Toyota has just unveiled the GR86 Rally Legacy Concept at the 2024 SEMA Show, paying an exciting tribute to the brand’s rallying heritage, replete with a nostalgic paint scheme.
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The GR86 Rally Legacy Concept is inspired by two of Toyota’s most iconic rally machines, the ST185 and ST205 Celica GT-Four. These cars have left a lasting legacy on rally stages around the world and even in popular racing video games, where their impact among fans and enthusiasts has lasted. Toyota’s goal with this concept was to rekindle those memories while showing what a modern interpretation of the Celica GT-Four could look like.
To realize this ambitious vision, Toyota engineers performed a complete powertrain swap, fitting the three-cylinder GR-FOUR AWD turbocharged powertrain from the GR Corolla. This change gave the concept a rally-ready setup that allows it to tackle demanding terrain with confidence. But adapting the GR Corolla’s powertrain to the GR86 chassis posed significant manufacturing challenges, requiring creative solutions to make the car rally-capable while maintaining the integrity of the GR86’s lightweight sports car character.
One of the main obstacles was accommodating the GR Corolla’s larger, transverse G16E-GTS engine and all-wheel drive configuration. Although the G16 engine could technically fit in the GR86’s engine bay, Toyota’s engineering team had to rework the front section of the chassis to provide enough space for the new powertrain and suspension. The custom fabrication work was extensive, involving a custom subframe and custom engine mounts to integrate the GR-FOUR system without compromising stability or handling.
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The GR86’s transition to an all-wheel drive system required further modifications to the front suspension. Toyota replaced the original GR86 components with GR Corolla hubs, spindles and axles to drive the front wheels. The suspension was upgraded with custom coilover dampers at each corner, combined with uniquely crafted control arms to handle the rigors of rally driving. Engineers also made careful adjustments to the steering rack so that the GR86 retained its direct steering feel and balanced handling characteristics despite the new AWD layout.
At the rear, Toyota swapped the standard GR86 rear differential with the GR Corolla version, ensuring drivetrain compatibility and retaining the factory gear ratios and electronic systems. Modifications to the GR Corolla’s rear axles were also necessary to properly integrate with the GR86 chassis, achieving a cohesive setup optimized for power delivery and reliability.
The concept’s engine has also been enhanced with performance upgrades, designed to optimize the car’s response in rally conditions. Toyota installed a high-performance intercooler to cool the intake charge, along with an oil cooler to regulate engine temperature under intense driving conditions. A race-specific ECU was integrated to manage the engine, providing precise control over fuel delivery, spark timing and boost management. While the GR86 Rally Legacy Concept retains the GR Corolla’s factory output of 221kW and 370Nm of torque, Toyota hints that with further tuning the setup is capable of higher performance.
Visually, the GR86 Rally Legacy Concept stands out with its Halo White exterior, complemented by a heritage-inspired red and green paint scheme and modern Toyota Gazoo Racing logos. Its appearance is further accentuated by large red rally mud flaps and a Celica GT-Four style rear spoiler. A custom exhaust completes the aggressive rally look and adds to the car’s presence at the exhibition.
Inside, the concept features a full roll cage painted in bright white, a nod to Gazoo Racing’s traditional color scheme. Racing seats and red six-point harnesses complete the interior, giving it the functionality and safety required in serious motorsport environments. Ultimately, the GR86 Rally Legacy Concept is Toyota’s celebration of its rallying history and marks a bold blend of past and present.
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