TOYOTA Motorsport GmbH (TMG) is pleased to announce its plan to develop the GT86 R3 rally car as part of its private customer competition car development program.
The rear-wheel drive sports model will be modified to R3 specifications and offered to private buyers; the first deliveries are expected to be ready for the 2015 season .
Designated TMG GT86 CS-R3 , the model will be built to R3 specifications, i.e. it will be equipped with a six-speed sequential gearbox, a limited-slip differential, a modified engine, adapted brakes and other modifications.
TMG designers will build on their experience in developing the TMG GT86 CS-V3 race car for the popular VLN series at the Nürburgring circuit and modify the base model to the maximum possible level permitted by the regulations.
The target group of the TMG GT86 CS-R3 model is private buyers who will be able to use this car in all automobile competitions (rallies) approved by the FIA association , including WRC World Rally Championship races. Detailed specifications and pricing will be announced over the coming months.
This announcement once again demonstrates TMG 's commitment to supporting the development program of competition cars for private customers and motor racing as such, which are key pillars of the company's long-term business strategy.
TMG has already introduced the Yaris R1A model and continues to develop the so-called Global Race Engine (GRE – Global Race Engine). The company is broadening its scope and deepening its expertise in rallying, drawing on its rich and successful history in the sport.
The very existence of TMG is based on rallying, as it entered life in Cologne as early as 1979 as Toyota Team Europe (TTE). Under the leadership of Ove Andersson , the company successively won four world championship titles in the category of racing drivers and three Constructors' Cups .
Nico Ehlert , Principal Engineer Customer Motorsport, comments: “ Rallying is the lifeblood of TMG , so I am extremely pleased to announce the expansion of our activities in this area. The GT86 CS-R3 model is the promise of an attractive participant in rally competitions. With rear-wheel drive in mind, we can look forward to dramatic moments that will undoubtedly delight pilots and fans alike. Thanks to our experience gained in the TMG GT86 Cup and in the development of the TMG GT86 CS-V3 race car, we have already built a solid infrastructure for the development of competition cars for private customers in the last few years. We will draw on this to offer our customers a reliable, safe and high-performance car, as well as all the necessary technical support. We expect high demand, so we're already looking forward to seeing a whole range of GT86 CS-R3 rally specials in action from the start of the 2015 season .”
Source: Toyota
