Toyota GR86 Gets Rally Treatment, Turbo Engine From GR Corolla
In a world with Lamborghini Huracán Sterratos and Porsche 911 Dakars, why not a Toyota GR86 with serious off-road chops? That’s probably the question the Japanese automaker was asking, although the answer it has come up with will not go beyond this week’s SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
The GR86 Rally Legacy Concept pays tribute to the ST185 and ST205 Celica GT-Four rally cars that competed in the World Rally Championship (WRC) during the 1990s and later gained more fame in popular racing video games.
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Based on a 2024 GR86 with the Performance Package (not available in Canada), the special build features a unique twist under the hood, namely the GR Corolla’s turbocharged triple-cylinder engine replacing the naturally aspirated 2.4-litre four-cylinder (228 hp, 184 lb-ft).
Output is rated at 300 hp and 273 lb-ft, but there is the potential to increase these numbers with further tuning, Toyota says. Engine cooling has been improved, while a race ECU ensures spot-on fuel delivery, spark timing, boost control and sensor monitoring throughout.
Naturally, the chassis was modified to accommodate not only the turbocharged mill but also the GR-Four all-wheel drive system. Same thing with the front suspension, with custom coil-over dampers bolted onto each corner, and steering rack.
Elsewhere, the striking Halo White exterior with heritage-inspired red and green accents (you can’t miss those large red rally mudflaps) is complemented by a beautifully integrated set of four round lamps up front and a Celica GT-Four-inspired spoiler in the rear for a true vintage rally look.
In addition to the GR86 Rally Legacy Concept, Toyota will display at SEMA the super-cool 4Runner TRD Surf Concept that we covered last week, plus a rugged Land Cruiser convertible, a Tacoma TRD ProRunner race truck, the ultimate Tundra for tailgate parties and many more custom creations.
As for the stock GR86, in case you forgot, the 2025 model brings back the Hakone Edition finished in Ridge Green. A total of 860 copies will be allocated for the North American market, but only 30 of those will be sold in Canada—all with a manual gearbox. Unique design elements, Ultrasuede sport seats with tan leather trim and stitching, Brembo brakes and Sachs dampers are part of the mix.
Those who opt for any other GR86 can still rejoice in the fact that the dampers and power-assisted steering have been recalibrated for 2025 to help improve handling response and a sense of ground contact. What’s more, throttle mapping has been revised to increase the ease of “blipping,” or heel-toe downshifts if you prefer.
