i could give a ish about the celica but the MR2....

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040716/laf003_1.html

Toyota to Discontinue Production of the Celica and MR2 Sports Cars by the End of 2005 Model Year. Friday July 16, 12:00 pm ET

TORRANCE, Calif., July 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today announced its plans to discontinue sales of the Celica and MR2 sports cars by the end of the 2005 model year.

"The Celica and MR2 have been a favorite among sports car enthusiasts since their introductions in the U.S.," said Don Esmond, senior vice president and general manager of the Toyota Division. "The past few years, however, have been very challenging for both Celica and MR2 as competition in a segment where 'what's new' dominates and we continue to add more exciting and youthful products to the lineup such as the Matrix and Corolla XRS, Solara sports coupe and recently the Scion xA, xB and tC."

Currently in its seventh generation, the Celica was first introduced in the U.S. in 1971 and was influential in establishing the sporty subcompact segment. Since that time it has been named Motor Trend's "Import Car of the Year," one of Car and Driver's "Ten Best Cars," and the "Most Reliable Sporty Car" by Consumer Reports.

Based on the EX-1 "Car of the Future" concept vehicle, its styling was revolutionary when it first hit the market. The Celica was originally designed for consumers who were young at heart and wanted something more than just simple transportation.

Toyota introduced the popular mid-engine, rear-wheel drive two-seater "Mr. Two" in 1985. The MR2 was on the market for 10 years when production went on hiatus until 2000 when the third generation was introduced. The MR2 was developed to offer consumers exotic car design and excitement without the exotic car price. Originally powered by Toyota's "sweet sixteen" 16-valve dual-overhead cam 1.6-liter engine, a supercharged version was added in 1988. A turbocharged version went on sale in 1991 prompting Car and Driver magazine to proclaim the MR2 Turbo as "an exotic car for the rest of us."

The current MR2 Spyder is the first U.S.-market Toyota to offer a true clutchless, six-speed sequential manual transmission. The MR2 has not only proven its mettle as a "budget exotic" sports car, but succeeded in attracting performance-oriented buyers to the Toyota brand.

 

in the 80's, the awd celica won toyota a couple wrc championships with carlos seinz (SP?)...

except toyota would rather concentrate on the scions, the awd station wagons that pretend to the 4wd trucks, etc...

 

Manufacturers 93,94,99
Drivers, Sainz (90,92), Kankkunen (93)

yeah, Toyota used to be cool back in the day.

 

This doesn't sadden me at all. What saddened me is when the current generation of both the Celica and MR2 were released. Bring back the Celica GT4 and the SW20 MR2!!!

 

the current mr2's look weird.

 

Toyota blows.

 

The Solara Coupe is youthfull and exiting? They need to bring a turbo MR2 back.

 

$20 says they arent really discontinued, they are just coming back as Scion refacias

 

I could see that happening and would make a bit of sense.

 

toyota needs to make a budget drift Scion like the AE86...it's not so strange an idea is it? that would make them BANK!

 

Toyota's is going to lose alot of market pulling their sports cars out. Are they trying to market themselves exclusively as the practical-cars-only automaker?

 

Its too bad to see the MR2 go again. I dont think I will miss the Celica (minus GT4) but the MR2 is such a great car, and so well balanced it is a shame to see it go.

 

If the Celica is getting the axe, why are there pictures of the next generation Celica floating around? I've seen them online and in magazines, along with possible engine and drivetrain configurations. Toyota is probably just pulling the plug in the US to pump up Scion sales.