Friday, January 30, 2015

Toyota To Return to WRC in 2017 With Yaris

Toyota Yaris WRC

Toyota has confirmed that it is returning to the World Rally Championship (WRC) in 2017 after an 18 year absence. We've talked about the WRC Yaris before, but it's now official.

The Yaris will be powered by a direct-injected 1.6-liter turbocharged engine mated to a sequential six-speed gearbox putting 300 hp and 310 ft/lbs of torque to all four wheels. That should offer the tiny Toyota plenty of go against its competition.

Oh look—video!


Interestingly, they're using the 2012-2014 front fascia vs. the new-for-2015 "gaping mount" version. I much prefer the '12-'14 fascia anyhow.

So although it won't carry the old-school Castrol livery, Toyota's return to the WRC is a very cool thing, and it's even cooler since it's in one of their best-selling global subcompact models.

Toyota Yaris WRC Car

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