Toyota Gazoo Racing announces two racing models: GR GT and GR GT3

Toyota Gazoo Racing, the sports division of the Japanese manufacturer, held the world premiere of two new models, the GR GT and the GR GT3, publicly showing development prototypes for the first time that herald a new era in the company’s philosophy of creating better and better cars. These models are positioned as the brand’s new flagships, following legendary predecessors such as the Toyota 2000GT from the 1960s and the Lexus LFA. The development of both vehicles was guided by a unique “one team” approach under the leadership of the president Coming to Toyodealso a racing driver, with the cooperation of professional drivers and engineers to ensure the ultimate driving experience.​​

One for the road, the other for the track

The GR GT model was developed as a road racing car with a focus on the “unification” of driver and vehicle, while the GR GT3, based on that model, is specifically adapted for competition according to the FIA’s GT3 class specifications. Both models share three key elements that define their performance: extremely low center of gravity, low mass with high stiffness and an uncompromising search for aerodynamic efficiency. These cars are the result of transferring the knowledge of the veterans who developed the Lexus LFA to younger generations, with the active application of new technologies first seen in Toyota.​

The heart of the new GR GT model is a hybrid system that pairs a newly developed 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo engine with a single electric motor, achieving a target system power of at least 650 hp and a torque of over 850 Nm. The engine is designed with a “hot V” turbocharger configuration and dry sump system to be compact and allow for a low center of gravity, and power is sent to the rear wheels via a new eight-speed rear-mounted automatic transmission. A unique feature of this powertrain is the use of a bevel gear to change the direction of rotation on the rear axle, a solution taken from all-wheel drive vehicles and optimized for this arrangement.​

To achieve low mass with high strength, the GR GT uses Toyota’s first all-aluminum chassis, while the panels are made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic and aluminum. The suspension is also completely new, with double wishbones front and rear, also in aluminum, developed from scratch with the help of simulators and testing on tracks like the Nürburgring. The braking system uses carbon-ceramic discs, and the advanced stability control system allows the driver to adjust the level of his intervention in several stages, depending on skill and track conditions.​

Design follows function

The exterior design process, Toyota says, for the GR GT was completely reversed from the conventional approach. Instead of adapting the aerodynamics to the finished design, here the ideal aerodynamic form is established first. Engineers with FIA WEC competition experience worked with designers to create an aerodynamic model that dictates the vehicle’s appearance, ensuring performance at speeds in excess of 320 km/h. The interior is designed with an emphasis on ergonomics and visibility necessary for driving at the limit, with all key switches located within easy reach of the steering wheel.​​

The GR GT3, as a racing derivative, shares the basic aluminum chassis and suspension structure with the road-going model, but has been adapted to the strict FIA GT3 rules for customers who want to compete and win. Although it is a thoroughbred racing car, Gazoo Racing emphasizes that the “driver first” principle is equally important here, as both professionals and amateurs will be behind the wheel. Toyota plans to launch these models around 2027, continuing intensive testing to ensure the cars meet expectations in all conditions, from everyday driving to the extreme exertions of the race track.