Since its debut as the Scion FR-S in 2012, Toyota fans have been clamoring for a turbocharged version of the GR86. While many tuners and enthusiasts have taken it upon themselves to create their own turbo builds, Toyota has largely remained silent on forced induction options—until now. The automaker has collaborated with Evasive Motorsports to develop a GR86 utilizing components from a GR Corolla for the SEMA show. Motorsport photographer Larry Chen visited to capture this unique project.
Evasive Motorsports is well-versed in Toyota ’86 engine swaps. In 2020, they successfully squeezed a 2JZ engine into a first-generation GT86, ultimately winning the Pikes Peak Unlimited Division with it. This expertise in 86 builds is what prompted Toyota to enlist Evasive for this specialized project: to create a GR86 powered by the GR Corolla engine, while honoring its legendary rally vehicles from the past, such as the Celica GT-Four.
Despite being from the same manufacturer, transferring the engine and mechanisms isn’t straightforward. The GR86 and GR Corolla are fundamentally different vehicles—the GR86 is a two-door, rear-wheel-drive coupe featuring a longitudinally mounted, Subaru-sourced boxer four-cylinder engine at the front. In contrast, the GR Corolla is a five-door hatchback, utilizing front-wheel drive, a transverse-mounted turbocharged three-cylinder engine, and an advanced all-wheel-drive system. While dropping a GR Corolla engine into the GR86 may seem simple, integrating full all-wheel-drive functionality presents challenges, as the GR86’s chassis is not built for it. Thus, significant custom fabrication is required.
Some aspects of the project fell into place more easily than expected. The rear differential from the GR Corolla fits surprisingly well into the GR86’s rear end, requiring only minimal fabrication. Additionally, the GR Corolla’s axles and wheel hubs align almost perfectly with the GR86, despite being longer. Adjusting the wheel offset is the only modification needed to ensure the wheels fit snugly after the swap. Interestingly, Evasive has chosen not to implement a widebody kit, so the GR86’s fenders will remain in their original form.
The GR Corolla boasts 300 horsepower, which is a significant boost of 78 horsepower over the standard GR86. This increase means that the project will have a substantial performance edge right off the bat. Additionally, with simple modifications like updated engine management, a larger turbocharger, and new fuel injectors, it has the potential to deliver even more power. It is hoped that Toyota and Evasive will take the car rally racing once it’s showcased at SEMA, as it deserves more than a life confined to auto shows. (However, it’s uncertain if it will sport the famous Castrol livery teased in the video thumbnail; upon closer inspection, it appears to be a screenshot from a custom iRacing design.) If this creation performs even halfway as well on dirt as the legendary Celica GT-Four, Toyota and Evasive may find themselves with a future classic on their hands.
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