Based on a GR 86, the Toyota Rally Legacy Concept gets a 300hp version of the 1.6-cylinder engine found in the GR Yaris and Corolla.
Toyota one-off builds are something of a routine now for the annual SEMA event, check out last year’s FJ Brusier. Of course, 2024 is no different as Toyota once again delivers on out of the blue concept, this time to celebrate its rallying history, past and present. So, without further ado, say hello to the Toyota Rally Legacy Concept.
What is the Toyota Rally Legacy Concept?
While the outside resembles an ST205 Celica with the famous Castrol livery, it’s what’s underneath the bonnet that has got us all talking. You see, the base car for this concept is the Toyota GR86. That car is powered by a naturally-aspirated 2.4-litre turbocharged flat-four engine. While a fine sports car it is, underpowered, at times, can also be said of it. With the up in power from 224bhp to 300bhp and 273lb ft of torque, you have to wonder why Toyota didn’t opt to use the engine in the GR86 all along… Interestingly, there’s a new intercooler, a race ECU and a custom exhaust despite it making the same power as the standard GR Corolla. Oh, and it’s also a manual!
Underneath, Toyota has converted the GR86 chassis to feature all-wheel drive. As a result, the rear end is essentially a GR Corolla, with this concept receiving its differential, axles and gear ratios. Naturally, the modifications don’t end there, with the need for new control arms and other custom parts to make everything work.
Outside, as mentioned above, the concept has taken its design cues from the ST205 Celica GT Four. The Castrol livery is impossible to miss, as is the curved spoiler and those twin-exit pipes in the centre of the rear bumper. Inside, it’s rally car central, with a suitable roll cage, bucket seats, harnesses and all the gizmos you’d expect.
Will the concept become a production car?
Looking like this? Almost certainly not. In fact, there’s no word from Toyota that this means anything more than just an exercise in regonising its history while also showing what it can do. That being said, we can’t be the only ones curious about what a GR Yaris-engined coupé would feel like.
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