We’ll dig into the details shortly, but let’s get one thing out of the way first: Toyota has finally fitted the GR 86 with its turbocharged three-cylinder engine, the 300bhp G16E-GTS unit found in the GR Corolla and, in a slightly less powerful tune, the GR Yaris.

Since the GT86 launched in 2012, fans of Toyota’s junior sports car have speculated about a turbocharged variant – and Toyota USA has now delivered, albeit as a concept. Could a turbocharged GR 86 finally be making it to production? Toyota GR 86 ST305 GT-4 has a nice ring to it, wouldn’t you agree?

Built for SEMA 2024, the concept doesn’t stop at the new engine and a splash of paint. True to the lineage of the ST185 and ST205 Celicas that homologated Toyota’s WRC entries, this GR 86 is a fully-fledged four-wheel-drive machine. Beneath its dramatically flared arches and towering rear wing lies not only the heart of the GR Corolla but also its running gear.

Before we get too carried away, a little tempering is required. Adapting a transverse, AWD powertrain to the GR 86’s longitudinal, RWD platform presented significant engineering challenges – ones that are likely to put a hard stop on dreams of a production variant. In order to fit the G16 engine, custom subframes and engine mounts have been fabricated to allow clearance for the driveline. The GR Corolla’s hubs, spindles, and axles have been adopted at the front, necessitating custom coil-over dampers and control arms that contribute to the rally-inspired stance. At the rear, a switchable GR Corolla differential pairs with a six-speed manual transmission. The finishing touches – centre-exit exhaust, Speedline alloys, and oversized mud flaps – complete the Group A aesthetic.

Inside, it’s pure competition spec: a stripped cabin with a roll cage, bucket seats, and six-point harnesses, while the rear seats have been removed entirely.

Toyota USA has remained coy about the concept’s purpose. Mike Tripp, group vice president at Toyota Marketing, suggested it was built to gauge interest in the possible return of WRC to North America. Paul Doleshal, General Manager of Motorsports and Assets at Toyota Motor North America, added, “The aim is to evoke memories of the legendary rally car that enthusiasts have admired on rally stages and in popular racing video games. That idea led to a formative conversation about how cool it would be to create a modern interpretation of such an iconic car.”

Replacing the Subaru-sourced 2.4-litre flat-four with a Toyota engine also raises questions about production feasibility. Even if an AWD version doesn’t make it to the showroom, the prospect of a turbocharged GR 86 with rally-inspired styling remains exciting. After all, Toyota GR 86 ST305 still has a ring to it.