Japanese rally rebirth: New model channels the spirit of the iconic one
Are you a fan of 90s rally racing, when Group A cars competed on the tracks? Or perhaps you supported the Toyota team, which dominated until their vehicle was found to be cheating. If so, Toyota has an offer for you. The GR86 model can resemble the iconic Celica GT-Four. But it offers more than just looks.
Following the disbandment of Group B, the World Rally Championship was initially dominated by the Lancia team. After securing several titles, their car became outdated, allowing the Japanese to assume the dominant role. In Toyota Team Europe's German factory, a car was developed that ended Italian dominance.
Toyota built progressively better rally cars to promote the Celica model in Europe. In the early 90s, they clinched two championship titles—thanks in large part to Carlos Sainz's consistency—affirming their position in the competition. However, the most significant events, both the best and the worst, were yet to unfold.
The great Toyota scandal
At the end of the 1994 season, TTE introduced an impressive machine—the Toyota Celica GT-Four with a large spoiler and enhanced mechanisms. The Japanese team was no longer competing with Lancia, which had stopped developing the Delta, but with a new formidable rival—Subaru, which had the impressive Impreza in the hands of Colin McRae and Carlos Sainz.
The Spaniard had previously won two championships for Toyota but had to leave the team because his sponsor was Repsol, while Toyotas raced in Castrol's colours. Juha Kankkunen took his place alongside Didier Auriol.
Unfortunately, the 1995 season was not favourable for Toyota due to a new regulation introducing a restrictor in the intake system to limit engine power. As a result, the Celica could not fully utilise its potential. Consequently, Subaru took the lead and eventually won the championship title.
In the second half of the season, it became apparent that the Celica GT-Four was exceptionally fast, though not fast enough to regain losses. This aroused suspicion among the technical inspectors evaluating the car. Initially, everything seemed in order, but eventually, the secret of the Celica ST205 GT-Four was revealed.
It was discovered that a spring was used in the intake system. Under the pressure generated by the turbocharger, the spring expanded the restrictor, increasing airflow. In a non-operational engine, the spring was insignificant and raised no suspicion. However, at higher RPMs, it became effective.
Ultimately, Toyota's team was disqualified for cheating and received a ban from competing in the subsequent season. The Celica GT-Four not only failed to achieve success but also brought disgrace to the Japanese brand. Nevertheless, it became iconic due to its aesthetics and the thrilling period in rallying that captivated many.
GR86 like Celica GT-Four
Two decades ago, Toyota would have eagerly put the Celica behind them. Still, today, the company realises that it is not the earlier ST185 model that brought success, but the ST-205 GT-Four, infamous for shame, which is now highly coveted by rally enthusiasts. This road version commands the highest prices and evokes strong emotions. This model inspired the creation of the Toyota GR86 Rally Legacy for the SEMA show in the USA. But beware—it involves more than just paintwork and a few spoilers.
To indeed pay homage to the rally models of the 90s, engineers transplanted the complete GR-Four all-wheel-drive system from the Toyota GR Corolla into the GR86. The team from Motorsports and Assets at Toyota Motor North America modified the entire front section of the chassis to accommodate the 3-cylinder inline engine.
One might think such a "swap" would not pose problems, as the GR86 has a standard 2.4-litre engine, but it is installed longitudinally and powers the rear wheels, plus it has a boxer engine design. The GR Corolla unit is inline, mounted transversely by default, and drives all wheels. Yet, it is installed under the bonnet of the GR86 like this.
The G16 engine, also known from the Toyota GR Yaris, was not only fitted but also upgraded. It has a more efficient intercooler and oil cooler to enhance cooling and engine performance. Despite this, it has a standard power output of about 300 bhp, though there is potential for a straightforward increase.
Converting the GR86 into an all-wheel-drive variant required significant modification of the front suspension to transfer power to the front wheels. The suspension was changed entirely with coilover shocks and new control arms. Additional modifications were made to the GR86's steering system. The rear axle, also modified, received a differential from the GR Corolla.
Such a car should be produced as a factory model
All-wheel drive, 300 bhp of power, a coupe body—this is precisely what rally fans have been awaiting since the Celica became a rather mundane, front-wheel-drive car with a naturally aspirated engine, primarily known for excessive oil consumption. If such a car were released, customers would compete to purchase it.
Additionally, to create an impressive effect at SEMA, a factory-style paint job was prepared from the days when Castrol sponsored the Toyota team. There was no shortage of a large spoiler, rally wheels, or even additional lights (commonly known as "power stations") for nighttime special stages. Even the Michelin tyres have a paint job resembling typical rally ones.
The interior features a roll cage, two sports seats, harness belts, a rally steering wheel, and an extended gear shift lever. Of course, this setup is excessive for a road car, but Toyota pushed boundaries at SEMA. Will they replicate this for a production model? Regrettably, it's unlikely, as current regulations and environmental requirements would not permit it. And there is no expectation that Toyota will find a clever way to circumvent them as they did in 1995.
