We were disappointed when Japanese automaker Toyota say goodbye to the World Rally Championship (WRC) a few years ago, but now we're excited the Japanese automaker has plans return to the race. It even has plans to bring the lightweight Toyota Yaris along for the ride.
Toyota took part in the World Rally Championship from 1973 to 1999. During that time, the reliable auto brand earned three WRC titles and 43 victories. One of most recognizable Toyota race cars of all time is the Celica WRC rally car.
The Yaris is an interesting pick for the Japanese brand's next racer. Toyota explains why it made the choice, stating, "We're leaning towards an S2000-style of car which would be available for customers first. This is a development project, but it's very early days-the engine only fired up for the first time a few weeks ago. At the very earliest, a car won't be available until next year. Obviously, this being a Global Race Engine, it could go in any car, but the Yaris seems to make sense."1 The Yaris' short wheelbase and light frame are a prime combination for rally racing, so it has potential to be an excellent choice when it eventually makes its debut in 2014.
Here at R & H Toyota, conveniently located at 9801 Resiterstown Road Owings Mills, MD 21117, we're excited to see how Toyota fares in the WRC this time around. Be sure to stay tuned with us for more updates about the new Yaris racer and its accomplishments!
Source: 1 http://www.topspeed.com/cars/car-news/toyota-to-make-world-rally-championship-comeback-with-yaris-ar127803.html
