Toyota racing fans, do we have news for you! Japanese automaker is back in a big way in the British racing world with a new Britcar 24 Hours endurance race entry at the Silverstone track for September 2012. In the 1980s and 1990s, Team Toyota GB (Great Britain) was a rather famous name in the British Touring Car racing and UK rallying scene, with several wins by its AE86 Toyota Corolla, but that all changed when the brand disappeared from the ranks for a bit. Now, Team Toyota GB is back and ready to race with its new Toyota GT86 racer.
The GT86 racer boasts a rear-wheel drive 2.0-liter four-cylinder Boxer engine. GPRM's goal is to keep the racer as close to standard road car specifications as possible while also molding it into a competitive track machine.
Gary Blackham, a representative for GPRM (the group that also created the BTCC Toyota Avensis prototype) explains, "We are concentrating our efforts on stripping back the chassis, lightening and strengthening it and of course equipping it with a roll cage and all the other safety gear required, as well as quick-refuelling equipment. Other than that, the GT86 will remain essentially in road car form."1
Look for the Toyota GT86 on racetracks soon, and don't forget to stay tuned here with Marion Toyota, conveniently located at 3300 W Deyoung Marion, IL 62959 and serving the greater Indianapolis, IN area, for more Toyota updates as they become available. While you're waiting, feel free to browse our fantastic selection of new Toyota vehicles!
Source: 1 http://www.caradvice.com.au/183966/toyota-86-reignites-british-racing-flame/
