Toyota Celica Turbo (IMSA GTO racing car)

The Toyota Celica Turbo, specifically referencing the IMSA GTO racing car, represents a significant entry in Toyota's motorsport history. This iteration of the Celica, modified extensively for the IMSA GTO (Grand Touring Over 2.5 Liter) category of the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA), competed primarily during the late 1980s.

Driven by notable racers such as Chris Cord and Willy T. Ribbs, the Celica Turbo was a formidable competitor, despite facing stiff competition from established marques like Audi, Mercury, and Nissan. The car featured a highly modified turbocharged engine, often cited as a 2.1-liter 4-cylinder, producing substantial horsepower. The Celica's silhouette was significantly altered from its road-going counterpart to improve aerodynamics and accommodate wider racing tires.

The IMSA GTO Celica Turbo was notable for its innovative engineering and aggressive styling. It contributed to Toyota's increasing presence and success in American motorsports during this period. While the exact number of Celica Turbos built for the IMSA GTO series is not definitively known, their contribution to Toyota's racing legacy is undeniable. The program also served as a proving ground for advanced technologies that would eventually find their way into production vehicles.