The highly engaging driving dynamics of Toyota’s 86 sports car will be converted into a thrilling rally specialist by Toyota Motorsport in Germany (TMG).
TMG will develop the rear-wheel drive 86 into an R3 rally car and make it available to private competitors, with delivery expected for the 2015 season.
The car, to be known as the TMG GT86 CS-R3, will be built according to R3 regulations, meaning it will have a six-speed sequential gearbox, limited slip differential, modified engine, adapted brakes and other upgrades.
Drawing on the experience of developing the TMG GT86 CS-V3 race car for the Nürburgring-based VLN series, TMG engineers will modify the 86 to the maximum level permitted within the regulations.
The new 86 rally car is targeted at private customers and is eligible for all FIA-sanctioned rallies, up to and including the World Rally Championship. Full specifications and pricing will be announced in the coming months.
Today’s announcement strengthens TMG’s commitment to customer motorsport and rallying, both of which represent key aspects of its long-term business strategy.
With a Yaris R1A already launched plus the ongoing development of a Global Race Engine, TMG is expanding and strengthening its knowledge of rallying and drawing on its proud history in the sport.
TMG’s very existence is founded on rally, having begun life in Cologne in 1979 as Toyota Team Europe (TTE).
Under Ove Andersson, the company won four drivers’ and three manufacturers’ World Championships.
TMG’s principal engineer customer motorsport Nico Ehlert said the company had built a solid infrastructure for customer motorsport in recent years.
“Rallying is in our blood at TMG so it is very exciting to announce that we will be expanding our rally operations,” Mr Ehlert said.
“The GT86 CS-R3 promises to be a thrilling car on the rally stages; with rear-wheel drive we can expect some dramatic action which is sure to be entertaining for drivers and fans alike,” he said.
