In a move that sounds very similar to what Lexus did with the LF-A some two years ago, Toyota and its motorsports partner Gazoo Racing are preparing a specially modified version of the upcoming FT-86 rear-wheel drive coupe that will make its racing debut before the official presentation of the production model at the Tokyo Motor Show in early December.
Our man with the long lens not only caught the FT-86 by Gazoo Racing, but he also told us that it will break cover this Saturday, October 15, at the VLN endurance racing championship at the Nürburgring.
We checked the entries and can confirm that the FT-86 has been officially listed with Masahiko Kagayama and Minoru Takaki taking the driver’s seat.
The racing prototype of the FT-86 coupe is heavily based on the production model that will follow later in the year.
Among other changes, the car is fitted with racing tires and alloy wheels, huge brake discs and an aero package that comprises of large rear wing, a front apron, rear diffuser and race-spec mirrors.
The pictures also reveal the bucket seats and the necessary to compete in the race, safety roll cage. There’s no information about the mechanics, but our guess is that the prototype is powered by a tuned version of the standard model’s 2.0-liter boxer engine.
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