It may have been several years since Toyota last competed in rally, but this year they’re making a strong return – with a Yaris!
This stylish rally Yaris has been developed by Toyota Motorsport GmBH (TMG) to provide an affordable, exciting entry into rallying for private competitors, young and old. For drivers keen to get started in rallying this could be the answer.
The FIA’s R1A regulations permit only limited performance modifications to the standard 1.3 Yairs. Modifications include a racing exhaust, catalytic converter system, shorter final drive gear, motorsport suspension with adapted springs and adjustable ride height. Additionally, there are extra safety features which include a bolt-in roll cage, guards for sump, fuel tank and fuel lines, fire extinguishers, rally seats, safety harness and a power cut-off switch.
This way, the TMG Yaris R1A will be able to compete in regional, national and international competitions all the way up to world rally championship events!
TMG is taking orders immediately, with donor car and upgrade kit (excluding tax and installation) available to purchase for approximately £18,000 – we think this is an incredible price for such a fun car.
“TMG Yaris R1A + first-time driver + very small test area = still fun!!” Check out the onboard video:
There has already been a high level of interest so keep an eye out for it making an appearance at rally stages. The Yaris will make its public debut at the ADAC Rallye Deutschland, 24th-26th August. There it will be driven by Isolde Holderied, a former works driver in the German Rally Championship during TMG’s world championship-winning rally era.
Isolde said, “I am really excited to be behind the wheel of a new Toyota rally car again; it’s been a long time! TMG’s concept with the TMG Yaris R1A is very positive because it makes rallying more accessible to potential drivers, particularly young people. Is great that TMG is returning to the world of the rallying and I hope this demonstration at Rallye Deutschland is the star of a big future for this car. I expect to have a lot of fun!”
Yoshiaki Kinoshita, TMG President said, “It is a great thrill for TMG to return to rallying, a discipline in which we enjoyed a great deal of success in the past. The TMG Yars R1A is a completely different project compared to our WRC past; it is an affordable but exciting car which makes rallying’s major events to a whole range of participants. We have already received numerous enquiries about this car so we know there is a huge appetite in the rally world for a new Toyota; I hope this is the start of a new rally dynasty at TMG.”
Tagged: accessible rally car, new rally Toyota, rally Yaris, TMG Yaris R1A, Toyota Motorsport GmBH, Toyota returns to rally
Comments