You might have seen photos of this build floating around the internet but it’s finally here in all its turbocharged, gravel-crawling glory. Toyota has decided to pay homage to one of its most glorious periods in rallying in the form of the GR86 Rally Legacy Concept, inspired by the fire-breathing Celicas of the 90s World Rally Championship (WRC) era.
Don’t be fooled by the raised height and period-correct Speedline rally wheels as while the exterior is the current Toyota GR86 that we all know and love, underneath it’s essentially a GR Corolla.
Evasive Motorsports, a name that needs no introduction in the world of motorsports, was commissioned by Toyota to meld the important bits of the GR Corolla underneath a GR86 skin.
The ST185 and ST205 Celica GT-Four cars of Toyota Team Europe were some of the most iconic rallying machines, instantly recognisable in their Castrol livery, and we’re glad they kept the colours.
Underneath, however, it’s a complete transformation with the G16E-GTS 1.6-litre engine, alongside the GR-Four all-wheel drive and six-speed manual from the GR Corolla. Given that the GR86 is rear-wheel drive, it was a Herculean task for Evasive to shoehorn the drivetrain in.
The turbocharged inline-3 slotted into the GR86’s engine bay perfectly in terms of width, but the height proved to be an issue as the stock FA24D 2.4-litre is a boxer-engine, meaning it’s wider than it is tall.
ALSO READ: Trust Toyota to fix the world with most GR Corolla buyers opting for the manual
Evasive had to carry out massive fabrication work in welding together a custom subframe with relocated engine mounts to drop the engine within the bay. The subframe also had to have sufficient clearance for the extensive modifications with the front suspension to fit the hubs, spindles and axles to drive the front wheels.
This included custom coilover suspension and control arms. Evasive also had to relocate the steering rack for improved clearance.
In the rear, much work was still required but nothing like the front end. The back of the GR86 now accommodates the differential and housing, as well as electronics functionality for the all-wheel drive system from the GR Corolla.
Power remains stock at 300 hp and 370 Nm of torque but now runs on a standalone ECU to better monitor all engine parameters. Toyota mentioned that with further tuning those numbers will climb but have been kept near stock for the time being. There’s also a larger intercooler and oil cooler.
It’s pure function over form on the inside with a stripped-out interior, roll-cage, Sparco bucket seats with six-point racing harnesses and a custom dashboard. Of course, you’ll find a Sparco dished rally steering wheel with a rev-counter and controls for the mapping.
Aesthetically, it might be the familiar Castrol livery on the Halo White body, but the lubricant company’s branding is upgraded to the Toyota Gazoo Racing logos. The best bit about the exterior has to be those custom rally fog lamps. The Celica GT-Four’s spoiler was the icing on this rallying tribute’s cake.
RELATED: A comeback for the ages? Toyota trademarks ‘Celica’ name
GALLERY
