Yates chooses Toyota 86 for Drift GP

Yates has much of 2013 modifying the car to suit drifting competition, and is currently in Perth getting ready for the event at Barbagallo Raceway.

The 86 will take over from the famous 1984 model Toyota AE86 which Yates has campaigned since 2004, winning multiple titles including the 2006 Australian Drift Championship and becoming the first CAMS-affiliated drift driver.

The build includes a heavily-modified, turbocharged version of the factory FA-20 engine (producing 346kW with 22psi of boost), a sequential transmission, all new suspension and brakes, modified steering and substantial body and interior changes.

The development of the car, which Yates was so dedicated to that his own wedding date was pushed back, resulted in numerous details which Yates says sets this car apart from other modified Toyota 86s.

"We're trailblazing a bit with the 86 and there's not that many off-the-shelf parts available for a build like this," Yates said.

"The quality of the fabrication and all the custom parts that have gone into the build, and the support from partners like Hypertune, Wynns, Insight, Nitto Tire and Toyota Australia make this car pretty special."

While its modifications are extensive, Yates made an effort to keep many of the elements that make the road-going 86 an enjoyable drive.

"Retaining the factory engine is a key aspect of the build, because a lot of people have modified 86s with aftermarket motors - six-cylinders or V8s," Yates said.

"But Toyota knows how to engineer a car, and when you switch to a heavier engine you upset the balance. The stock engine is lightweight, has a low centre of gravity, is efficient and has proven it can produce a lot of power."

Toyota Australia's product public relations manager Stephen Coughlan said the most outstanding thing about Beau Yates' new car is the effort that went into making it happen.

"Beau is very hands-on, and his dedication to this build is quite beyond anything I've seen before - he knows every nut and bolt in that car," Mr Coughlan said.

"He's spent many late nights with different specialists working on the build, and he may have created a record for the number of nights he slept in the back of his Toyota Hilux!

"We're very pleased that he saw so much potential in the road-going version of the Toyota 86 and transformed it into what is expected to be a formidable drift machine," he said.

Round two of the Australian Drifting Grand Prix will be held at Barbagallo Raceway in Perth on December 7 and 8.

MODIFICATIONS TO YATES' TOYOTA 86:
- Toyota FA-20 engine with sleeved block, forged pistons, Garrett 3076GTX turbocharger, dry sump - 346kW at 22psi boost
- Motec M150 engine control unit with C125 dash
- Tractive RD906 six-speed sequential gearbox
- Modified factory steering rack and arms for more steering lock
- Front cross-member moved to mount engine closer to the cabin
- BC Racing coilover suspension, TRD swaybars, custom lower control arms, increased negative wheel camber
- Hydraulic handbrake
- Koya RG Tek 18-inch wheels with Nitto NT05 tyres
- Rocket Bunny wide body kit, Seibon dry carbon fibre bonnet and boot
- Lexan side and rear windows
- Bride seats, Nardi steering wheel, Macrosuede wrapped dashboard
- GD Racecars custom roll cage