Toyota Celica GT-Four
The Toyota Celica GT-Four was a front-engine, all-wheel-drive performance version of the Celica produced across three generations: ST165, ST185, and ST205. All production versions used Toyota’s 3S-GTE turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four and a manual transmission.
Model Overview
The Celica GT-Four was Toyota’s turbocharged all-wheel-drive Celica model. It was produced in three major chassis generations: ST165, based on the fourth-generation Celica; ST185, based on the fifth-generation Celica; and ST205, based on the sixth-generation Celica.
The GT-Four was produced for road use and rally homologation. Related North American models were sold as the Celica All-Trac Turbo, with market-specific emissions equipment, trim, and output ratings.
Core Specifications
| Model | Toyota Celica GT-Four |
|---|---|
| Chassis Codes | ST165, ST185, ST205 |
| Production Years | 1986–1999 |
| Market | Japan and selected export markets; related Celica All-Trac Turbo models in North America |
| Body Style | Three-door liftback coupe |
| Layout | Front-engine, all-wheel drive |
| Engine | 3S-GTE turbocharged inline-four |
| Displacement | 1,998 cc |
| Valve Train | DOHC, 16 valves |
| Block / Head | Cast-iron block, aluminum cylinder head |
| Induction | Turbocharged and intercooled |
| Engine Generations | ST165: first-generation 3S-GTE; ST185: second-generation 3S-GTE; ST205: third-generation 3S-GTE. |
| Factory Turbochargers | ST165: CT26 single-entry; ST185: CT26 twin-entry; ST205: CT20B twin-entry, commonly cited in technical and enthusiast references. |
| ST165 Output | Approximately 185 PS in Japanese-market specification |
| ST185 Output | Approximately 225 PS and 304 Nm in Japanese-market GT-Four specification |
| ST205 Output | Approximately 255 PS in Japanese-market GT-Four specification |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Drive System | Full-time all-wheel drive |
| Wheelbase | ST165: approximately 2,525 mm; ST185: approximately 2,525 mm; ST205: approximately 2,535 mm |
| Curb Weight | Approximately 1,360–1,440 kg, depending on generation, market, equipment, and homologation version |
Specification figures vary by chassis code, market, model year, emissions equipment, homologation version, and reference source.
3S-GTE Generation Notes
| ST165 | Used the first-generation 3S-GTE. This version is commonly associated with a CT26 turbocharger in single-entry form and Japanese-market output of approximately 185 PS. |
|---|---|
| ST185 | Used the second-generation 3S-GTE. This version used an air-to-air intercooler and a twin-entry CT26 turbocharger. Japanese-market GT-Four output is commonly listed at approximately 225 PS and 304 Nm. |
| ST205 | Used the third-generation 3S-GTE. This version is commonly associated with the CT20B twin-entry turbocharger, an air-to-water intercooler / charge cooler, and Japanese-market output of approximately 255 PS. |
Turbocharger naming can vary in aftermarket and service references, especially where replacement or upgraded units are involved. This table describes the common factory generation mapping for GT-Four production cars.
Generation Overview
| ST165 | First Celica GT-Four generation, based on the fourth-generation Celica. It introduced the 3S-GTE turbocharged inline-four and all-wheel-drive configuration to the Celica performance range. |
|---|---|
| ST185 | Second Celica GT-Four generation, based on the fifth-generation Celica. It used the second-generation 3S-GTE, twin-entry CT26 turbocharger, and included homologation versions such as the GT-Four RC / Carlos Sainz / Group A Rallye, depending on market. |
| ST205 | Third Celica GT-Four generation, based on the sixth-generation Celica. It used the third-generation 3S-GTE, CT20B twin-entry turbocharger, air-to-water intercooling, and Super Strut Suspension. |
Engineering Character
3S-GTE Engine Family
All Celica GT-Four generations used Toyota’s 1,998 cc 3S-GTE turbocharged inline-four. The engine used a cast-iron block, aluminum cylinder head, dual overhead camshafts, 16 valves, turbocharging, and intercooling.
All-Wheel Drive
The GT-Four used a full-time all-wheel-drive system. This separated it from front-wheel-drive Celica models and supported Toyota’s rally homologation requirements.
Manual Transmission
Production GT-Four road cars used a five-speed manual transmission. Transmission and differential details vary by chassis code, market, and homologation version.
Liftback Coupe Body
The GT-Four used the Celica three-door liftback coupe body. Body width, hood design, intercooler ducting, and homologation details vary across ST165, ST185, and ST205 versions.
Homologation And Special Versions
| ST185 GT-Four RC | Japanese-market homologation version. Related export-market names include Carlos Sainz Limited Edition and Group A Rallye, depending on region. |
|---|---|
| ST205 WRC | Homologation version of the ST205. Factory provisions included equipment related to rally-system homologation, with market and version differences. |
| All-Trac Turbo | North American name used for related Celica turbo all-wheel-drive models. Output, emissions configuration, equipment, and market availability differ from Japanese-market GT-Four models. |
Market And Naming Notes
| GT-Four | Primary name used in Japan and many export markets for the turbocharged all-wheel-drive Celica. |
|---|---|
| All-Trac Turbo | North American market name used for related ST165 and ST185 Celica turbo all-wheel-drive models. |
| Turbo 4WD | Name used in some markets for Celica turbo all-wheel-drive variants. |
Modern Enthusiast Relevance
- 3S-GTE turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four
- Full-time all-wheel drive
- Five-speed manual transmission
- ST165, ST185, and ST205 chassis generations
- ST185 second-generation 3S-GTE with twin-entry CT26 turbocharger
- ST205 third-generation 3S-GTE with CT20B twin-entry turbocharger
- Rally homologation versions including ST185 RC / Carlos Sainz / Group A Rallye and ST205 WRC
- Relationship to Toyota Team Europe rally development
Comparable Cars
Mitsubishi Galant VR-4
Turbocharged all-wheel-drive Mitsubishi sedan produced in the same general rally era. It used the 4G63 inline-four and preceded the Lancer Evolution as Mitsubishi’s primary rally platform.
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution I
Turbocharged all-wheel-drive Mitsubishi sedan introduced after the Galant VR-4 period. It used a smaller sedan platform and related 4G63 turbo engine architecture.
Subaru Impreza WRX
Turbocharged all-wheel-drive Subaru model from the same broad era. It used a flat-four engine and sedan / wagon body configurations rather than a Celica liftback coupe body.
Nissan Pulsar GTI-R
Compact turbocharged all-wheel-drive Nissan hatchback developed in connection with Group A rally activity. It used the SR20DET inline-four and a shorter hatchback body.
Buying And Ownership Notes
Evaluation should identify the exact chassis code, market, model year, and homologation version. ST165, ST185, ST185 RC / Carlos Sainz / Group A Rallye, ST205, and ST205 WRC cars differ in body parts, intercooler layout, turbocharger specification, suspension hardware, trim, and parts availability.
Mechanical inspection should focus on turbocharger condition, cooling-system condition, intercooler and charge-pipe condition, timing-belt service history, gearbox operation, transfer-case and driveline condition, suspension wear, corrosion, prior accident repair, and previous modification quality.
MSC Taxonomy
Summary
The Toyota Celica GT-Four is a turbocharged all-wheel-drive Celica model family produced across the ST165, ST185, and ST205 generations. All production versions used the 1,998 cc 3S-GTE inline-four, with the ST165 using the first-generation engine, the ST185 using the second-generation engine with a twin-entry CT26 turbocharger, and the ST205 using the third-generation engine commonly associated with the CT20B twin-entry turbocharger.