Cologna, Germany,
31
August
2012
|
03:00
Europe/Amsterdam

TMG returns to rally with Yaris R1A

TOYOTA Motorsport GmbH (TMG) will return to rallying with the entry-level TMG Yaris R1A car, which will be showcased in public for the first time at the ADAC Rallye Deutschland (24-26 August).

TMG has developed the TMG Yaris R1A specifically to provide an affordable, exciting entry into rallying for competitors young and old. TMG is taking orders immediately, with donor car and upgrade kit (excluding tax and installation) priced at approximately &euro22,500.

The FIA's R1A regulations permit only limited performance modifications to the standard 1.3l petrol-engined, three-door Yaris. TMG's upgrade kit includes racing exhaust and catalytic converter system, shorter final drive gear, motorsport suspension with adapted springs and adjustable ride height

In addition, comprehensive safety equipment features bolt-in roll cage, guards for sump, fuel tank and fuel lines, fire extinguishers, rally seats and safety harness plus power cut-off switch.

Before the end of the year, the TMG Yaris R1A is expected to become the first car in the world to be awarded FIA R1A (up to 1400cc) homologation. This qualifies the car to compete on regional, national and international competitions all the way up to World Rally Championship events.

After a positive test in July in Saarland, the TMG Yaris R1A will make its public debut in the ADAC Rallye Deutschland, the ninth round of the WRC. It will run as a 'zero car' on the event, running at close to full speed in its role as course vehicle, confirm safe road conditions and announcing the start of each stage.

It will be driven by Isolde Holderied, a former works driver in the German Rally Championship during TMG's world championship-winning rally era. TMG team member Herbie Hossbach will co-drive.

The TMG Yaris R1A represents the first stage in a wider plan from TMG to supply cost-effective and fun motorsport cars to private entrants.

 

Yoshiaki Kinoshita, TMG President: "It is a great thrill for TMG to return to rallying, a discipline in which we enjoyed a great deal of success in the past. The TMG Yaris R1A is a completely different project compared to our WRC past it is an affordable but exciting car which makes rallying's major events accessible to a whole range of participants. We have already received numerous inquiries about this car so we know there is a huge appetite in the rally world for a new TOYOTA I hope this is the start of a new rally dynasty at TMG."

 

Isolde Holderied: "I am really excited to be behind the wheel of a new TOYOTA rally car again it's been a long time! TMG's concept with the TMG Yaris R1A is very positive because it makes rallying more accessible to potential drivers, particularly young people. It's great that TMG is returning to the world of rallying and I hope this demonstration at Rallye Deutschland is the start of a big future for this car. I expect to have a lot of fun."

For more information about the TMG Yaris R1A and/or the potential Yaris Trophy, please email motorsport@toyota-motorsport.com.

 

TMG Yaris R1A Specifications

 

Price (car + kit)

~&euro22,500 (excluding tax and installation)

Dimensions

3,885mm x 1,695mm x 1,510mm (length x width x height)

Wheelbase

2,510mm

Weight

~1,000kg

Engine

1.33l / 4-Cylinder / 16 valve

 

Front-wheel drive

Exhaust

55mm racing exhaust

 

Metallic catalytic converter for motorsport

Air Filter

Motorsport specific

Top Speed

175km/h

Max. Torque

120Nm

0-100km/h

11.7 seconds

Power

99PS

Transmission 

Six-speed standard gearbox

Shorter final drive

Standard differential

Suspension 

Motorsport shock absorbers with adapted springs

Adjustable ride height

Safety 

OMP Fe45 steel bolt-in roll cage

OMP rally seats

OMP six-point safety harness

OMP fire extinguisher plus handheld unit

Power cut-off switch

Sump, fuel tank and fuel line guards

 

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' title during a long participation which ended in 1999. TMG was also the home of TOYOTA's works Le Mans 24 Hours (1998-1999) and Formula 1 (2002-2009) teams, both of whom achieved pole and podium positions, and a tuning and sports conversion subsidiary (established in 1994). Since 2009, TMG is a leading engineering services supplier, offering its cutting-edge development facilities and know-how to a range of industries. It is also a pioneer in electric vehicle development and set a new EV lap record at the Nürburgring Nordschleife in August 2011. In 2012, the company returned to works motorsport as the home of the TOYOTA Racing team in the FIA World Endurance Championship, competing with a hybrid car designed and built at TMG. www.toyota-motorsport.com.