Toyota has a wonderful rally racing history and it was a damn shame when it withdrew from the World Rally Championship in 1999. Just think for a moment about the glory days of the Celica and Corolla WRC cars. But now the automaker is returning to WRC, having made the announcement back in January. So what will be Toyota's new WRC entry? If you were thinking the GT86, then you're wrong. According to a report coming from Australia's Motoring, a company source claims the new WRC car will be based on the next-gen Yaris that'll launch next year.

In order to meet FIA homologation regulations and qualify for WRC entry in 2017, Toyota will have to sell at least 2,500 rally-spec versions of the Yaris. Here's where it gets even better: that same source is claiming that the racing version will be powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged four banger with an output of around 300 hp. However, the road-going car might instead receive a 2.0-liter turbo with slightly less power (240 hp). Styling wise, expect for the road-going version to feature flared wheel arches, rear wing, and various other aerodynamic aids. No final engine decision has been made and we don't know if this hot Yaris hatch will be for Europe only, but it'd be nice to see at least a few arrive stateside.