The story of the Toyota 86/Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ is one of want. Sure, enthusiasts were thrilled to have an affordable and attractive rear-drive sports car in the mix, but it still left some desires unsatiated. The want for more power, the want for an STi version, and the want for better materials all have generally gone unanswered, unless you consider motorsport versions. About four years ago, the Toyota Motorsport GmbH (TMG) division launched a GT86 CS-V3 VLN car and announced the first ever TMG GT86 Cup, a one-make racing series. The success of that series spawned an even better track machine, the GT86 CS-Cup, which officially entered competition in 2016. This week at the 2016 SEMA show, is the first time it has set rubber on U.S. soil.
The CS-Cup is technically the third version of TMG’s 86 race variant. First came the CS-V3, then came the CS-R3 rally car last year, and now the CS-Cup. None of them have earth-shattering power upgrades compared with the stock 205 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque; the Cup has 212 horsepower and 162 lb-ft. With these race cars, the suspension, aero, and ECU provide the excitement.
The Cup is based on a 2017 GT86. First, Toyota stripped it and added a full roll cage to meet FIA regulations. By removing anything that wasn’t necessary to the racing purpose and making other modifications, Toyota was able to bring the weight down from about 2700 to 2800 pounds (depending on the model) to a claimed 2100 pounds.

Toyota Final...