Toyota has revealed the Toyota GR GT and GR GT3 as its new flagship performance machines. The announcement highlights Toyota Gazoo Racing’s push to build motorsports-bred cars for the road and the track. The models follow Toyota’s long legacy of high-performance icons like the 2000GT and Lexus LFA.
Toyota GR GT – Key Highlights of the Announcement
Toyota developed the new GR GT and GR GT3 under a unified “one-team” approach led by TMC Chairman Akio Toyoda, also known as Morizo. Professional drivers and in-house evaluation teams worked closely with engineers from the early concept stage.
The goal was clear: create cars that offer pure driver engagement, extreme performance, and long-term technological value. Both models will serve as Toyota’s performance flagships and introduce new development processes inspired by motorsport.
Toyota GR GT – New Features Explained
Toyota designed the GR GT as a road-legal race car with a strong focus on car-driver unity. It uses a new 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbo hybrid system that targets 650+ hp and 850+ Nm. The powertrain also integrates a rear-mounted transaxle with a new 8-speed automatic transmission for sharper response.
Key updates include:
- Ultra-low centre of gravity for better handling
- Toyota’s first all-aluminium frame
- Carbon fibre reinforced plastic body panels
- Aerodynamics developed before exterior styling
- New double-wishbone suspension with forged aluminium arms
- Brembo carbon ceramic brakes
- Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres
- Top speed of 320 km/h or more
These upgrades give the GR GT a competitive edge against global supercars. They also support Toyota’s motorsport-led development strategy.
Toyota GR GT – Market Significance & Strategy
Toyota positions the GR GT and GR GT3 as successors to iconic performance machines. Their development focuses on preserving and evolving Toyota’s “secret sauce of car-making,” passed down from the engineers behind the Lexus LFA.
The GR GT3, meanwhile, meets FIA GT3 racing regulations. Toyota aims to build a customer race car that is fast, reliable, and easy to drive for both professionals and gentleman racers. The company is also preparing a strong global support program for customer racing teams.
This approach strengthens Toyota’s motorsport presence while enhancing its performance car lineup.
Interior & Aerodynamic Strategy
Toyota crafted the interior around an ideal driving position with professional-level visibility. All controls are placed near the steering wheel for intuitive use. Moreover, Toyota’s “aero-first” development method ensured the car’s shape supports maximum cooling and performance before designers finalized the look.
Leadership Direction
Toyota leadership says the models were repeatedly tested, broken, and rebuilt to meet extreme performance targets. Testing took place at Fuji Speedway, the Nürburgring and even public roads. The company believes these cars will set new standards for Toyota’s future performance models.
Conclusion
The Toyota GR GT and GR GT3 reflect Toyota Gazoo Racing’s vision of building ever-better performance cars. With new materials, motorsport-tested tech, and a driver-first design, Toyota is preparing these models for launch around 2027.
