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R-GT class has been existing for 2 years now but nobody seem to be interested. Since next year there's a new rule that R-GT cars can be homologated by a tuner without a manufacturer approval needed. Anyway R-GT is intended for almost stock GT cars while R3 is for relatively largely tuned touring cars (GT-86 is four seater, otherwise it would not be eligible for R3).
http://emoticonhq.com/images/ICQ/love.jpgQuote:
Originally Posted by Andre Oliveira
Toyota got it. From street car to rally car lets hope for normal running cost prizes.
Hope it was built with a lot of suspension travel in mind.
You can not do miracles within R3 regulations.
Maybe this is a precursor for something in R5, lets hope it is!Quote:
Originally Posted by Mirek
I don't think so, at least not with GT-86. If I'm not mistaken the boxer engine is placed so low that it's impossible to make the car 4WD.
Plus the engine's too far back for Subaru's usual AWD setup with the front driveshafts coming out of the transmission. Changing the spark plugs must be rough.
But for R3 this looks like a neat package if they can make the motor reliable.
11 Nov: Toyota returns to WRC? - http://www.jaggybunnet.co.uk/2013/11/11 ... ns-to-wrc/
http://www.jaggybunnet.co.uk/wp-cont...05-300x200.jpg
First Toyota have to manufacture 2500 cars with a 1.6 turbo engine. It would really be a zing to the current models of R5 cars.Quote:
Originally Posted by ToughMac
Toyota returning to the WRC episode 2567... a few years more and they can match the FIAT joins the WRC saga...
Alpha male wolfs like VW actually do things instead of circulating gossip...
Scared little doggies just bark and produce ladyboy toys...
pfffft...
Given that Toyota has history with the sport, I am prepared to give them benefit of doubt. Besides, I haven't heard anyone from Toyota say that they will return to top level of the sport. They only make a Rx-class rally car and everyone jumps to conclusions.
I’d say it’s a good thing. Another Manufacturer in the sport – albeit a customer programme in one of the ‘lesser’ classes. They maybe the No1 car manufacturer, but they were badly burned by the F1 programme – and even now only occasionally run 2 cars in the WEC series. They are being careful about spending money. When they are ready, and conditions allow – I’m sure they’ll be back.
Don't tell me you have a problem with the R classes. If anything they're closer to a normal car than the WRC and can be better for manufacturers when it comes to image (which itself is big for sales). Look at Renault. Plus there are a lot more makers involved in those classes.Quote:
Originally Posted by N.O.T
i don't have a problem with the R classes... i have a problem with people circulating rumours and jump into photoshops every time a manufacturer even remotely refers to rallying...
I like it. It's good to dream about someone coming back to a sport you love :crazy:
As for the relevance to road cars argument goes for R3 and below, who cares? That was the argument the BRC used when switching to a front wheel drive only championship. I am completely happy for the class to exist - it has relevance as a stepping stone to the highest level of rallying. I just hate it when it suggested that people should enjoy watching those cars just because they're closer to a road car than a WRC car...
Hopefully the introduction of a RWD sports coupe will increase my interest in the R3 category instead of having to put up with watching Shitroen DS3s understeer their way round rally stages :D
http://www.naturephotohub.com/public...t/thumbsup.gifQuote:
Originally Posted by Jack4688`
I think the R-class regulations would really appeal to Toyota's sensibilities. They clearly want to be involved in motorsports, but they don't like sinking millions of dollars into expensive programs, unless there is a direct benefit for them, like the TS030 Hybrid. Under R3, they could build the car, make it available to competitors, and leave it at that.Quote:
Originally Posted by N.O.T
There are Toyota 86 and Toyota Yaris rally cars already on the stages.
http://youtu.be/zNa8VaOCOOY (Cusco Toyota 86 on gravel)
http://www.toyota.co.za/articles/new-to ... aler-rally
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAQ5JIfi ... Nh7CyGoT2A (M Young - Toyota Vitz Rs)
A quick look on most Toyota websites shows they use the 'sustainable' word quite a lot now.
Their rally activities are more likely to be about taking part rather than competing at the most expensive WRC level.
Hybrid, electric and hydrogen fuel is where Toyota's longer term plans are at.
Toyota 86 hybrids are in development which means they are likely to have an engine different to the current boxer engined 86 etc.
http://www.carsguide.com.au/news-and-re ... nced_stage
I think this news release by Toyota explains where Toyota's priorities are at for the present time.
http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/11/20/3 ... del-by.htm
The link doesn't work.
Add a "L" at the end of the link, to make it be .html and it works ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by Mirek
Thanks
According to Rally Emotion magazine's website, it looks like Toyota will prepare its 2015-WRC assault with an Italian team! Could Toyota's return be an Italian job? :D
http://www.rallyemotion.it/7813_wrc-tea ... di-toyota/
Hardly. That site already had some SF news...
Grifone? :angryfire
I find that hard to believe. I don't know what kind of capacity Toyota Motorsport GmbH has but surely Toyota would not sub out the development of an official WRC project???
Agree 100%.Quote:
Originally Posted by Jack4688`
I've read that the rumour started during Monza Rally Show, and that the Italian team would probably be ProCar...
http://www.rally.it/il-ritorno-di-toyot ... la-procar/
I also find it hard to believe though.
Already two years a go there were rumors that Toyota would start with supplying cars for private teams before entering itself.
when was the last time an italian site had correct information ?
Not likely; but their WEC programme uses Oreca as well as their own people/ facilities.Quote:
Originally Posted by Jack4688`
Seems they want just a kind of partner. Maybe their factory can't fulfill both programmes (and customers activities too), so they're thinkin to do part of the work in joint-venture with an external structure... just like in WEC way with French Oreca, as AndyRAC well said.Quote:
Originally Posted by Jack4688`
Toyota with Motorsport Italia? So... Toyota gives up WRC before entering :confused:
WTF is actually going on here?? Surely toyota wouldn't let a mediocre italian firm head up a wrc programme for them? I struggle to believe this...
Toyota with Motorsport Itália is a good way of not entering on the WRC :D
We've seen how it went with the Mini JCW WRC :p