The third-generation Celica that was placed on the market in July 1981 came in either a 2-door notchback coupe or a liftback body. Its external features included the wedge-shaped body with sharp contours and flat surface areas, and the semi-retractable "rise-up" (pop-up) headlamps. When retracted, the lens surfaces of the headlamps became flush with the body, reducing protrusions and improving the aerodynamics.
The choice of engines included 1,600 cc DOHC (2T-GEU), 1,800 cc SOHC (1S-U), 1,800 cc OHV (3T-EU), and 2,000 cc DOHC (18R-GEU) units. In October 1982, the first DOHC turbocharged engine in Japan (3T-GTEU) joined the lineup. In a minor model change in August 1983, the headlamps became fully retractable, and the fender mirrors were replaced with door mirrors. In addition, the 2T-G engine that had powered numerous Celica models for 13 years was replaced with the new 4A-GEI engine. In October 1982, 200 units of the Group B-homologated GT-TS model were made available, one of which went on to win the 1984 WRC Safari Rally for the first time.
An active suspension system was made available for some models, featuring an active 4-wheel-steering system designed to stabilize the vehicle by instantly controling the rear wheel angle and reducing sudden attitude changes.
The sales brochure is available to
download here (5.6mb).