Toyota Drops GR Corolla Drivetrain into AWD GR86 Rally

Toyota has just unveiled the GR86 Rally Legacy Concept at the 2024 SEMA Show, presenting an exciting homage to the brand’s rallying heritage replete with a nostalgic livery. 

Image: Toyota

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The GR86 Rally Legacy Concept draws inspiration from two of Toyota’s most iconic rally machines, the ST185 and ST205 Celica GT-Four. These cars left a lasting legacy on rally stages worldwide and even in popular racing video games, where their impact has endured among fans and enthusiasts. Toyota’s goal with this concept was to reignite those memories while showcasing what a modern interpretation of the Celica GT-Four might look like.

To realize this ambitious vision, Toyota engineers performed a complete powertrain swap, fitting the three-cylinder turbocharged GR-FOUR AWD drivetrain from the GR Corolla. This change gave the concept a rally-ready setup that allows it to take on demanding terrain with confidence. But adapting the GR Corolla’s powertrain to the GR86 chassis presented significant fabrication challenges, requiring creative solutions to make the car rally-capable while preserving the integrity of the GR86’s lightweight sports car character.

GR86 Rally

Image: Toyota

One of the primary obstacles was accommodating the GR Corolla’s taller, transverse-mounted G16E-GTS engine and its all-wheel-drive configuration. Although the G16 engine could technically fit into the GR86’s engine bay, Toyota’s engineering team needed to rework the front section of the chassis to gain enough clearance for the new driveline and suspension. Custom fabrication work was extensive, involving a custom subframe and custom engine mounts to integrate the GR-FOUR system without compromising stability or handling.

Related: One Last Dance – Toyota GR Cup Returns to Zwartkops for Season Finale

Transitioning the GR86 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 coil-over dampers on each corner, paired with uniquely fabricated control arms to handle the rigours of rally driving. Engineers also made careful adjustments to the steering rack, ensuring 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’s version, which ensured compatibility with the drivetrain and preserved 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.

GR86 Rally

Image: Toyota

The concept’s engine was also 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, offering precise control over fuel delivery, spark timing, and boost management. While the GR86 Rally Legacy Concept retains the GR Corolla’s factory output of 221 kW and 370 N.m of torque, Toyota hints that the setup is capable of higher performance with further tuning.

Visually, the GR86 Rally Legacy Concept stands out with its Halo White exterior, complemented by a heritage-inspired red and green livery and modern Toyota Gazoo Racing logos. Its appearance is further accentuated by large red rally mudflaps and a Celica GT-Four-style rear spoiler. A custom exhaust completes the aggressive rally look, adding to the car’s presence on display.

Inside, the concept is equipped with 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 rally history, marking a bold blend of past and present.

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The post Toyota Drops GR Corolla Drivetrain into AWD GR86 Rally appeared first on CAR Magazine.


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