TGR
Toyota has made a significant move in the rally world. The Japanese manufacturer has introduced a brand-new GR Corolla Rally RC2 to the rally stages of the United States and is entering the growing American Rally Association (ARA) championship. At the same time, a new program is being launched with the goal of developing both drivers and rally cars in the challenging conditions of North America.
The new car, new series and new look mark the beginning of Toyota’s ambitious rally project across the Atlantic. Behind the wheel will be American driver Seth Quintero, with Finnish co-driver Topi Luhtinen reading the notes. The car is set to make its competition debut at the legendary Rally in the 100 Acre Wood in Missouri.
Toyota brings a new GR Corolla to rally stages
Toyota’s new rally car is based on the high-performance GR Corolla, but it has been specifically built for competition in the RC2 category, which is roughly equivalent in performance to the international Rally2 class.
During development, Toyota has utilized knowledge gained from its success in the World Rally Championship (WRC). The GR Corolla RC2 shares several technical concepts with the GR Yaris Rally2, a car that has already achieved multiple victories and championships in international rally competition.
Key technical features include:
- 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine
- approximately 290 horsepower
- all-wheel drive
- five-speed sequential gearbox
- Reiger suspension and Alcon brakes
The car has been developed specifically for the conditions found in North American rallying. The project has involved key figures from Toyota’s rally program, including rally legend Jari-Matti Latvala and experienced test driver Juho Hänninen.
Toyota’s goal is not only to compete but also to use rallying as a development platform for future performance road cars.
American Rally Association – the growing rally championship in the USA
The American Rally Association is the leading national rally championship in the United States. The series features several iconic events held on gravel, snow and forest roads across the country.
Some of the most well-known rallies in the championship include:
- Sno*Drift Rally (Michigan)
- Rally in the 100 Acre Wood (Missouri)
- Olympus Rally (Washington)
- Ojibwe Forests Rally (Minnesota)
In recent years the ARA championship has grown significantly. More manufacturers have begun to show interest in the series because it offers a strong platform for testing cars and developing young drivers.
Subaru has traditionally dominated the championship, but competition has intensified as new manufacturers have joined the field. Toyota now aims to challenge the established teams with its new rally machine.
Seth Quintero and Topi Luhtinen – a new driver pairing
Behind the wheel of Toyota’s new rally project will be 23-year-old American driver Seth Quintero, who is best known for his performances in desert rallying and the Dakar Rally. He has won multiple stage victories during his career and has previously competed in Toyota’s rally-raid program.
However, the ARA championship presents a new challenge for him, as traditional stage rallying differs significantly from long-distance rally-raid events.
His co-driver will be Topi Luhtinen from Finland, who has experience competing in the WRC2 category of the World Rally Championship.
The combination is particularly interesting:
- an American driver transitioning into stage rallying
- a Finnish co-driver with experience from European rallying
- a completely new rally car
Quintero has also been involved in the development of the vehicle and has tested it on North American roads ahead of its competition debut.
Toyota aims to develop rallying in North America
Toyota has long been one of the most successful manufacturers in the World Rally Championship. Now the company wants to strengthen its presence in North American rally competition as well.
The ARA project has several goals:
- Develop new rally cars for the North American market
- cultivate new drivers within Toyota’s motorsport program
- strengthen Toyota’s motorsport brand in the United States
- further develop the GR performance lineup through racing
At the same time, the project brings additional manufacturer interest to the championship and helps raise the overall profile of rallying in the United States.
Corolla returns to its rally roots
The GR Corolla RC2 is not the first Corolla to compete in rallying. Toyota has used the Corolla name in motorsport for decades.
In the 1970s the Corolla achieved rally success in the hands of legendary drivers, and in the late 1990s the Corolla WRC competed at the very highest level of the sport.
The new GR Corolla RC2 continues that tradition with modern technology and the development expertise of Toyota Gazoo Racing.
A new era for American rallying
Toyota’s arrival in the ARA championship is one of the most significant developments in American rallying in recent years.
The new GR Corolla RC2, the young driver Seth Quintero and Finnish co-driver Topi Luhtinen form a project that could reshape the competitive landscape of the series.
If Toyota succeeds in its goals, the GR Corolla could become one of the most important cars in American rallying—and the championship itself may gain entirely new international attention.
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