Sportshift?

[nick450hp]

What is the Celica GT-S Sportshift all-about, is it like a manumatic mode or what, I never get straight answers from the dealership. And does anybody know if the new Matrix XRS will have the same Sportshift on it.

[pensfan83]

It's basically a regular automatic transmission with buttons on the steering wheel that allow you to choose what gear you want (1-4 obviously). It's a neat little feature, but the transmission is still a slushbox. If you're looking for performance you might want to consider the six speed or the five speed GT.

I don't know about the Matrix.

[t2000gts]

the matrix xrs might have it. the pontiac vibe gt will not. i dunno for sure. some say the XRS will, some say it won't. i think it will.

[nick450hp]

Thanks for the info on the Sportshift and how it works, but how is it selected as far as the shifter gate goes, is it off to one side of Drive or is it a whole separate gate?

If anyone knows about the Matrix I would still like to know. I know the Vibe GT doesn't have it, because GM sucks, and Toyota actually builds quality vehicles!!!! My family drives nothing but Toyotas and i'm still undecided about Celica and Matrix, I'd go Celica but my parents want me to go Matrix. At least the Matrix has Celica drivetrain to it, so their will be quite a few mods and aftermarket parts coming out for it.

Thanks alot for the help, you guys rock!

[pensfan83]

You move the shifter into drive and then I think it tilts left into the manual mode. I can't remember if it actually moves left or just tilts, though. Then whenever you're finished you can just move it back.

[nick450hp]

Originally posted by pensfan83
You move the shifter into drive and then I think it tilts left into the manual mode. I can't remember if it actually moves left or just tilts, though. Then whenever you're finished you can just move it back.

pensfan83 you da man! u got answers for everything. And thanks to you to t2000gts. Now all i need is a straight answer about Matrix XRS auto. The only thing I got is from a Road&Track article that says that the XRS automatic is different from the base- but I need more hard evidence than that or if anybody read anything in other mags. If anyone has a clue help me out please, toyota never responds to my e-mails.

[pensfan83]

Oh, one last thing: here's a link you might find informative and interesting

http://subzero.mine.nu/celica/sportshift/

I can't take credit for the site, but I think somebody else here might be able to ;)

[XYRCNCP]

The Matrix XRS auto will NOT have the sportshift feature, it is just a straight 4 speed automatic, with the 2zz engine, also there is the 6 speed with the XRS, actually the 6 spd is standard and the auto is labeled as "available"
A top of the line XRS will run you about $22k-23k, it includes nav system, 2 12 volt power outlets, 1 household outlet, 17 inch wheels......ok well I'm running off the mouth now.

I spent way too much time with my salesman looking at his upcoming inventory and what the Matrixes will have, they are only getting 6 of them, 5 are XR's and only 1 will be an XRS. I'll be there when they roll them off (this friday evening)

PS: Toyota will never answer your emails, try to find a knowledgeable person at the dealership and deal with them....I know is hard to find anyone at a dealership who knows their a$$ from a hole in the wall but its worth a try. Or e-mail me, I have some info about the Matrix

[Blue Bomber]

You could also check your local dealerships this weekend. On the first (only?) Matrix commercial, they said the Matrix will be released on 02/02, which is this Saturday.

[nick450hp]

pensfan83 that website was absolutely perfect, I commend you once more for that valuable find, as for XYRCNCP I too have spent hours at the dealership, and am most likely going to purchase the Matrix XRS with the 17" wheels and ditch the stupid nav system, as for tranny choice- i'm still undecided- my mom most likely won't let me order the 6speed, because of what I was capable of doind with a Celica GT-S 6spd at Mid-Ohio's high performance driving school. I was alittle too good for her liking, especially now that I know how to efficiently heel-and-toe shift a car. I found in Road&track that they mention that the XRS will have a different automatic than the base models automatics. Whatever this means i don't know. I will be at the dealership on saturday or soon after because they ordered a XRS with an auto for inventory so i will find out for good then.

[XYRCNCP]

the automatic should not be THAT different, maybe different gearing, but I dont know the mechanicals of that, but why ditch the nav system? I'm sure you are not going for speed if you are thinking about a matrix........
Still though, different or not, the automatic, is still an automatic, 2 gears less than the manual, and not the fastest shifting automatic, If they would have put in a 5 speed automatic, then maybe the auto would have some respect, but the matrix is not the one for speed, the celica is.

[nick450hp]

i get what your saying XYRCNCP, i'm getting the Matrix because it has alot more usable space than the celica, plus my parents won't cough up as much money if i bought a celica, that's why they are more easily convinced with the matrix, and the XRS is well suited for me- I rarely ever race on the street, i just don't care much for it, and i need to use the vehicle alot, and the space the matrix has is incredible. If my parents would cough up the same amount of dough for the celica as they are the matrix, i would buy the celica hands down, no questions asked. But i have to deal with what i get and i'm not complaining with the Matrix. As for that nav system, have you ever worked it before- it sux- it's not refined and it's detail isn't great either, I sell electronics, mostly GPS units for boats, but the GPS company we sell the most is Garmin, and their street units are by far superior, plus i get these units for dirt cheap anyway. Thanks for the input guys.

[nick450hp]

I just received an e-mail from TRD that says they will be producing for the Matrix: lowering springs, air filter, exhaust kit, and 18"wheels/tires. I was wondering on the celica if you have a GT-S with the automatic does the TRD exhaust kit still work on it? Cause the same will probably hold true for the Matrix, and if any has this exhaust kit, how well does it work? Thanx again.

[nick450hp]

Remember, just because i'm getting a Matrix, doesn't mean you have to hate me. I about worship anyone who owns a celica, and I respect all of you who race them, mod them, and prove to the rest of the world what toyota is made of! You guys represent the performance end of toyota, and i say to all of you to keep up the good work. plus i'll drive my Matrix to the track to watch the celica's kick A**!!!! I back all of you and i can't thank you guys (and girls) who have helped me out so much.

[XYRCNCP]

dude u got me wrong, no hating, I LIKE the Matrix, Im actually gonna test drive one this weekend, so I MAY be on your boat. Mods from the celi like the exhaust most likely wont fit cuz the length of the car

[nick450hp]

XYRCNCP, sorry you took it wrong, don't worry i don't hate you- your one of the few who can give straight answers on the Matrix- I respect and thank you very much, so everything is fine and their is no hating I promise. When you take that test drive reply here incase for some reason i wasn't able to test one this weekend either. as for exhaust i know the celica exhaust won't fit, and TRD said they're making one for the Matrix, i was just wondering if their is a difference between the exhaust for the auto and the manual on the celica though. thanks again for everything XYRCNCP, sorry if i accidently ticked you off, didn't mean to do that! I'm glad you like, i've been getting some bad vibes (no pun intended) from people saying it's just too weird!? It's perfect for me so screw them, it's my car! lol

[nick450hp]

Well XYRCNCP, you were right. The Matrix will NOT have the Sportshift on it. I actually got a response to my e-mail from Toyota themselves, and they said their is only a standard 4-speed auto, but they kinda hinted that it was differently geared, oh well, you were right all along! hopefully it will be at the local dealer to drive this weekend! Thanks again guys.

[skatamatic]

no matter which car you get, do yourself a huge favor and get a manual. beg your mom or whatever you have to do (unless you really don't care about performance and having fun). nothing against the auto drivers out there, but i can't see getting an auto sports car. i deal with about 2 hrs. of atlanta traffic each day in my 6 speed but it's well worth it. just some thoughts though. good luck...
-cody

[t2000gts]

just so you guys know, i run a Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe site @ http://www.matrixvibe.net :)

i dunno for sure if we're going to get one (family situation changed) but it's our top contender for a second car (probably the AWD model).

plus i liked the entire idea of the car so much i figured i'd make a site.

[nick450hp]

Originally posted by t2000gts
just so you guys know, i run a Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe site @ http://www.matrixvibe.net :)

i dunno for sure if we're going to get one (family situation changed) but it's our top contender for a second car (probably the AWD model).

plus i liked the entire idea of the car so much i figured i'd make a site.

t2000gts you are a lifesaver, i knew someone had to make a website for the Matrix!!!! Good to know someone is interested in getting a Matrix, too.