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We’re curious to see how the GR GT3’s low-slung design translates to the GR86’s production-friendly proportions
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–> by Andrew Gutman
December 29, 2022 at 10:32
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by Andrew Gutman
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About a year ago, Toyota revealed the stunning GR GT3 concept at Tokyo Auto Salon. A few months later, images of a wingless version of the vehicle hit the patent office, fueling rumors of a potential production model. Those rumors have largely dissolved, but it seems students at Japan’s NATS technical school still want to see it happen, so they’re building their own based on the previous-gen 86.
Dubbed the “NATS GR Stance”, the sports coupe will be outfitted with a full custom body kit to make it resemble Toyota’s stylish racecar. This includes details such as the full-width rear light bar, huge rear wing atop a molded ducktail spoiler, and overall just a completely remodeled body. There aren’t any real images of the front of the car yet, as we assume it isn’t finished, but we imagine it will remain faithful to the GR GT3’s.
See Also: Toyota Gets Our Attention With Non-Supra Based GR GT3 Coupe Concept
After all these changes, all that’s really left of the old 86‘s design is the roofline, but even that’s changed a bit, as the new rear quarter panels extend up into the pillars to make the silhouette closer resemble the concept. NATS has also taken a few of their own liberties with the design, some of which include rear window louvers, a diffuser extension, vented rear fenders with strakes, and a double-vented hood. Unfortunately, another one of those liberties includes quad exhaust tips at the rear, which are nice, but we would have loved to have seen the side pipes from the concept.
Related: NATS Students Built A Lifted Five-Door Suzuki Jimny Called “Mountain God”
The changes don’t stop with the body, though, as NATS plans on outfitting the car with extensive mechanical upgrades modifications to make its performance match its looks. The most notable of these is the GReddy turbo kit, which should increase output significantly from the original 197 hp (200 PS / 147 kW) and 151 lb-ft (205 Nm) of torque.
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Additional performance upgrades include a Greddy exhaust, T-demand brakes and air suspension, and wider SSR wheels mounted on Toyo semislick tires. To keep the driver in tune with their machine, the interior features bucket seats, racing harnesses, and a new steering wheel from Sparco as well as numerous aftermarket gauges, while a roll cage helps to keep occupants protected.
The finished product will be on display at this year’s Tokyo Auto Salon, which runs from January 13-15.
