Modified Toyota GR86 Inspired by Celica Rally Car to Host SEMA 2024

Toyota is renowned for having created sports cars appreciated by enthusiasts and observers of the automotive world. Not only because of its performance, but also because of this model’s ability to become a creative place for modifiers.

Recently, the car brand collaborated with Evasive Motorsports to build a modification of the GR86 car. What’s more special is that the model will be transformed into a rally car inspired by the Celica GT-Four AWD that competed in the World Rally Championship in the mid-1990s.

Launched from Carscoops on Saturday, June 29, the GR86 has not seen any notable changes in appearance. However, they have given it the rear spoiler to optimize aerodynamics with larger rims and Continental brand tires.

Another particularity, the GR86 will receive a special emblematic “Castrol” livery while recalling Toyota’s heyday in the world of motorsport.

Not only does it change from the outside, but the car also changes in the internal part. The modifier will bring the GR Corolla engine into GR86, namely 1.6 liter 3-cylinder turbocharged which has 300 dk of power combined with all-wheel drive (AWD) and manual gyrboks.

Toyota entrusted Evasive Motorsports with the integration of the Corolla GR’s AWD system, which required a complete redesign of the engine bay and front subframe. The installation brackets are specially designed to keep most of the Corolla GR’s gearing intact, while the hubs and duals also require special fabrication.

For now, Evasive is working with Eimer Engineering to do most of the manufacturing. The team had to validate that the transmission was working properly before adding a full roll cage.

The Toyota GR86 modified in the style of the Celica GT-Four AWD will be exhibited at one of the most famous exhibitions in the world, namely the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) 2024 which will be held from November 5 to 8 in Las Vegas, United States.

Lately, Toyota has been rumored to be transforming the iconic Celica model into its new lineup.

The Celica will be powered by the ICE engine with the latest 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder combined with the Toyota-developed GR-Four AWD system inspired by the GR Yaris and GR Corolla.

The report also claims that development of the latest Celica engine is complete. Although information is still limited, the publication speculates that the power produced by this model reaches 400 dk.

It is very likely that the model will retain the low profile of the previous generation. Another interesting fact: rumors say that the Celica will debut in early January, more precisely at the 2025 Tokyo Auto Show.

Tag: toyota car