor tuning differences due to emissions and regulations, but the general engine pairing remained the same.
Summary
The seventh-generation Celica was powered by two 1.8-liter four-cylinders: the 1ZZ-FE in the base GT and the higher-output 2ZZ-GE with VVTL-i in the GT-S. The choice between them defined the car's performance character, from approachable daily driving to high-revving sports performance.
What engine is in the 2000 Celica GTS?
With its 7800-rpm redline, 180 horsepower that peaks just 200 rpm before that, and an aggressive VVTL-i electronically variable valve-timing-and-lift scheme, the 1.8-liter DOHC 16-valve engine in Toyota's Celica GT-S is plenty edgy.
What engine is in a 7th gen Celica?
The seventh-generation Celica substantially reduced its weight (by 60-90 kg against comparable model grades of the previous generation), by adopting 1.8-liter engines and an originally developed front-wheel-drive platform to deliver improved stability and power during high-speed driving, reflecting the development ...
What is the difference between 1ZZ and 2ZZ engine?
The main difference is that the 1ZZ engine is built for fuel economy, with more low-end torque for everyday driving, while the 2ZZ is a performance-oriented engine that relies on a high-revving, Yamaha-developed system (VVTLI) to produce significantly more horsepower. This means the 1ZZ feels punchier around town, while the 2ZZ needs to be revved high to access its power and is better for performance applications.
| Feature | 1ZZ Engine | 2ZZ Engine |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Fuel economy and low-end torque | High-RPM performance and horsepower |
| Torque Curve | Better for low-RPM, everyday driving | Less torque at lower RPMs, but higher power output at high RPMs |
| Variable Valve Timing | Less advanced, does not change cam lift | VVTLI (Variable Valve Timing and Lift) system for high-RPM power |
| Power Output | Lower (around 130130130 hp) | Higher (around 185185185 hp) |
| Redline | Lower (around 625062506250 rpm) | Higher (around 820082008200 rpm) |
| Development | Toyota-only design | Yamaha helped develop for high-RPM reliability and performance |
| Common Applications | Standard trims of models like the Corolla and Celica | Higher-performance trims like the Celica GTS, Corolla XRS, and Matrix XRS |
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Which engine is right for you?
- Choose the 1ZZ if: You prioritize fuel efficiency and a nimble feel for city driving. It offers a more responsive experience at lower speeds without needing high RPMs.
- Choose the 2ZZ if: You want more power and are willing to rev the engine to access it. It excels in situations where you can use its high-end performance, such as on a race track or highway.
What engine is in the Toyota Celica?
The Toyota Celica has had several engine options over its history, but a common configuration for later models is a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine. The specific output depends on the trim level: the GT model typically has a 1.8L VVT-i engine producing around 140 hp, while the sportier GT-S model features a higher-performance 1.8L engine with VVTL-i (variable valve timing and lift), which develops around 180 hp. Older models had other engine options, including a 2.2-liter engine or a high-performance turbocharged 3S-GTE in the GT-Four versions.
Later model engines (approx. 2000-2006)
- GT: 1.8-liter 16-valve inline 4-cylinder with VVT-i, producing about 140 hp
- GT-S: 1.8-liter 16-valve inline 4-cylinder with VVTL-i (variable valve timing and lift), producing about 180 hp
Older model engines
- Base ST: 1.8-liter or 2.2-liter four-cylinder engines
- GT: 2.2-liter four-cylinder
- GT-Four: Turbocharged 3S-GTE engine, a turbocharged version of the 3S-GE, producing 185 bhp or more depending on the model year
