Toyota launches GT86 rally series

The Toyota GT86 is a versatile and practical rear-wheel drive four-cylinder sports car. When the car was launched, it lived up to its promise and evoked rave reviews from automotive experts and enthusiasts alike.

To harness all the potential of this 2-litre, normally aspirated sports car, Toyota launched an exclusive rally series for the GT86 at the Tour de Kyushu, an all-asphalt round of the Japanese championship. Toyota president’s personal racing team, Gazoo Racing, has prepared the rally specification GT86 that was driven by Tatsuhiko Tsutsui.

“We’re leaning towards an S2000-style of car which would be available for customers first,” a TMG spokesperson explained, “Obviously, this being a Global Race Engine, it could go in any car, but the Yaris seems to make sense.”

The Super 2000, also known as S2000, essentially is an FIA specification and classification for production-based race cars. The specification is split to cover both rally and touring car racing.

Toyota began testing a 1.6-litre turbo-charged power-plant this week at its headquarter in Cologne, and is currently focused on the FIA World Endurance Championship. A spokesperson for the manufacturer told the official WRC site that rallying is on the firm's radar, in the 'medium to long term,' which means the company will devote significant time to its newest baby and we shall see some action soon enough.

Subaru has contributed to the inception of the GT86 and it will be considering developing a four-wheel drive version of the GT86 to enter the rally.