2000 Toyota Celica

        With Toyota Celica sales slowing over the past several years, we wondered if this sporty 2+2 was headed the way of the MR2, the stylish, mid-engined sports car that was discontinued. Such is not the case. Not only will the Celica survive into the next millennium, it may well flourish as a compact, sportier car.

        It will be smaller than the current version, with a 170.5-in. overall length (about 4 in. shorter) and an overall width of 68.5 in. (about a half inch narrower). However, the wheelbase has grown 2.6 in. to 102.5, meaning it will have extremely short front and rear overhangs. Also, the future Celica weighs 300 lb. less than the current car.

        With a new 140-bhp 1.8-liter inline-4 equipped with Toyota's variable-valve timing system, the new Celica will have gobs of low-end torque and, thus, should be quick off the line. This new engine will be mated to a 6-speed manual transmission or 5-speed automatic. Helping to keep the Celica steady on the tarmac are meaty 205/55R-16 tires at all four corners.

        A distinctly Toyota-style dash graces the interior, but in the next-generation Celica, the theme is taken to new heights. Models for the Japanese market will feature a 6-in. video monitor in the instrument panel that will serve as the display for a GPS navigation system. We don't know if this system will find its way into the U.S. version.

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