Toyota built a turbocharged AWD GR86 for the SEMA show

• Toyota GR86 Rally Legacy concept will be unveiled at the 2024 SEMA Show
• The concept features GR Corolla engine and AWD system
• The concept is inspired by the legendary Celica GT-Four rally cars

Toyota will use the 2024 SEMA show, which begins Tuesday in Las Vegas, to unveil several concepts, including the GR86 Rally Legacy.

The concept is based on the current GR86 sports car and features a design inspired by it iconic Celica GT-Four rally cars the 1990s. An example of this is the retro paint and the rear wing, both of which match the designs of the rally cars.

1997 Toyota Celica WRC rally car

What's perhaps more interesting is the concept's mechanical package. Instead of the 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine and rear-wheel drive of the standard GR86, Toyota installed it 1.5 liter inline 3 turbo engine and all-wheel drive system from the current GR Corolla hot hatch.

Rumor has it that the GR Corolla engine could be installed in the next GR86. However, Paul Doleshal, Toyota's general manager of North American motorsports, said the concept's new mechanicals were chosen to evoke memories of the Celica rally cars, which also featured turbocharged engines and all-wheel drive systems. The goal of the concept is to create a modern interpretation of the Celica GT-Four, he said.

Toyota GR86 Rally Legacy Concept

Replacing the mechanics was not an easy task given the different engine designs. Modifications required to fit the GR Corolla's larger, transversely mounted engine included realigning some parts of the front chassis Installing a custom subframe to provide the clearance required for the drivetrain and suspension.

The GR86's conversion to all-wheel drive also brought extensive changes, including the integration of the GR Corolla's hubs, spindles and axles to transfer power to the front wheels. At the rear, the team swapped the stock GR86 components for the GR Corolla differential and housing. The GR Corolla's rear axles also required modifications to fit properly.

Toyota GR86 Rally Legacy Concept

No extra power was taken from the engine, meaning it was still like that delivers 300 hp as standard.

Toyota also launched open-top 4Runner TRD Surf and Land Cruiser ROX concepts for the SEMA show, as well as a Baja 1000-ready Tacoma TRD ProRunner Race concept.