Rear wheel drive is making a comeback for rally. With the Tuthill 911 making it’s rounds in the new RGT class of the WRC, this has opened the door for many unorthodox manufacturers to develop their high performance supercars into rally machines. While a basic rally-spec Fiesta is already expensive enough, there’s no doubt that these supercar-based rally machines will be even more pricey- but Toyota Motorsport GmbH (TMG) is willing to offer rear-wheel drive fun on a ‘budget’.
It’s called the GT86 CS-R3, and it’s developed extensively by TMG to compete on proper rally stages. With a prototype launched late last year, testing over the last few months has helped TMG dial in the exact specifications and requirements to be competitive and quick whether on gravel and tarmac. The GT86 CS-R3 is ready for its competitive debut this year in the Rally Niedersachsen near Hanover on 4 July, the first round of the new HJS TMG CS-R3 Trophy. FIA homologation for the R3 class is aimed for completion by July, and will make the GT86 CS-R3 eligible for competition in any of the national or international rallies, including the WRC.
The CS-R3 has already proved immensely popular thanks to its rear-wheel drive powertrain, with 1,998cc, 238hp boxer engine and six-speed sequential transmission which combine to produce a spectacular driving experience.
The first cars will be delivered to customers in May, later than originally forecast to allow improvements highlighted during testing to be implemented. As a consequence TMG has extended its introductory discount. The CS-R3 kit, in either tarmac or gravel specification, costs €79,000 (excluding VAT) for orders made before 24 April 2015, representing a €5,000 discount on the standard retail price of €84,000 (excluding VAT). The CS-R3 kit includes GT86 body shell, powertrain and all mechanical components required to build the car.
GT86 CS-R3 Technical Specifications:
Price
€79,000 (excluding VAT) for orders before April 24 2015
€84,000 (excluding VAT) standard price
Engine:
Type
FA20
Layout
Boxer, flat four
Displacement
1998 cc
Max. power
238hp
Max. torque
230Nm @ 6,800rpm
Exhaust
HJS racing exhaust and manifold
Fuel cell
FT3 safety cell
Transmission:
Type
Rear wheel drive
Gearbox
Drenth six-speed sequential
Differential
Limited slip, several ramp setting options available
Final drive
Short final drive, several options available
Clutch
Racing clutch with lightweight flywheel
Steering
Hydraulic power steering with short ratio
Chassis:
Bodywork
Steel monocoque bodyshell with roof ventilation
Roll cage
Homologated R3 safety cage
Length
4240 mm
Width
1775 mm
Wheelbase
2570 mm
Weight
1080 kg by regulation
Suspension
Front: MacPherson type
Rear: Multi-link
Shocks
Gravel: Reiger, adjustable three-way
Tarmac: Reiger, adjustable three-way
Stabilizer
Several options
Rims
Gravel: OZ 6″ x 15″
Tarmac: OZ 7″ x 17″
Brakes
Front Gravel: 300mm x 30mm
Tarmac: 330mm x 30mm
Rear Gravel: 295mm x 10mm
Tarmac: 295mm x 10mm
Caliper
Front: Alcon, four-piston brake caliper
Rear: Alcon, two-piston brake caliper
