Toyota · ST185 / ST205
Toyota Celica GT-Four
Toyota's World Rally Championship homologation special, the Celica GT-Four combined a turbocharged 3S-GTE with a full-time AWD system in a stylish coupe body, and it delivered — winning multiple WRC drivers' and manufacturers' titles.
Spec Sheet
- Generation / Chassis Code
- ST185 / ST205
- Years Produced
- 1986–1999
- Manufacturer
- Toyota
- Country
- Japan
- Body Style
- 2-door coupe
- Engine
- 2.0L turbo inline-4 (3S-GTE)
- Horsepower
- 255 hp (ST205)
- Torque
- 224 lb-ft
- Transmission
- 5-speed manual
- Drivetrain
- AWD
- Weight
- ~3,100 lbs
- 0–60 mph
- ~5.9 seconds
History
Built specifically to compete in Group A rallying, the GT-Four won the WRC manufacturers' championship and multiple drivers' titles with Carlos Sainz and Juha Kankkunen behind the wheel, though the ST205 generation's factory turbo restrictor scandal in 1995 led to Toyota's disqualification from that season.
Why It Became Famous
It's remembered both for genuine multi-championship rally success and for the notorious 'turbo restrictor bypass' scandal that got Toyota banned from the 1996 WRC season, making it one of motorsport's most infamous homologation stories.
Strengths
- Genuine multi-championship WRC pedigree
- AWD/turbo combination gives strong all-weather performance
- Distinct rally-inspired styling with functional aero
- Strong parts-sharing with other 3S-GTE Toyota models
Weaknesses
- Values for clean ST205 examples have risen significantly given rarity and rally history
- Complex AWD and turbo systems raise maintenance costs versus simpler RWD rivals
- Never officially sold in North America, complicating sourcing and parts
- The ST205's tainted rally history is a mixed badge of honor for some buyers
Common Problems
- Head gasket issues on the 3S-GTE if cooling isn't well maintained
- AWD center differential and viscous coupling wear
- Rust in rear arches and rocker panels on humid-climate cars
- Aging vacuum and boost control lines affecting turbo performance
Modification Potential
Solid — the 3S-GTE accepts turbo and fuel system upgrades well, though the AWD system adds complexity versus tuning a simpler RWD platform.
Buying Guide
Verify AWD system health, check timing belt and head gasket service history, and confirm whether the car is the earlier ST185 or the rarer, more powerful ST205.
Enthusiast Popularity Today
Respected among rally enthusiasts and JDM AWD fans, though it remains less mainstream-famous than its Lancer Evo and Impreza WRX rivals.
Fun Facts
- The ST205 GT-Four was disqualified from the 1995 WRC season after officials discovered a turbo restrictor bypass device hidden in the intake system
- Carlos Sainz and Juha Kankkunen both won WRC drivers' titles driving Celica GT-Fours
- It's one of the few Japanese homologation cars to combine full-time AWD with a genuinely stylish, non-boxy coupe body
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