- Toyota GR86 Rally Legacy concept to debut at 2024 SEMA show
- Concept features engine and AWD system from GR Corolla
- Concept takes inspiration from iconic Celica GT-Four rally cars
Toyota will use the 2024 SEMA show kicking off in Las Vegas on Tuesday to present multiple concepts, one of which is the GR86 Rally Legacy.
The concept is based on the current GR86 sports car and features a design inspired by the iconic Celica GT-Four rally cars of the 1990s. This is exemplified by the retro livery and rear wing, both of which match designs used on the rally cars.
1997 Toyota Celica WRC rally car
What is perhaps more interesting is the mechanical package of the concept. Instead of the 2.0-liter flat-4 and rear-wheel drive of the stock GR86, Toyota has dropped in the turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-3 and all-wheel-drive system from the current GR Corolla hot hatch.
The GR Corolla engine, according to some rumors, may make it into the next GR86. However, Toyota’s general manager of motorsports in North America, Paul Doleshal, said the concept’s new mechanicals were chosen to evoke memories of the Celica rally cars, which also featured turbocharged engines and all-wheel-drive systems. The goal with the concept, he said, was to create a modern interpretation of the Celica GT-Four.
Toyota GR86 Rally Legacy concept
Swapping the mechanicals wasn’t an easy task given the different engine designs. Some of the modifications required to fit the GR Corolla’s taller, transverse-mounted engine included rejigging some of the front chassis, as well as installing a custom subframe to gain the clearance required for the driveline and suspension.
Modifying the GR86 for all-wheel drive also involved extensive changes, including incorporating the GR Corolla’s hubs, spindles, and axles to transfer power to the front wheels. At the rear, the team swapped out the stock GR86 components with the GR Corolla’s differential and housing. The GR Corolla’s rear axles also required modifications to fit properly.
Toyota GR86 Rally Legacy concept
No extra power was extracted from the engine, meaning it still generates a stock 300 hp.
Toyota also has bound for the SEMA show open-top 4Runner TRD Surf and Land Cruiser ROX concepts, plus a Baja 1000-ready Tacoma TRD ProRunner Race concept.
