Toyota evokes Celica GT-Four with 4WD GR86 concept at SEMA

The one-off GR86 borrows from another car in the current Gazoo Racing line-up for its four-wheel drive transmission. It takes the drivetrain – and three-cylinder turbocharged engine – from GR Corolla, a car we don’t see in UK showrooms, that’s mechanically similar to the more familiar GR Yaris.

While the transverse three-pot could physically fit an engine bay designed for a longitudinally-mounted lower-slung four-cylinder boxer engine, it wasn’t just a case of dropping in the Corolla’s engine and a couple of extra driveshafts. A custom subframe and engine mounts were required, as were changes to the front suspension to incorporate the Corolla’s hubs, spindles and axles. The GR86’s steering rack was retuned for clearance and steering feel in league with the driven front wheels. 

Custom coil-over dampers were introduced to all four corners and the GR86’s steering rack was retuned for clearance and steering feel in league with the driven front wheels. The Corolla’s differential was inserted at the rear to maintain the donor’s gear ratios, electronics and power distribution, while the rear axle was modified to suit its new home.

The G16E-GTS 1,618cc engine’s 304PS (222kW) and 370Nm (273lb ft) of torque remain but the engine has been breathed on with an upgraded intercooler and oil cooler. A race ECU was also installed for boost control, sensor monitoring, spark timing and fuelling. Inside the car, Toyota has installed a full rollcage, Sparco bucket seats and six-point harnesses. You’ll search in vain for carpets or sound deadening material. Infotainment is usurped by motorsport-spec switchgear, too. The photos also reveal a sequential shifter.

Paul Doleshal, general manager of Motorsports and Assets at Toyota Motor North America, said: “The aim is to evoke memories of the legendary rally car that enthusiasts have admired on rally stages and in popular racing video games. That idea led to a formative conversation about how cool it would be to create a modern interpretation of such an iconic car.”

Mike Tripp, group vice president, Toyota Marketing added: “The GR86 Rally Legacy Concept is a testament to Toyota’s enduring passion for rally racing. We did this build for our GR and Toyota rally fans – it’s a fantasy car come to life, our way of celebrating our past achievements and the possibility of the World Rally Championship making a return to the United States.”

The Celica GT-Four was made famous not only on the rally stage but also in the Sega Rally arcade game, meaning the Castrol liveried GR86 will resonate with enthusiasts around the world.

The GR86 Rally Legacy Concept is on display now at the SEMA show in Las Vegas alongside Toyota production cars. There’s no word yet on whether we’ll see a four-wheel drive three-cylinder GR86 make production but the concept proves it’s possible. The Prius may be Toyota’s most famous hybrid, but the mash-up of GR86 and GR Corolla to make a modern interpretation of the Celica GT-Four is the kind of hybrid we can really get behind.