The SEGA RALLY generation will enjoy this one. Toyota North America has built an awesome GR86 for the 2024 SEAM Show, featuring an AWD conversion and the 1.6T from the GR Corolla. And it’s all covered in Castrol livery like the classic Celica GT-Four rally car from the 1990s.
All Toyota needs to do now is build it for the showroom and we’d be lining up, that’s for sure. This is just a project car though and there are no plans for production any time soon. It was built for SEMA and to show off the potential tuning possibilities. Toyota Motorsport general manager in North America, said:
“The aim is to evoke memories of the legendary rally car that enthusiasts have admired on rally stages and in popular racing video games. That idea led to a formative conversation about how cool it would be to create a modern interpretation of such an iconic car.”
To fit the G16E-GTS engine into the GR86 engine bay, various modifications and fabrication work had to be carried out as the 1.6-litre turbo three-cylinder is of course inline and taller, compared with the standard FA24 flat-four engine.
A custom sub-frame had to be made along with special engine mounts to ensure clearance from the bonnet, as well as clearance for the suspension. The front suspension had to be modified to accommodate a front-drive axle for all-wheel drive.
Custom coilovers are used at the front and rear, with unique control arms to join the grafted sub-frame. The engineers also replaced the standard rear axle of the GR86 and instead used the rear end from the GR Corolla, including the differential and electronics. This is so all of the systems work correctly, and to match the gearing ratios. The axles also had to be modified to fit.
While the standard GR Corolla’s 221kW output remains, Toyota says the team fit an upgraded intercooler, an oil cooler, and a race ECU with boost controller to help manage everything and to ensure it runs smoothly. Although, the company says more power is possible with some tuning.
As for the inside, it features a full roll cage, racing bucket seats with six-point harnesses, and a unique colour scheme is applied. Other features include a custom central-outlet exhaust system, rally-style mud flaps in red, and the red and green colour scheme inspired by the Castrol racing colours.
The vehicle will be on display at the 2024 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, running from November 5-8.
