History 1990s

Toyota Celica GT-Four ST165

Overview

Launched in 1986 and homologated for Group A in 1988, the Toyota Celica GT-Four ST165 marked the Japanese manufacturer's ambitious commitment to international rallying. Developed from the road-going Celica liftback, the ST165 featured a turbocharged engine and a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system that made it competitive on a variety of surfaces. It laid the foundation for Toyota's rally dominance in the 1990s.


Technical Specs & Innovations

The ST165 introduced Toyota’s first rally use of the 3S-GTE engine, renowned for its durability and tunability. The AWD system provided crucial traction in loose and mixed conditions, especially on gravel and snow.


🏆 Competitive Highlights

  • 1990 Rally Australia Winner — Carlos Sainz scored a pivotal win that helped secure his first World Championship title.
  • 1990 Acropolis Rally Winner — Demonstrated the car’s toughness and endurance on harsh Greek terrain.
  • Became the first Japanese car to win a WRC Driver’s Championship, signaling Toyota’s arrival as a major force in world rallying.

The ST165 was instrumental in elevating Toyota’s profile and performance in the WRC, proving that Japanese engineering could go toe-to-toe with European legends.


Driving Characteristics

With its turbo torque and all-wheel-drive traction, the ST165 excelled in high-speed gravel and mixed-surface rallies. While heavier than its rivals, it was planted and stable, rewarding smooth, committed driving. Drivers appreciated its robustness and consistent handling under pressure.


Watch rallies anywhere — bypass region blocks with NordVPN.

Fast servers for HD streams Servers in 60+ countries 30-day money-back

Sponsored link. Using our partner links helps support Compromised Internals at no extra cost to you.