Toyota has unveiled the GR86 turbo AWD concept, drawing inspiration from the iconic Celica GT-Four rally cars of the 1990s. This special edition, known as the Rally Legacy Concept, made its debut at the SEMA trade expo in Las Vegas. Equipped with a 1.6-liter turbo three-cylinder engine and an all-wheel-drive system borrowed from the GR Corolla and GR Yaris hot hatches, this GR86 variant pays homage to Toyota’s rally heritage, particularly the successful ST185 and ST205 Celica GT-Four models.
While this turbocharged GR86 is not slated for production, reports suggest that the next-generation GR86 may ditch its Subaru BRZ twin in favor of a hybridized, rear-wheel-drive version of the GR Corolla’s powertrain. The Rally Legacy Concept is a one-off prototype showcasing Toyota’s engineering prowess and commitment to performance innovation.
Unlike previous turbo GR86 iterations, which featured a smaller engine, this concept boasts the ‘G16E-GTS’ 1.6-liter turbo engine and all-wheel drive. Adapting this powerplant into the GR86 required significant modifications, including a custom front subframe, engine mounts, and chassis adjustments to accommodate the vertical inline engine configuration.
The Rally Legacy Concept also incorporates components from the GR Corolla, such as hubs, spindles, axles, and rear differential, enhancing its performance capabilities. With 224kW/370Nm on tap, the turbo engine is equipped with upgraded cooling systems and a motorsport ECU, hinting at the potential for further power enhancements through tuning.
Visually, the GR86 Rally Legacy stands out with its Halo White finish, adorned with a retro livery reminiscent of the Castrol design seen on classic Celica GT-Four rally cars. The exterior modifications include rally-inspired features like red mudflaps, Speedline wheels wrapped in Michelin tires, rally lights, and a custom exhaust system.
Inside, the cabin has been stripped down and fitted with a full white-painted roll cage, racing seats with red harnesses, a Sparco steering wheel, and racing gauges, emphasizing the car’s motorsport pedigree. The overall design pays homage to Toyota’s rally heritage while showcasing modern performance engineering.
The Toyota GR86 Rally Legacy concept made its public debut at the SEMA automotive aftermarket trade show in Las Vegas, captivating enthusiasts with its blend of rally-inspired design cues and cutting-edge performance technology. While this particular variant may remain a concept, it serves as a testament to Toyota’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of sports car engineering and design.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve, concepts like the GR86 Rally Legacy offer a glimpse into the future of performance vehicles, showcasing the fusion of heritage-inspired design elements with advanced engineering solutions. While not destined for production, these concepts play a crucial role in shaping the direction of sports car development, setting the stage for the next generation of high-performance vehicles.
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