Rumors have been flying about a new performance oriented Toyota sports car hitting the performance scene for a considerable time now, from an AE86 revival to a new Supra, but perhaps no one expected news that these shadowy rumors would coalesce into the forgotten Celica GT-4.

The last model Celica. Will we see styling cues from this?

But perhaps even more surprising is the rumor that the car will be engineered to a large degree by Subaru. In November Toyota confirmed rumours of a new sports car and Celica replacement, with the sports car being a collaboration between Subaru and Toyota, and now it seems the car is the performance model of the Celica line. However, the new car will not come with a Toyota bred turbo four in the tradition of the (somewhat) underpowered motor of the old model - instead it’s going to be carrying a Subaru Boxer turbo, most recently seen in the all grown up Subaru Impreza WRX STi.

The new model is said to come in two distinct performance variants. First, the base ‘GT’, packing a front engined, RWD drivetrain and naturally aspirated 2.0L 4 cylinder Boxer (most likely from the Impreza RX), designed to slide in under the $20,000 bracket. Secondly the full fat GT-4, which carries the new JDM STi’s 224KW (300HP) Boxer turbo and AWD system standard, with Motor Trend claiming the engine will be closer to the cars firewall in order to facilitate the installation of in-wheel electric motors to help with traction.

The GT and GT-4 will be built in in coupe and three-door hatch variants, but no five door variants because of Toyota and Subaru not wanting to compete in the Impreza’s arena, which is rather tongue in cheek considering this new car will inevitably be seen as either a Impreza in Toyota clothing, or as direct competition by tuners. This begs the question then; will the new GT-4 be a real contender in the hotly contested price for performance bracket? Will the Toyota be lighter, faster, and more capable than the new STi? Would Subaru shoot themselves in the foot, and does it matter considering Toyota’s widening stake in Subaru?

Does this mean Subaru will become more and more the performance arm of Toyota? Time will tell, but we certainly hope not.

Popularity: 51% [?]

Compliance for the 2002+ ST246W (Gen 3) Caldina Sports wagon has just become available in Australia, a few short months after the second generation became available in August this year. The ST246W runs the same 3S-GTE 2.0L 4 cylinder DOHC turbo and 4WD platform as the previous generation.

Prestige Motorsports prices for the Caldina start at AU$20,000 for a 02/03 model with ~60,000kms. The 2006/2007 will set you back around $30,000. Considerable value for money for this great turbo family wagon.

[Source: Prestige Motorsport]

Popularity: 45% [?]

As requested, here’s some information on the popular (mostly) JDM model Toyota turbo wagon known as the Caldina GT-T. Requests for more information can be directed to IJ directly, and we’ll do our best to find out accurately all specifications on any import/tuner car.

Note: The Caldina has just become available for import into Australia.

(1997-2002) Toyota Caldina 4WD GT-T Wagon

Model Designation: ST215W
Engine: Front mounted, 2.0L DOHC inline four cylinder turbocharged (single turbo). 16 valves (4 valves per cylinder). Model: 3S-GTE.
Power: 189.2 KW (257 HP) @ 6000.00 RPM
Torque: 324.1 NM (239 ft-lbs) @ 4500.00 RPM
Fuel Economy: Around 9L/100km
Low Emissions Vehicle (LEV): No
Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded
Brakes (front/rear): Ventilated Disk/Disk
Transmission: 5 speed manual (Final Drive: 4.29)Weight: 1440 kg
Dimensions (LxWxH in mm): (Exterior) 4520 x 1720 x 1495, (Interior ) 1860 x 1475 x 1185

(2002-) Toyota Caldina 4WD GT-T Wagon

Model Designation: ST246W
Engine: Front mounted, 2.0L DOHC inline four cylinder turbocharged (single turbo). 16 valves (4 valves per cylinder). Model: 3S-GTE.
Power: 191.1 KW (257 HP) @ 6200.00 RPM
Torque: 323.1 NM (239 ft-lbs) @ 4400.00 RPM
Fuel Economy: Around 9.4L/100km
Low Emissions Vehicle (LEV): Yes
Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded
Brakes (front/rear): Ventilated Disk/Disk
Transmission: 4 speed automatic (Super ECT)Weight: 1480 kg
Dimensions (LxWxH in mm): (Exterior) 4510 x 1740 x 1445, (Interior ) 1905 x 1455 x 1165

Popularity: 31% [?]

The fellows at Prestige Motorsport inform us that the Toyota Caldina GT-T wagon, with model years 1997-2002 (ST215W and ST246W), is now available to be imported into Australia, though compliance is not yet available for the later model ST246W.

Two examples; the ST215W and ST246W models respectively, from Prestige Motorsport

The Toyota Caldina GT-T wagon is a serious piece of kit, sporting the 191KW 3S-GTE engine, a 4-wheel drive system like the Celica GT-Four, and either a 5 speed manual or tiptronic automatic transmission. Prestige Motorsport estimate prices to be around $10,000 and $20,000 complied, based on condition, mileage, model year etc.

Discuss this in the forums!

Popularity: 19% [?]