Rally - Toyota - for WRC?

Racing versions already in use

TOYOTA Motorsport GmbH (TMG) could make a return to the World Rally Championship in 2015 with plans for a rallying version of its GT86 sports car.

The rear wheel drive TMG GT86 CS-R3, will be built to R3 regulations, with a six-speed sequential gearbox, limited slip differential, modified 2 litre flat four boxer engine, adapted brakes and other upgrades.

But here’s the thing. There will not be a factory run team as such, as the TMG GT86 CS-R3 is being targeted primarily at private customers, although eligible for all FIA-sanctioned rallies, up to and including the World Rally Championship.

Earlier this year, five Hilux rally-raid pickups finished in the top 20 of the 2013 Dakar, while work at the German based firm continues on a Yaris R1 rally car. Also undergoing development work in Cologne is a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, which could easily be installed in a Yaris.

Yaris project well underway

A spokesman from TMG commented: “We’re leaning towards an S2000-style of car which would be available for customers first. This is a development project, but it’s very early days - the engine only fired up for the first time a few weeks ago. At the very earliest, a car won’t be available until next year. Obviously, this being a ‘Global Race Engine’, it could go in any car, but the Yaris seems to make sense.”

Exciting times at Toyota? Full story:
http://www.jaggybunnet.co.uk/2013/11/11-nov-toyota-returns-to-wrc/