Toyota GT86 Brings Rear-wheel Drive Back to Rallying

5 October 2015

GT86 CS-R3 secures FIA homologation for international competition

The Toyota GT86 CS-R3 has become the first new rear-wheel drive rally car to gain homologation from motorsport’s governing body, the FIA, in the 21st century.

It marks the culmination of an extended development programme in which Toyota Motorsport overcame the challenge of making the coupe the first rear-wheel drive car to meet the requirements of rallying’s R3 category, which up to now has been contested exclusively by front-wheel drive cars.

Homologation means the GT86 CS-R3 is eligible to compete in any rally which runs to FIA regulations, including the World Rally Championship.

Inspired by Toyota’s great rallying heritage, the GT86 CS-R3 is designed to offer excitement for both drivers and fans. Toyota Motorsport’s early forays in world rallying produced memorable performance from the great Toyota Team Europe cars, such as the rear-wheel drive Celica Twin-cam Turbo – hailed as the “King of Africa” for its multiple Safari Rally successes.

The new car is designed for private customers, combining the racy good looks of the road-going GT86 with a development of its

two-litre naturally aspirated boxer engine. Part of the challenge faced by Toyota Motorsport was reduce the engine’s compression ratio to meet the R3 category requirements. Thanks to state-of-the-art development tools and changes to the engine’s internal parts and software, maximum power has been increased to 232hp with peak torque of 235Nm.

The unit is matched to a six-speed sequential transmission produced by gearbox specialists Dreth and designed for use in a rear-wheel drive powertrain, with a limited-slip rear differential.

The GT86’s nimble handling has been further improved through a weight-optimisation programme and the use of upgraded suspension, brakes and exhaust. The safety provisions include a roll cage, fitted as standard.

Toyota Motorsport will demonstrate the CS-R3 on selected events this year, ahead of the inaugural season of the HJS R3 Trophy, a competition that forms part of the German Rally Championship programme for 2016.

TOYOTA GT86 CS-R3 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

ENGINE  
Engine code FA20
Layout Flat four (boxer)
Displacement (cc) 1,998
Max. power (hp) 232
Max. torque (Nm) 235
Exhaust HJS racing exhaust and manifold
Fuel tank 70-litre FT3 safety cell
CHASSIS  
Body Steel monocoque bodyshell with roof vent
Roll cage FIA-homologated R3 safety cage
TRANSMISSION  
Type Rear-wheel drive
Gearbox Dreth 350 6-speed sequential
Differential Limited slip differential with variable ramp settings
Final drive Short final drive (options available)
Clutch Racing clutch and lightweight flywheel
Steering Electric power steering (with set-up options)
SUSPENSION  
Type Front MacPherson-type
Rear Multi-link
Shock absorbers Tarmac Reiger, 3-way adjustable
Gravel Reiger, 3-way adjustable
Anti-roll bar Different options available
Wheels Tarmac OZ, 7 x 17
Gravel OZ, 6 x 15
BRAKES  
Front discs Tarmac (mm) 330 x 30
Gravel (mm) 300 x 30
Rear discs Tarmac (mm) 295 x 10
Gravel (mm) 280 x 10
Callipers Front Alcon 4-piston
Rear Alcon 2-piston
DIMENSIONS  
Length (mm) 4,240
Width (mm) 1,775
Wheelbase (mm) 2,570
Min. weight (kg, by regulation) 1,080

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Toyota GT86 Brings Rear-wheel Drive Back to Rallying

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