Toyota GT86 CS-R3 gets on track in Germany

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is ready to return to WRC at this year's ADAC Rallye Deutschland, the ninth round of the 2014 FIA World Rally Championship. The new GT86 CS-R3, developed by Toyota Motorsport (TMG) will be making there its inaugural run.

TMG has decided to return to its rallying roots with a rear-wheel-drive car to entertain drivers and fans alike, following in the wheel tracks of cars such as the spectacular Celica Twin Cam Turbo (TA64), a rally winner in the 1980s.

After almost a year of development, TMG will put the CS-R3 through its paces as a zero car on Rallye Deutschland, which takes place around Trier, Germany, on August 21-24. The car is not competing but will have an important role testing each stage to ensure safety.

Former female world champion Isolde Holderied will drive the CS-R3. One of her main tasks will be to evaluate the car, which is currently a prototype, in order to refine the design prior to confirmation of the final specifications, a necessary step before R3 homologation is completed.

The GT86 CS-R3 conforms to the FIA’s R3 regulation, which allows modification of its two-litre boxer engine. Changes to the software and hardware, such as cam lift and compression ratio, are part of an extensive development programme and the final car is targeted to deliver 240-250 hp.

Throughout the development process, TMG has focused on reducing weight whilst delivering safety, reliability and fun. The car has been fitted with a sequential shift six-speed transmission and limited slip rear differential. A FIA-homologated safety cage has been designed for weight optimisation.

The CS-R3 has tested already on various surfaces to prepare for its Rallye Deutschland participation, during which it will complete 274 km over three days and 18 stages.

The new rally car will be available to customers in the first quarter of 2015 in kit form and TMG expects to offer a price comparable with other R3 models. Pricing will be announced after confirmation of the final specifications.