Australia’s new-for-2016 Toyota 86 series organisers say competitors can be on the grid for less than $70,000.

The grassroots category will see manual variants of the coupes compete in a five-round national series starting at Winton from May 20-22.

Four-times Australian rally champion Neal Bates has worked with a range of suppliers to develop an affordable race package that is competitive and durable.

The package which can be sourced by Bates’ Motorsport firm includes an adjustable front and rear coil-over damping system built and tuned by renowned suspension maker Murray Coote.

Brakes are upgraded with larger rotors (330mm front, 316mm rear) and AP Racing callipers (four-piston front, two-piston rear), while the wheels step up to 18-inch OZ ‘Asfalto’ alloy rims.

The exhaust system is custom made from manifold to tailpipe, a Toyota Racing Development (TRD) engine oil cooler has been added, and a specific locked Motec M150 Electronic Control Unit (ECU) is able to be swapped from car to car, ensuring parity on engine management.

“In fine tuning the 86 race package we’ve aimed for a balance between performance, tune-ability and budget,” Bates said.

“Drivers of all ages will benefit from the driveability we’ve added through the exhaust and ECU tune, at the same time developing their set-up skills with the adjustable coil-overs.”

The competition cars must be fitted with a Toyota 86 Racing Series-compliant roll cage, CAMS-compliant race seat and multi-point harness, which competitors are able to source independently; with an all-up representative cost of $12-15,000.

As previously announced, the Toyota 86 Series sees an entry fee of $1,500 including the signature Bathurst round with a prizemoney purse of $125,000 offered.