THE new Toyota Celica, which debuts in Europe at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, represents a bold step forward in the design and engineering of mainstream sports coupes.

Compared to past models, Celica is shorter in length, but longer in wheelbase with greatly reduced front and rear overhangs. Striking to look at, spacious and comfortable to drive, new Celica is a 2+2 sports coupe powered by a highly sophisticated, all new 1.8-litre VVT-i engine driving through a six speed, precise shifting manual gearbox. The new Celica is the seventh generation of this famous family of sports coupe models and offers sparkling performance and excellent fuel economy. In the past Celica has been the cornerstone of Toyota's worldwide motor sport success, winning the World Rally Championship in 1993 and 1994.

Its striking 'cab forward' design was inspired by race cars, such as Toyota's GT-One Le Mans racer and open wheeled race cars, resulting in a 'wheel at each corner' approach. This gives excellent agility and high-speed stability.

Toyota engineers took a fresh look at performance too. Rather than increase power simply by increasing engine size the new Celica takes a new approach. The compact 1.8-litre VVT-i engine installed in a safe and light body shell offers a strong power to weight ratio. The result is strong performance, coupled with good handling and fuel economy.

For Toyota in Wirral, contact Evans Halshaw, Wallasey.

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