Toyota GR86 Rally Concept: A GR Corolla Hybrid Driven

The GR86 Rally Concept: A Tribute to Rally Heritage

• 💡 The Toyota GR86 Rally Concept was born from Gazoo Racing's desire to create a loud statement and honor the legendary Celica GT4 WRC rally car.
• 🎯 This concept pays homage to Toyota's rich motorsport history, specifically the Celica GT4 which secured multiple driver and manufacturer titles in the 1990s.

Building the GR4: Collaboration and Customization

• 🛠️ Toyota partnered with Evasive Motorsports in Southern California to transform the GR86 into a rally machine.
• 🧠 Project manager Gordon Ting highlights the team's passion, having grown up watching the original Celica, making them ideal builders for this tribute.
• 🚀 The build required converting the GR86 coupe to all-wheel drive and integrating a more powerful engine.

Powertrain and Performance Upgrades

• ⚡ The heart of the GR4 concept is the 300 horsepower, 1.6L turbo 3-cylinder engine from the GR Corolla, along with its all-wheel-drive system.
• ⚙️ Evasive engineered custom subframes and engine mounts to seamlessly graft the GR Corolla's AWD components, including the hubs, spindles, axles, and differential, onto the GR86 chassis.
• 💨 A custom straight-pipe exhaust system with a high exit point, inspired by rally car designs, adds to the performance aesthetic.

Rally-Inspired Styling and Interior

• 🎨 The exterior features an iconic livery reminiscent of the Celica GT4 and Mark V Supra.
• 💡 A vintage-style rally light pod housing with halogen lights, sourced from Europe, enhances the retro rally look.
• 🏆 A large rear wing, a nod to the ST205 Celica GT4, and a functional trunk setup with a toolkit and spare tire complete the rally-inspired design.
• 🏎️ The stripped-out interior boasts racing-spec Sparco seats, harnesses, a steering wheel, and an FIA-spec roll cage, alongside a custom switch panel and a unique yellow switch for differential map adjustments.

The Concept's Purpose and Future

• ❓ The GR86 Rally Concept exists as a celebration of Toyota's rally heritage and a demonstration of what's possible by repurposing existing systems.
• 🤔 It serves as a visual representation of what a modern-day Celica return might look like, prompting enthusiasts to voice their desire for such a vehicle.
• ✅ The build showcases the synergy between the GR86 and GR Corolla platforms, creating a unique blend of sports car performance and rally capability.