TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR) has revealed two new models, the GR GT and GR GT3, through the world premiere of their under-development prototypes. Both vehicles are being designed with three priorities in mind: a low center of gravity, low weight with high rigidity, and strong aerodynamic performance.
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The GR GT is positioned as TGR’s new flagship sports car. Developed as a road-legal race car, it continues TGR’s approach of building motorsport-bred models for everyday use. The GR GT3, meanwhile, is an FIA GT3-spec race car based on the GR GT and engineered for customer teams aiming to compete and win.
Both prototypes introduce several new technologies for Toyota, including the brand’s first all-aluminum body frame and a newly developed 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo engine, making a max output of 640 hp and 850 Nm of torque. These models were created under a unified development team led by Toyota Motor Corporation Chairman Akio Toyoda (Master Driver Morizo), with contributions from professional drivers, gentleman drivers, and in-house evaluation teams.
TGR positions the GR GT and GR GT3 as successors to past icons such as the Toyota 2000GT and the Lexus LFA. The development program is also intended to pass on advanced engineering skills to the next generation by combining experienced LFA engineers with younger team members.
GR GT: Road-Legal Race Car
The GR GT uses a hybrid system combining the new 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo engine with a single electric motor. Development targets include more than 640 hp of system output and 850 Nm of torque.
Key engineering focuses include a low center of gravity through a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout; lowered driver position; and optimized placement of heavy components such as the dry-sump engine and rear-mounted transaxle. Lightweight construction, featuring Toyota’s first all-aluminum body frame and strategic use of CFRP and plastics for body panels, add lightness and rigidity.
Toyota GAZOO RACING has also prioritized an aerodynamic-first design, in which engineers determined aerodynamic requirements before finalizing exterior styling, and the aero also adds cooling to the powerful four-liter engine.
The cabin is built around ergonomics, visibility, and driving precision, while retaining usability for daily driving.
GR GT3: FIA-Spec Customer Race Car
The GR GT3 follows the same core principles as the GR GT but is engineered to meet FIA GT3 regulations, the top global category for production-based race cars. TGR aims to create a model that is competitive for professional drivers yet manageable for gentleman drivers.
Alongside the development of the car itself, TGR is preparing a customer support program to help race teams maximize performance.
The GR GT and GR GT3 programs utilize techniques drawn from motorsports, including early adoption of driving simulators for evaluating core characteristics and extensive real-world testing. Prototypes have been run on Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama courses, at international circuits including Fuji Speedway and the Nürburgring, and on public roads.
TGR plans to continue development and aims to launch both models around 2027. Additional information will be announced as the vehicles progress toward production.
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