The Toyota GR Corolla draws inspiration from the automaker’s victorious World Rally Championship (WRC) squad, but so far, the closest it has come to a stage is the parking lot. That is changing, as Toyota has confirmed that a rally car derived from the hot hatch will return the Corolla name to rallying in 2026. Rather than competing in the WRC, the Corolla rally car will take part in the American Rally Association (ARA) championship.
In January of this year, Toyota unveiled a GR Corolla rally car concept at the Tokyo Auto Salon and finally validated on Friday that a fully-realized version would participate in the ARA season. Officially named the GR Corolla RC2, it will race in the RC2 class, described by Toyota as “approximately equivalent” to the Rally2 class internationally. It will keep the 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine found in the GR Corolla road version, but details about the technical aspects were otherwise sparse.
Toyota intends to enter a single car starting with the second round of the 2026 season, the 1000 Acre Wood Rally in Missouri. American Seth Quintero will be at the wheel while also engaging in a Toyota-supported campaign in the World Rally Raid Championship (W2RC). His co-driver will be Finn Topi Luthtinen.
The Corolla boasts a rich rallying legacy, from Hannu Mikkola’s 1975 1000 Lakes Rally victory to the 1999 WRC manufacturer’s championship. Toyota exited the rallying scene after that but returned in the late 2010s with the Yaris, which has become a formidable competitor in the series. The Corolla’s return to the ARA will aid in “developing cars on North American roads and creating ever-better motorsport-oriented vehicles,” the automaker stated. This is aligned with the motorsports-passionate chairman Akio Toyoda’s vision of producing more cars for driving enthusiasts.
The GR Corolla RC2 will also be a treat for American rally aficionados. It could spark a manufacturer rivalry between Toyota and Subaru, which (through partner Vermont Sports Car) has been the only steady manufacturer presence in the ARA championship for a while. It will be exciting to witness a replay of those 1990s WRC Corolla vs. WRX confrontations across the American countryside.
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**Toyota GR Corolla Rally Car Set to Compete in American Rally Championship in 2026**
In a thrilling update for motorsport fans, Toyota has declared that its eagerly awaited GR Corolla rally car will participate in the American Rally Championship (ARC) beginning in 2026. This initiative signifies a major advancement for Toyota as it seeks to amplify its presence in the rallying arena, particularly in the United States, where rally racing is becoming increasingly popular.
The GR Corolla, a performance-centric version of the ordinary Corolla, has been engineered with rally racing objectives in mind. It boasts a turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine, generating approximately 300 horsepower, and is fitted with an advanced all-wheel-drive system. This combination of strength and grip is essential for tackling the demanding terrains and fluctuating weather conditions commonly encountered by rally drivers.
Toyota’s dedication to rallying is well-established; the brand has an extensive legacy in the sport, with a plethora of triumphs in the World Rally Championship (WRC). Integrating the GR Corolla into the ARC is part of Toyota’s approach to utilize its motorsport heritage while promoting its performance-focused GR range. The vehicle has been designed to comply with the specific regulations of the ARC, ensuring it remains competitive against other brands in the competition.
The American Rally Championship serves as a platform for showcasing rising talent and cutting-edge automotive technology. With the arrival of the GR Corolla, fans can anticipate exhilarating competition as Toyota goes up against other manufacturers like Subaru and Ford, who have a strong foothold in the rallying sphere. The introduction of the GR Corolla is expected to heighten the excitement of the championship, attracting more spectators and participants.
Toyota’s engagement in the ARC also mirrors a broader tendency within the automotive sector, where manufacturers are increasingly investing in motorsport as a vehicle for developing new technologies and enhancing brand visibility. Insights gained from rallying—such as performance optimization, durability, and handling—often lead to enhancements in consumer vehicles, benefiting drivers in everyday use.
As the 2026 season draws closer, Toyota is anticipated to unveil its driver lineup and additional details concerning its rally initiative. Fans are eagerly looking forward to the GR Corolla’s competitive debut, as it promises to inject a new level of excitement and innovation into the American Rally Championship. With its blend of performance, heritage, and state-of-the-art technology, the Toyota GR Corolla is poised to make a substantial impact in the realm of rally racing.
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