The Toyota GT86, that was launched in the UK in July 2012, is to be seen on track, in the toughest UK race, The Britcar 24 Hours. The GT86 is a throw back to the mid 1980s and the legendary
Corrolla, which was also a rear wheel drive vehicle. This model is the first, in recent times, to have rear wheel drive, with most manufacturers of small coupes opting for the fun-dampening front wheel drive format.
GPRM, the race preparation firm behind the successful BTCC Toyota Avensis prototype, have work well underway in their Buckingham technical centre and whilst their brief is to retain as much of the road car’s specification as possible, several modifications will be made:
stripping back the chassis
lightening and strengthening the vehicle
equipping it with a roll cage and all the other safety gear required
installing quick-refuelling equipment
The Sports 800, 2000GT and AE86 are all sharing their best elements with the GT86, as all good predecessors should. Delivering 197bhp from the 16-valve double overhead cam horizontally opposed ‘Boxer’ engine, is the same as the road car.
Team Toyota GB, who are entering the car, earned fame in the 1980s and ’90s thanks to championship victories with the Corolla in the British Touring Car Championship and UK rallying. An announcement as to who will be driving the car in the event will be made in the coming weeks.
Taking place on the Silverstone Grand Prix circuit over the weekend of 22 and 23 September, The Britcar 24 Hours is the only round-the-clock race held in Britain, featuring sports and GT cars.
