The 1998 Corolla WRC featured an aggressive aerodynamic design with a prominent rear wing
TOYOTA COROLLA WRC
In its debut season in the WRC in 1998, the Toyota Corolla WRC achieved some notable performances. It won its first race in the Rally of Finland with Finnish driver Juha Kankkunen behind the wheel. It also secured victories in the China Rally and the Catalunya Rally, and achieved several podium finishes in other events. These performances helped Toyota secure the runner-up position in the constructors’ championship that year.
1998
YEAR
4
VICTORIES
1
BRAND CHAMPIONSHIP
OVERVIEW
The Toyota Corolla WRC (World Rally Car) of 1998 was the rally car developed by Toyota to compete in the World Rally Championship (WRC) in the two-liter category. It was built based on the production model of the Toyota Corolla but was extensively modified and improved to comply with the competition regulations.
The 1998 Corolla WRC featured an aggressive aerodynamic design with a prominent rear wing, side skirts, and an extended body kit to enhance stability at high speeds. It was powered by a two-liter, four-cylinder inline engine with turbocharging and direct fuel injection system. Power was transmitted to all four wheels through a six-speed sequential manual transmission.
FULL DETAILS
In its debut season in the WRC in 1998, the Toyota Corolla WRC achieved some notable performances. It won its first race in the Rally of Finland with Finnish driver Juha Kankkunen behind the wheel. It also secured victories in the China Rally and the Catalunya Rally, and achieved several podium finishes in other events. These performances helped Toyota secure the runner-up position in the constructors’ championship that year.
In the following years, the Corolla WRC continued to compete in the WRC, although it didn’t replicate the same level of success as in its debut season. While it obtained some occasional podiums and victories, it faced tough competition from other manufacturers and teams in the championship.
In 1999, Toyota introduced an evolution of the Corolla WRC, known as the Corolla WRC Evo, which featured improvements in suspension, electronics, and aerodynamics to enhance its performance. However, the results were not as prominent as expected, and Toyota officially withdrew from the WRC at the end of the 1999 season.
Despite its departure from the WRC, the Toyota Corolla WRC left a significant legacy in the world of rallying and demonstrated Toyota’s ability to compete globally in one of the most demanding motorsport competitions.
GALLERY
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