Toyota's new GT 86 is to take its first steps in the world of motorsport this May - and the new racing versions of the model will face a baptism of fire as they take part in the gruelling 24 Hours Nürburgring race.
The cars will be entered by independent outfit GAZOO Racing. Two cars will race alongside the team's Lexus LFA racer. It'll be GAZOO's sixth consecutive year in the event; last year, the team took an LFA to a third-in-class finish, and it'll be looking to build on that success.
For its part, Toyota will be providing backup to the team in the form of its own mechanics and support staff. The company hopes that success will lend sporting credibility to the GT 86, which is tasked with reviving the company's reputation as a manufacturer of drivers' cars. While no further events have been confirmed as yet for the model, Toyota has offered a commitment to "broaden the appeal of motorsport and foster more car enthusiasts" - which, we hope, means that the Nürburgring racers will spearhead an active motorsport career for the GT 86 and future Toyota models.
Details of the race car's specification are scarce at the moment, but the team has promised British fans a closer look at the GT 86 racers at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this year. In the meantime, the first campaign will get underway when the 24 Hours Nürburgring kicks off on the 17th of May.