What's the news?

The image of Carlos Sainz launching his Toyota Celica over a jump on the WRC trails is one of the most enduring pictures from recent rally history and one that is likely to be replicated with the announcement that Toyota is to offer a rally specification version of its GT86 coupé.

Sainz is unlikely to take the helm, but with the car being built to R2 specification, you could be.

As part of the build Toyota Motorsport GmbH (TMG) will fit a six-speed sequential gearbox, limited slip differential, modified engine, adapted brakes and other upgrades to the car known as the TMG GT86 CS-R3. Experience garnered developing the TMG GT86 CS-V3 race car for the Nürburgring-based VLN series means that TMG engineers will be able to modify the base car to the maximum level permitted within the regulations.

"Rallying is in our blood at TMG," said Nico Ehlert, Principal Engineer Customer Motorsport. "The GT86 CS-R3 promises to be a thrilling car on the rally stages; with rear-wheel drive we can expect some dramatic action which is sure to be entertaining for drivers and fans alike."

"Through our experience with the TMG GT86 Cup and the TMG GT86 CS-V3 race car we have built a solid infrastructure for customer motorsport over the past few years. We will draw on this to deliver a reliable, safe and high-performance car, plus all the required technical support, for our customers."

"We expect demand to be high so we are looking forward to seeing a lot of GT86 CS-R3 rally cars in action from the beginning of the 2015 season."

Anything else?

Aimed at private competitors, the GT86 rally car will be eligible for all FIA-sanctioned rallies, up to and including the World Rally Championship. Full specifications and pricing will be announced in the coming months and deliveries are scheduled in time for the beginning of the 2015 season.