600 HP GR Corolla engine powers Ryan Tuerck’s AWD Celica Rally build
This might make GR engine swaps on other Toyota models look tame.
Drift star Ryan Tuerck has unveiled another wild creation, swapping a fully-built GR Corolla engine into a 1994 Toyota Celica and transforming it into an all-wheel-drive rally car that wouldn't look out of place at a rally event.
The build draws inspiration from the iconic Toyota Celica GT-Four ST205 with the unmistakable Castrol livery that made its mark in the 1994 World Rally Championship (WRC) season.
Dubbed the GT411, the build transforms a front-wheel-drive Celica GT into a rally-spec all-wheel-drive racecar. Key modifications include a reworked floor pan and a custom tubular rear subframe to house the AWD system, which features Wavetrac differentials and a Holinger sequential gearbox, complemented by a full roll cage and carbon fiber panels for added rigidity and reduced weight.
Power comes from a swapped G16E-GTS engine, the same 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder that powers the Toyota GR Corolla. Each engine is hand-assembled at Toyota’s Motomachi plant, the same facility that produced the Lexus LFA.
In stock form, it delivers 300 HP and 400 Nm of torque, making it the most powerful production three-cylinder at launch. With 187.5 HP per liter and 100 HP per cylinder, it surpasses even legends like the Toyota 2JZ-GTE in specific output.
Engineered by Toyota Gazoo Racing for the World Rally Championship, the G16E-GTS features massive main bearing girdles, oil-jet piston cooling, and a reinforced three-piece block, allowing it to handle extreme stress and high boost pressures of up to 1.81 bar (26.3 psi). Its robust design also provides impressive tuning potential, with modified builds exceeding 500 HP.
Under the hood of the GT411 sits a fully rebuilt G16E-GTS engine by Precision Balancing & Machine. This 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder has been upgraded to produce up to 600 HP.
Enhancements include a Garrett G30-770 turbocharger, custom exhaust header, forged Nitto Performance Engineering pistons and rods, Kelford Stage 2 camshafts, and a Supertech valvetrain. The result is a compact yet immensely powerful engine that integrates seamlessly into the Celica’s engine bay.
Inspired by the legendary Toyota Celica GT-Four ST205 of the World Rally Championship, Ryan Tuerck’s GT411 blends modern performance with classic rally roots.
It recently made its debut at the FAT Ice Race, finishing in an impressive second place, an early sign of its competitive potential.
More importantly, this build rekindles the spirit of rallying’s golden era, defined by raw power, mechanical ingenuity, and unforgettable machines.
With rumors surrounding the return of the Toyota Celica nameplate to motorsport, Tuerck’s GT411 could offer a glimpse of what a modern rally coupe might become.
