The GR86 Legacy Concept foreshadows the future of Toyota's GR86. Features much of what we will find, but likely no all-wheel drive
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Toyota is making headlines at the 2024 SEMA with a few epic builds, but I think it goes beyond that. We know Toyota is on a row reviving iconic nameplates and so far, we have seen custom Toyota builds that correspond to models that are about to be launched.
One of those builds is the Toyota GR86 Rally Legacy Concept – an all-wheel-drive, G16-powered version of the coupe, scoring classic Toyota WRC livery. We know the current-generation Toyota GR86 will be discontinued after 2024, and the next generation will no longer have a Subaru-derived boxer engine. With that said, here's what the Toyota GR86 Rally Legacy Edition Concept tells us about the upcoming 86.
Is Toyota GR86 Rally Legacy Edition a GR Corolla with a GR86 body?
Yes and no. The GR86 was heavily-modified in order to fit the GR Corolla mechanicals. The front sub frame was revised in order to make space for the G16E-GTS engine, which has a taller profile than the boxer engine. In its latest form, the three-cylinder turbo engine develops 300 horsepower and 273 pound-feet. The build also features an upgraded intercooler and ECU, which Toyota says, makes room for improvement over the stock numbers.
The GR86 also features the GR-Four all-wheel-drive system and the front and rear differentials of the GR Corolla. The wheel hubs of Toyota's hot hatchback have also been transplanted into the coupe. In true 86 fashion, power is managed through a six-speed manual transmission. The GR86 Rally Legacy Concept also retains the differential ratio of the hot hatchback. Suspension-wise, the Rally Heritage Concept features custom coil-over suspension with revised geometry, new control arms, and engine mounts.
Classic WRC looks
Toyota GR86 Rally Legacy Edition features a bespoke wide body, featuring a tall rear wing, reminiscent of the Celica GT-Four. It even features "GR-Four" inscriptions on the side, which is another nod to the 1990s rally car. Then, there is Toyota's signature while, green, and red, Castrol livery that was prominent on the brand's rally cars some 30 years ago. The custom exhaust features center dual-tips protruding from the rear, giving the car a more motorsport-esque look.
Inside the GR86 Rally Legacy Concept features a stripped-down rally-spec interior with Sparco racing seats, six-point harnesses, and a digital gauge cluster, as well as the obligatory roll-cage.
The GR86 Rally Legacy Concept features almost everything the next-gen GR86 will have
Toyota is going back to making its sports cars independently, without partnership with other carmakers. While there is some sound logic behind why the GR Supra has a BMW engine, the next-generation Toyota Supra will feature a Toyota engine. The same unit will be shared with the upcoming Toyota Celica and the mid-engine MR-2, which is also returning.
We have slowly been gathering bits and pieces of information regarding the next-generation Toyota GR86 and the Rally Legacy Concept gives a great insight into what it would be. We know the next-gen GR86 will have the G16E-GTS engine, likely in its most potent form, as seen in the 2024 Toyota GR Corolla. Some time ago, I reported on a Toyota test mule featuring a turbocharged, three-cylinder engine, which Toyota was homologating for racing purposes.
There is one feature the Rally Legacy Concept lacks that the next-generation GR86 will have
The next-generation Toyota GR86 is expected to debut late in 2025. The turbocharged inline-three engine will not be the only source of propulsion, however, as the GR86 will adopt a hybrid powertrain, said to produce over 300 horsepower.
We don't yet know the extent of electrification, but I suspect a mild hybrid would be most suitable to keep things as lightweight as possible. We know Mazda is doing something similar with the MX-5 Miata, with its next-generation said to develop over 100 horsepower per liter.
Unlike the GR86 Rally Legacy Concept, which features the GR-Four all-wheel drive, there is no confirmation that the next-generation 86 will send power to all four wheels. Toyota GR86 is the brand's entry-level sports car and as such, I think Toyota will keep things more affordable and less complex, by keeping the rear-wheel-drive layout.
Dimitar Angelov's automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov's car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications, and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Facebook.
Image sources: Toyota GR86 Rally Legacy Concept
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