Table of contents
Introduction
SEMA 2024 is building the hype for car enthusiasts worldwide. One of the companies getting enthusiasts truly excited is Toyota. While some of the focus has been on its TRD 4x4s, my focus is on this new rally-inspired concept. Toyota unveiled its GR86 “Rally Legacy” concept and it looks incredible! As a rally fanboy, I cannot wait to share with you the awesome news of this custom GR86!
Toyota’s Rally Heritage
In the prime of the World Rally Championship (WRC), companies like Subaru, Lancia, and Mitsubishi were common sights on the course. Toyota entered the WRC scene with a high performance version of the Celica, known as the GT-4. From 1986 to 1999, Toyota made a production version of the GT-4 to be in compliance with WRC rules. The production model of the GT-4, much like other homologated rally cars, was designed for performance and fun. With a turbocharged 3S-GTE engine and a full-time all-wheel drive system, the GT-4 was perfect those wanting a rally car for the street. This platform was very successful in WRC, bringing Toyota championships during the 1990s.
Nowadays, you will see Toyota GT-4 owners show off their rally car because they are a rarity. In my personal experience, I can only think of one time I have seen one in person. The Celica GT-4 is such a cool car and lives up to the hype.
Since the discontinuation of the GT-4, Toyota has been out of the homologated rally car game. Fortunately, Toyota is answering the car enthusiast’s calls for the return of fun tuner cars. Much like Nissan with their Z Heritage Edition, Toyota is appealing to nostalgia with its reputation for performance. Now, let’s go over the exciting features of the new GR86 Rally Legacy edition!
What Is The GR86 Rally Legacy?
The GR86 Rally Legacy takes the sport coupe to a new level. For years, people have begged Toyota to give us a turbocharged GR86/BRZ/FR-S. Well, Toyota just gave it to us at SEMA 2024. Toyota transplants the GR Corolla turbocharged 3-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive system into the body of the GR86 to make the heart of the Rally Legacy. To match the car’s performance, Toyota gives the GR86 an awesome livery inspired from the Castrol Celica GT-4 rally car. Bright rally lights, a big rear wing, and custom suspension work make this car into a machine built to dominate off-road. While the car may not reach production in this form, it could serve as a way for Toyota to test the market for a more powerful GR86. Or, maybe this will be the beginnings of a new Celica GT-4/Alltrac for the new car market.
What Does This Mean For The Production Market?
Toyota’s resurgence of its iconic sports cars makes for signs of a bright automotive future. Recently, Toyota teases us in Season 2 of their “Grip” anime with a simple image of a chalkboard. On the chalkboard are some words that may make your ears perk up like “Celica MK8” or “MR2 MK4”. While nothing has been confirmed yet, it would be hard to believe Toyota would just have that in the anime for no reason.
Personally, I love the idea of bringing these iconic JDM legends back to the market. Enthusiasts long for fun driver’s cars and I think Toyota is doing what they can to capitalize on this desire. I would not be surprised if we see a future announcement of these cars within the next year. C’mon Toyota, lets see some concept car “leaks”.
Conclusion
In the last couple of years, Toyota has been absolutely killing the tuner car game. The GR86, GR Yaris, GR Supra, and GR Corolla are inspiring car enthusiasts everywhere. With Toyota teasing us in the “Grip” anime with the possibility of a new Celica and MR2, I can’t help but be excited for what is to come for tuner cars. The GR86 Rally Legacy proves Toyota has not forgotten its racing legacy and if we can see even a fraction of this transfer into their production cars, we car enthusiasts are going to have some epic new buying options.
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