I own a 2024 Toyota GR Corolla Premium, and the turbocharged three-cylinder makes it one of the most enjoyable cars I’ve ever driven. Evasive Motorsports is taking that powertrain and slapping it into a Toyota GR86 for the 2024 SEMA show, giving it the GR Corolla’s AWD system and transmission to boot.
While it’s smaller than the GR86’s 2.4-liter four-cylinder, the GR Corolla’s G16E-GTS 1.6-liter three-cylinder and turbo make 300 horsepower, a significant improvement over the GR86’s 228-pony output. The shop hasn’t given all the project’s details yet, but photographer Larry Chen got early access for his YouTube channel.
The idea behind the build is to create a throwback car to celebrate Toyota’s long rallying history. The Celica GT-Four dominated rally stages in the 1990s and 2000s, and today’s Toyota GR team fields a rowdy GR Yaris, so an all-wheel drive GR86 would be an awesome way to pay respects to Toyota’s past rally legends.
Evasive will likely add a classic livery to the car, with Castrol and red/green graphics to compliment its vintage-inspired attitude. The vehicle may also get a slight lift and rally wheels to complete the look. SEMA happens in November in Las Vegas, so we’ll have to wait for teasers or the official show to get a better look at what could be one of the coolest cars on display.
[Images: Evasive Motorsports via YouTube]
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