Ever since the release of the Toyota variant for the Toyobaru sports car, the GT86, the company has been busy showing to the world what the latest model is capable of. Subaru recently unveiled the GT300 racing version of the BRZ cousin which will be fielded in the Japan SuperGT racing series.

And now, it is Toyota’s turn with the announcement of not one, but two examples of the GT86 which will be used in the demanding 24 Hours Nurburgring competition next month. The cars which are developed by the company’s own Gazoo Racing will team alongside one LF-A in the race.

Toyota announced its 2012 Gazoo activity plans recently and it is aimed at broadening the appeal of car racing and fostering more car enthusiasts. As part of initiatives to develop better cars, the Gazoo Racing team has been competing in the 24 Hours Nurburgring race since 2007 and they also has launched several models to give car enthusiasts a feel of their racing cars.

The team has also organised various circuit events across Japan to give drivers with no racing experience an opportunity to safely drive their cars on a race track. As for this year, Toyota will use the 86 to promote the appeal of its cars by entering the 24 Hours Nurburgring race which will be held in May. On top of this, Toyota will also sponsor teams using the 86 in local racing series.

With rumours of Toyota returning to the World Rally Championships and together with this, it is clear that the company is serious in returning to motorsports. Could this be the right time for Toyota to make a comeback? Only time will tell.

motorsports, other news, japan and 8 more...

Viewed: 1,095 times