 |
Toyota Celica
GT300
With an
APR Wide Body Kit
The true definition of speed and competitive
edge.. |
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Product:
Toyota
Celica APR GT300 Wide Body |
Class:
Automotive |
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Positive Image News Rating:
10 |
Category:
Concept Cars |
by James GW Fisher - Positive Image News
Word has been in the ranks about
the new Toyota Celica APR GT300 being a "touring car", which simply made no
logical sense when it is one of the most often used cars for racing
championships in Japan. This piqued my curiosity to look into just what
the
Toyota Celica
APR GT300 is truly all about. I never imagined the overwhelming level of
positive impression that vehicle would soon be making in my simple life.
Now, as an editor and journalist,
I am but a simple and uneducated person in the realm of engine structures and
performance. Although I am not as most of the drivers and mechanics I have
interviewed, ( literal maestros in the creation of award winning creations
from
factory-produced
vehicles ), I do however have a
fairly thorough understanding and appreciation of the value of such a
magnificent creation such as the GT300. The pictures below will help you
gain a better grasp of why this car is so magnificent, just from the exterior
assets alone!.
The GT300
was designed to compete in the JGTC GT300 Series in Japan. In doing
research on the JGTC Series I discovered that the rules allow for extreme
modifications to factory-produced platforms. Of course the first reaction
upon discovering this fact caused me to question how they possibly keep the
competition consistent and fair.
What is JGTC?
What is
JGTC? The All-Japan Grand Touring Car Championship (JGTC) has grown to become
the largest racing series in Japan in terms of participants. With entries of
more than 40 cars, JGTC attracts motor sports fans across the country. Part of
the appeal to the JGTC is the variety of car models participating in the series.
The series has two different categories, and a car competes against other cars
in the same category at each event. The categories are GT500 (approximately 500
HP) and GT300 (approximately 300 HP). Races in the JGTC Series are 250-500km
long and are categorized as semi-endurance races where two drivers take turns
behind the wheel of a car.
Upon further research, my concern
and question was answered. JGTC rules level the playing field by limiting
the power output of the cars to approximately 300 hp. This makes up for the
factor of cars that are lacking in extreme power; the racers make up for the
lack of power with driving skill and endurance, extreme handling capability and
aerodynamic finesse. That's where the APR GT300 really takes command and
control.
The APR Wide Body Kit
In the
pictures illustrated in this article, you are seeing a GT300 with an APR Wide
Body Kit installed. The kit consists of 14 pieces and of course is dubbed, GT300.
The APR GT300 Wide Body Kit replaces almost every square inch of exterior sheet metal and
polyurethane on the vehicle. Larger, single air
ducts that direct the eye toward the center opening, were installed in place of
the original twin air ducts in the stock front fascia. The factory side skirts
were removed to be replaced by the wider APR units that meld the lower door and
front and rear wheel wells into a single piece.
With APR's
own Celica Spec wing, APR
Formula 3 carbon-fiber mirrors, APR Carbon-fiber Mad Max
pedestrian knee destroyers, Canard Bumper Flaps, and a graphics scheme, which was designed and executed by Vinyl Mayhem,
you have a racing vehicle that will capture your attention just from appearance
alone.
Power
Undercover
Just
imagine a six-speed VVTL-i engine.
The 1.8L 2ZZ-GE engine retains a stock configuration internally, but includes bolt-ons
make this engine rock! Add to that a Blitz Compressor System supercharger, a large front-mounted Blitz intercooler,
and a Nitrous Express intercooler cooling ring
kit! Fuel delivery is handled by the reprogrammed
Blitz Compressor system ECU and sprayed into the Blitz intake manifold. Exhaust
system belongs to the Blitz NUR Spec system.
The
process to take the power from the engine and transfer it to the wheels to get
the movement is probably one of the most vital parts of the process in racing.
This is handled by Blitz's Active Clutch mated to the
Toyota's factory six-speed gearbox. Suspension duties are handled by the
power-packed combination of Hotchkis, AEM and B&G. Stopping power is provided by AEM's Big Rotor brake kit in the
front and rear, sporting relocated calipers and larger-than-life cross-drilled
rotors.
A paradigm of performance and speed, the
Toyota
Celica APR GT300 with the APR Wide Body Kit is not just a "touring car",
although a car often used for Grand Tour races in Japan, don't be fooled, on US
soil, you are looking at a performance vehicle that will smoke the competition
with a serious wake.
My
humble story on the GT300 is but a miniscule part of the complete
package designed just to capture your attention. If you are
seeking to get the real detailed information, might I suggest you
refer to the recommended links below.
APR Wide Body
Kit:
http://www.aprperformance.com/whatsnew_2003.htm
JGTC Racing Web
Site: http://www.jgtc.net
Japan Grand
Touring Car Championship:
http://asia.vtec.net/country/event/jgtc2000/
Blitz
Intercooler, Suspension, and other products:
http://www.blitz-na.com
AEM Products:
http://www.lightningmotorsports.com/index1.htm |
