GT86 CS-R3 finally brings RWD back to rally

TOYOTA Motorsport GmbH is delighted to announce that the wait is over the GT86 CS-R3 has successfully become the first new rear-wheel-drive rally car to be granted FIA homologation in the 21st century.

After an extended development, prolonged by the challenge of being the first rear-wheel-drive in the previously-exclusive front-wheel-drive R3 category, the car is now eligible to compete in any rally which runs to FIA regulations, including the World Rally Championship.

By bringing rear-wheel-drive back to the stages, the CS-R3 is a uniquely exciting car for drivers and fans which draws on TMG's illustrious rally heritage. The TMG-run TOYOTA Team Europe enjoyed its first successes in the 1980s with the rear-wheel drive Celica Twincam Turbo, a multiple Safari Rally winner.

Inspired by that heritage, TMG's latest rear-wheel-drive rally car is intended for private customers, delivering a competitive R3 car which combines the racy good looks of the road-going GT86 with spectacular rally performance.

Significant effort has gone into the two-litre, normally-aspirated boxer engine which, like the car, is not a familiar configuration in R3. To add a further challenge, R3 regulations required the compression ratio to be decreased from the road car standard.

Using TMG's state-of-the-art engine development tools, changes to the engine internals and software have resulted in a maximum power of 232hp, and peak torque of 235Nm.

To deliver a true motorsport feel, the CS-R3 has a six-speed sequential transmission from gearbox specialists Drenth designed specifically for rear-wheel-drive cars, and limited slip rear differential.

A weight optimisation programme has enhanced the already-nimble handling of the GT86 while upgraded suspension, brakes and exhaust ensure peak performance on the stage. There is no compromise on safety, with safety items and protective roll cage supplied as standard.

TMG will demonstrate the CS-R3 on selected events this year prior to the inaugural season of the HJS R3 Trophy which takes place within the framework of the German Rally Championship and begins in 2016.

The Trophy will feature up to 10 CS-R3 cars and offers over &euro5,000 of prize money at each round, with a commitment to run for at least the next three seasons. The CS-R3, including complete chassis and powertrain, is sold in kit form for &euro84,000 (excluding VAT).

Nico Ehlert, Principal Engineer Customer Motorsport: "Finalising the homologation of the CS-R3 is a big moment for TMG and also an exciting one for rallying. It is a long time since a new rear-wheel-drive car has been FIA homologated so this has presented some challenges in the development phase. We have worked hard while some have doubted us without knowing the full picture. But we are grateful for the patience of those supporting our project and we believe that seeing the car in action proves it is really worth the wait. The reaction of fans and drivers has been even more satisfying it's clear there is a huge support for TOYOTA in rallying and many still remember the pure spectacle of a rear-wheel-drive car at full throttle on the stages. We are proud to have brought those two factors together and we look forward to a successful new era for the CS-R3."

Copyright-free, high resolution images of the CS-R3 in action are available for media use on www.toyota-motorsport-photos.com.

You can follow TMG on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ToyotaMotorsport) or Twitter (@TMGOfficial) as well as our website, http://www.toyota-motorsport.com/motorsport.

TMG media contact: Alastair Moffitt, Marketing & Communications Manager: alastair.moffitt@toyota-motorsport.com

HJS R3 Trophy contact: Klaus Osterhaus: klaus.osterhaus@hjs.com / www.hjs-motorsport.de

About TOYOTA Motorsport GmbH:

TOYOTA Motorsport GmbH (TMG) has been based in Cologne, Germany since 1979 and built its reputation in the World Rally Championship, winning four drivers' and three manufacturers' titles during two decades of competition. TMG was also the home of TOYOTA's works Le Mans 24 Hours (1998-1999) and Formula 1 (2002-2009) teams and a tuning and sports conversion subsidiary (established in 1994). TMG has competed in the FIA World Endurance Championship since 2012, winning the drivers' and manufacturers' World Championship in 2014. Since 2009, TMG is a leading engineering services supplier, offering its cutting-edge development facilities and know-how to a range of industries. In recent years TMG has developed a thriving customer motorsport business, selling cost-efficient but high-performance cars to private participants. The TMG CS-V3 race car has won its class in the Nürburgring 24 Hours for four consecutive years while it also forms the basis of the expanding TMG GT86 Cup within the popular VLN series. Additionally, TMG is also a pioneer in electric vehicle development and is the current holder of the electric lap record at the Nürburgring Nordschleife.

www.toyota-motorsport.com/motorsport / www.facebook.com/toyotamotorsport / @TMGOfficial