Toyota unveils GR86 Rally Legacy Concept

GR86 Legacy
GR86 Legacy

Toyota unveiled the GR86 Rally Legacy Concept at the 2024 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The concept car pays homage to the iconic Celica GT-Four rally cars of the 1990s and is based on the 2024 GR86 with Performance Package.

It features a turbocharged all-wheel-drive system from the GR Corolla. Paul Doleshal, general manager of Motorsports and Assets at Toyota Motor 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.”

Significant modifications were made to the GR86’s chassis to fit the GR Corolla’s taller, transverse-mounted G16E-GTS engine and AWD drivetrain.

The front of the chassis, subframe, and engine mounts were customized to accommodate the new setup. The front suspension was adjusted to incorporate GR Corolla hubs, spindles, and axles. Custom coil-over dampers and control arms were installed.

The steering rack was also modified for proper feel and clearance.

Gr86 rally legacy concept highlights

At the rear, the GR Corolla differential and housing were fitted to maintain factory gear ratios, electronic functionality, and power distribution.

Axles were customized for a proper fit. The G16 engine received upgrades, including a performance intercooler, oil cooler, and race ECU. The concept vehicle retains the GR Corolla’s specs of 300hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, with room for more power through tuning.

Exterior features include a Halo White paint job with red and green accents inspired by the Celica GT-Four. Large red rally mudflaps, a custom exhaust, and a heritage-inspired spoiler complete the look. The GR86 Rally Legacy Concept has a full safety cage, racing seats with red 6-point harnesses, and Toyota Gazoo Racing colors.

Mike Tripp, group vice president of Toyota Marketing, said, “The GR86 Rally Legacy Concept is a testament to Toyota’s enduring passion for rally racing. We did this build for our GR and Toyota Rally fans—it’s a fantasy car that has come to life, our way of celebrating our past achievements, and the possibility of the World Rally Championship returning to the United States.

The concept vehicle is displayed at Toyota’s booth at the 2024 SEMA Show in Las Vegas alongside other featured Toyota vehicles and concepts. Attendees can explore Toyota’s commitment to thrilling performance on both track and trail.

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