Toyota has brought its rally heritage to the forefront with the GR86 Rally Legacy, a standout concept unveiled at this year’s 2024 SEMA show in Las Vegas.
Inspired by the iconic Celica GT-Four, this GR86 concept car combines nostalgic design elements with cutting-edge engineering, all while showcasing Toyota's ongoing commitment to motorsport innovation.
Unlike the standard GR86, which features a 2.4-litre flat-four engine producing 129kW, the GR86 Rally Legacy boasts a turbocharged 1.6-litre three-cylinder engine derived from the GR Corolla. This swap propels the concept to 224kW, with torque rated at 370Nm.
To handle the new power dynamics, Toyota replaced the rear-wheel-drive (RWD) configuration with an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, employing the same advanced drivetrain that powers the GR Corolla.
This transformation wasn’t straightforward, requiring Toyota’s engineers to modify the GR86’s chassis extensively to accommodate the new powertrain. Custom mounts, a bespoke subframe, and a complete swap of suspension components make the Rally Legacy unique in its class.
Beyond the power boost, Toyota outfitted the GR86 Rally Legacy with an array of performance enhancements to tackle off-road terrain.
Modifications include a performance intercooler, oil cooler and race-spec ECU. The suspension also received an upgrade with custom control arms and coil-over dampers, while the steering and rear differential were optimised to match the all-wheel-drive system.
With these changes, the GR86 Rally Legacy stands ready for the kind of rigorous driving that defined Toyota's rally cars of the 1990s.
The GR86 Rally Legacy’s visual design pays homage to Toyota’s motorsport history, notably with a Halo White paint scheme and red-green livery reminiscent of the Castrol-sponsored Celica GT-Four.
Additional rally-inspired touches include red mud flaps, a prominent rear spoiler, rally lights, and a custom exhaust. Inside, the cabin is stripped down and track-ready, with a full roll cage, racing seats, and six-point harnesses.
While the GR86 Rally Legacy remains a concept, it signals Toyota's potential interest in a high-performance variant of the GR86 coupe, possibly with turbocharged power and AWD.
The concept’s off-road capabilities and increased power could attract enthusiasts looking for more than the standard rear-wheel-drive GR86 offers.
In related news, Toyota also recently unveiled the RAV-X, a hot SUV concept based on the popular RAV-4 with off-road elements for an elevated driving experience.
