Photo: Toyota
A few days ago, the Toyota GT 86 CS-R3 rally car “for the masses” has been unveiled and finally got a price tag. However, before it gets to enter the action, further testing on different tracks are required, reason for which the model began its rally career as a zero car in the ADAC Rallye Deutschland.
Former female world rally champion Isolde Holderied stood behind the wheel, and as a zero, or safety car, the Toyota GT 86 CS-R3 got to drive on the official tracks at the start of each round to make sure everything was arranged for the stage.
The priority here was not necessarily to drop seconds on the clock, but to record as many kilometers as possible, so that the team can better evaluate the car’s specs to find improvements.
“Overall it has been a very positive experience for us and an important step in the development of the CS-R3. The car on Rallye Deutschland was a first prototype so we expected some challenges but I am pleased to say the weekend was smoother than expected,” said principal engineer customer motorsport Nico Ehlert.
“Being in an environment where time is limited and the pressure is high gave us the chance to understand not only the performance of the car but also its operational needs. We have found a few areas to improve both in terms of technical performance and service park handling. As well as a positive weekend from a technical point of view, it was also great to see how the CS-R3 has been received."
The engine received a new software, different cams and a modified compression ratio, now being able to squeeze around 240-250 hp. For racing purposes, the gearbox has also been replaced with a true six-speed sequential one sending power to a rear limited-slip differential.
Since that’s about the limit of power you can enter in an R3 class rally, Toyota worked a lot to make the car lighter and more stiffer, stripping out the interior, fitting a FIA approved rollcage and a modified suspension.
The first units will be shipped starting with the beginning of next year. Toyota even has a discount if you place your order before February 2015, the CS-R3 costing €79,000 plus VAT, compared to the €84,000 plus VAT norma price.
We should also remind you that there will be a dedicated series called the HJS TMG CS-R3 Trophy part of the German Rally Championship if you decide to buy one and feel the thrills of rallying.
The priority here was not necessarily to drop seconds on the clock, but to record as many kilometers as possible, so that the team can better evaluate the car’s specs to find improvements.
“Overall it has been a very positive experience for us and an important step in the development of the CS-R3. The car on Rallye Deutschland was a first prototype so we expected some challenges but I am pleased to say the weekend was smoother than expected,” said principal engineer customer motorsport Nico Ehlert.
“Being in an environment where time is limited and the pressure is high gave us the chance to understand not only the performance of the car but also its operational needs. We have found a few areas to improve both in terms of technical performance and service park handling. As well as a positive weekend from a technical point of view, it was also great to see how the CS-R3 has been received."
The engine received a new software, different cams and a modified compression ratio, now being able to squeeze around 240-250 hp. For racing purposes, the gearbox has also been replaced with a true six-speed sequential one sending power to a rear limited-slip differential.
Since that’s about the limit of power you can enter in an R3 class rally, Toyota worked a lot to make the car lighter and more stiffer, stripping out the interior, fitting a FIA approved rollcage and a modified suspension.
The first units will be shipped starting with the beginning of next year. Toyota even has a discount if you place your order before February 2015, the CS-R3 costing €79,000 plus VAT, compared to the €84,000 plus VAT norma price.
We should also remind you that there will be a dedicated series called the HJS TMG CS-R3 Trophy part of the German Rally Championship if you decide to buy one and feel the thrills of rallying.
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