Toyota Motorsport GmbH has announced its Toyota GT86 CS-R3 has been given FIA homologation to compete in the R3 category and even WRC.

THE TOYOTA GT86 CS-R3 has become the first new real-wheel drive car to be granted FIA homologation (in the 21st century) and approved to compete in the previously front-wheel drive only R3 category. Indeed, the GT86 CS-R3 is eligible to compete in the World Rally Championship.

“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,” Toyota Motorsport GmbH said in a statement.

TMG had to spend a considerable amount of time working on the engine to ensure it met FIA specifications, with one of the major challenges being that the compression had to be decreased from road car specification. Changes to the engine internals and software have resulted in maximum power of 170kW-plus, and peak torque of 235Nm.

The CS-R3 has a Drench six-speed sequential transmission, and limited-slip rear differential. A “weight optimisation programme has enhanced the already-nimble handling of the GT86” while the suspension, brakes and exhaust have also been upgraded. A roll cage supplied as standard.

TMG said it would 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. The CS-R3, including complete chassis and powertrain, is sold in kit form for €84,000 (excluding VAT) or $133,685AUD.

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.”