Toyota Motorsport GmbH (TMG) has confirmed that the GT86 Cup competition will return for a further season, in 2017. The GT86 Cup, which TMG introduced in 2013, runs within the VLN series on the Nürburgring Nordschleife and provides private competitors with a cost-efficient way to compete in one of the biggest GT-based championships in Europe.
2016 saw the mid-season introduction of TMG’s updated GT86 CS-Cup car, replacing the CS-V3 version. The new car is lighter, with more power and improved aerodynamics, helping to significantly improve lap times during the season.
With more power, more torque and reduced weight, the CS-Cup delivers better performance while modifications such as flat-foot gear shifting with auto-blip and adjusted sixth gear enhance the driving experience whilst still maintaining the CS-V3 car’s ease of use.
For 2017, TMG will further optimise the CS-Cup with minor changes based on feedback from Cup participants and test activities this year. With this new car delivering a performance step whilst retaining its value-for-money reputation thanks to running costs of just €6.20 per kilometre (US$6.50), TMG is confident that the Cup grid will expand next year with new participants in discussions to join.
As well as constantly improving the car, TMG also has exciting plans to enhance the championship itself; delivering better value and an improved experience for competitors in 2017. Exact details will be finalised in the coming weeks, with a target to retain the low entry fee and prize money rewards.
“We are really pleased to continue with the Cup at least until the end of 2017 as this is a significant part of TMG’s customer motorsport strategy,” explained Nico Ehlert, principal engineer Customer Motorsport. “I would like to say thank you to our existing teams who have shown great commitment and performance over the past seasons; it is a pleasure to work alongside this talented group. I am convinced the Cup provides the best cost/performance balance in the VLN series and when you see the smile on the face of drivers who experience the GT86 CS-Cup for the first time, it’s clear this car is great fun to drive. So we are looking forward to welcoming new teams to the Cup in 2017 when we expect another exciting season.”
