Toyota has been leaning into nostalgia recently with retro-inspired releases like the Land Cruiser 250 and the updated 4Runner, both drawing from 1980s design elements. At the 2024 SEMA show in Las Vegas, the brand took a more contemporary approach with its GR86 sports car, which was co-developed with Subaru. The car was reimagined with a rally-themed look, featuring the classic Castrol livery, a large rear wing, mud flaps, and quad hood lamps, reminiscent of the iconic ’90s Celica GT-Four rally car. This visual throwback taps into the collective memory of WRC fans from that era.
Beyond just a styling update, the GR86 Rally Legacy concept brings significant engineering changes under the hood. The original 2.4-liter flat-four engine of the GR86 has been replaced by the turbocharged three-cylinder engine from the GR Corolla. This new engine setup also brings an all-wheel-drive system, something the GR86 never had in its original form. This transition from rear-wheel drive to all-wheel drive required extensive modifications to the car’s chassis and drivetrain, including a custom front subframe and the addition of the GR Corolla’s rear-end components.
Toyota’s engineering team faced considerable challenges in integrating the GR Corolla’s powertrain into the GR86. The rear of the car had to be completely reworked with parts like the subframe, axles, and differential all coming from the GR Corolla. At the front, the taller three-cylinder engine required further modifications, including custom front hubs, spindles, axles, and control arms, all of which were connected to the newly designed subframe. To accommodate these changes, the car’s suspension was also upgraded with a new coilover setup.
The turbocharged three-cylinder engine now powering the GR86 Rally Legacy produces 300 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque in its stock GR Corolla configuration. Toyota has also made several performance upgrades, such as a new intercooler, a race-tuned ECU, an oil cooler, and a custom exhaust. While the automaker has not disclosed the exact performance figures for the concept, they have hinted that further tuning could push the engine’s output even higher, suggesting more performance potential in the future.
Although enthusiasts have long hoped for a turbocharged version of the GR86, this Rally Legacy concept is likely a one-off for now. If the partnership between Toyota and Subaru on the GR86 and BRZ were to end, there might be an opportunity for Toyota to introduce a turbocharged powertrain in a future version of the GR86. The GR Corolla’s 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine could be a strong contender for such a project, and some fans are even imagining a return of the GR86 to the World Rally Championship. While this concept car may not lead directly to production, it represents the kind of exciting direction the model could take in the future.
