ALL Celica models share the one mechanical package, and the Yamaha-built 1.8-litre, 16-valve DOHC four-cylinder engine is a highlight. It produces an impressive 140kW at 7600rpm and 180Nm at 6800rpm - redline arrives at 8000rpm - and while signifying a hefty reduction (16Nm) in torque from the previous "Camry" 2.2, variable valve timing (VVT-i) has entered the equation along with a high-lift second camshaft which starts throwing punches at 6000rpm (hence the "L" in VVTL-i on the engine cover). The result is the quickest non-turbo Celica ever, good for 7.6sec in the 0-100km/h burst Gen VI was closer to 10. The current engine, coded 2ZZ-GE, has 40 per cent more power than the 2.2-litre engine it replaced, and the power-to-weight ratio has improved by 45 per cent.

A flow-down from the Lexus luxury car program and the Prius hybrid vehicle, VVTi continually varies the intake valve timing to provide ideal valve timing (and hence ideal engine characteristics) across a range of driving conditions.