Toyota GR pair breaks cover

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing has shown two of its most important future cars in prototype form, the GR GT and GR GT3, signaling the next step in the brand’s motorsport-based performance lineup.

Engineers focused on three core targets for both models. These are a very low center of gravity, low weight with high rigidity, and strong aerodynamic performance.

The project brought together Toyota Motor Corporation chairman Akio Toyoda, known as Master Driver Morizo, professional racers such as Tatsuya Kataoka, Hiroaki Ishiura and Naoya Gamou, gentleman driver Daisuke Toyoda, and in-house test drivers who worked closely with the engineering teams.

The GR GT sits at the top of the future GR road-car range. Toyota describes it as a road-legal race car that puts the driver at the center of every decision.

The car uses a newly developed 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo engine paired with a single electric motor in a hybrid system. Target figures reach at least 650 PS and 850 Nm, sent to the rear wheels through a new eight-speed automatic transmission and rear transaxle.

Weight distribution targets sit at 45 percent front and 55 percent rear to help stability and response.

Large castings, extrusions, and advanced joining methods aim to deliver high rigidity while keeping weight in check. Many exterior panels use aluminum and carbon fiber-reinforced plastic.

The suspension uses double wishbones with forged aluminum arms at both ends, while braking relies on Brembo carbon ceramic discs. The car rides on Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires developed specifically for this model.

Aerodynamics shaped the design from the start. For the GR GT, engineers first created an “aerodynamic model” based on ideal downforce and cooling, then designers adapted this into a body suitable for production. This reversed the usual process that sets the style first and tunes the airflow later.

The cabin follows the same driver-first theme. Professional racers helped define driving position, visibility, and switch layout. Instrument graphics, shift lights, and gear displays were tuned for quick reading on track while still working for daily use.

The GR GT3 is the racing sibling and uses the same main ideas. It is based on the GR GT and configured to meet FIA GT3 regulations for global customer motorsport.

The car keeps the low center of gravity, light and stiff construction, and aero-driven bodywork of the road model. Toyota wants it to be a machine that serious racers choose to win championships, but that gentleman drivers can still handle with confidence.

Alongside the car itself, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing plans a support program to help teams run the car effectively.

Both models went through a mix of simulator development and real-world running. Testing took place on Toyota’s Shimoyama proving ground, at Fuji Speedway, at the Nürburgring, and on public roads to balance extreme performance with everyday drivability.

The cars remain under development, with launch targeted around 2027 and details still subject to change. TOYOTA GAZOO Racing plans to keep refining the pair in line with its aim of making ever-better cars through motorsport.