Toyota has initiated a new phase of testing for its prototype for the WRC 2027 this week in Spain, marked by a revamped design that adapts to the new competition rules. The Japanese brand is the only large-volume manufacturer that, so far, has committed to build a vehicle that meets the technical regulations that will come into force next year.
The new FIA guidelines set a cost limit of 345,000 euros for the construction of the vehicles, which will be primarily inspired by the current Rally2 format cars. These vehicles will incorporate a double wishbone suspension and brake and steering systems that will evolve from the specifications of the current Rally2 cars.
Toyota began testing its prototype last year, with images and videos from the initial tests circulating on social media during a test conducted in Portugal in February. These images showed a car with a shape very different from that of the GR Yaris currently competing in the WRC.
All current Toyota drivers in the WRC have participated in testing the new vehicle, except for the new nine-time world champion, Sébastien Ogier. Additionally, Toyota has hired the services of the 2019 world champion, Ott Tänak, for these development tests.
The engineering head of Toyota, Kevin Struyf, has avoided giving details about the identity of the car, referring to it as a ‘prototype’ until the final design is definitive. Recently, new images and videos of the prototype have leaked in Spain, where the vehicle presents a shape more aligned with the GR Yaris, but with a rear reminiscent of Toyota’s street model C-HR.
In statements made during the Rally of Croatia, Struyf confirmed that the team is in the process of building a new ‘mule’ chassis to continue testing after the initial trials. “Currently it’s just a rally prototype car,” he stated. “In 2027 the regulations will change, and design freedom will be greater, so we’re still not clear on which path we want to follow with the final model.”
Struyf added that they plan to develop a provisional model that will continue testing during this month of April, with the intention of achieving a definitive design as soon as possible.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
SourceID: SRC_dff6f4c8ad39883b91bb0c3345d0af8292c40a89