TOYOTA GAZOO Racing has unveiled two new prototype models, the GR GT and GR GT3, at a world premiere event. These vehicles are positioned as flagship sports cars and reflect Toyota’s approach to motorsport-inspired car development.
The GR GT is described as a road-legal race car and serves as TGR’s new flagship model. It was developed with an emphasis on three main elements: a low center of gravity, reduced weight with high rigidity, and improved aerodynamic performance. The vehicle features Toyota’s first all-aluminum body frame and uses a hybrid system combining a newly developed 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo engine with an electric motor. According to Toyota, the target maximum system output is at least 650 PS, while torque aims for 850 Nm or greater.
The GR GT3 is based on the GR GT platform but meets FIA GT3 specifications for customer racing. It shares key characteristics such as low center of gravity and lightweight construction and is designed for both professional drivers and amateurs seeking competitive performance in motorsports.
Development of these models involved collaboration between engineers, professional drivers including Tatsuya Kataoka, Hiroaki Ishiura, Naoya Gamou, gentleman driver Daisuke Toyoda, in-house evaluation drivers, and leadership from Akio Toyoda (also known as Master Driver Morizo). “Their development―starting with the vehicle concept formulation stage―was advanced under a one-team approach centered on TMC Chairman Akio Toyoda…in which professional drivers…and in-house evaluation drivers worked in unison with engineers,” the company stated.
Toyota says that the process reversed traditional methods by prioritizing aerodynamic performance before finalizing exterior styling. Engineers experienced in international competition contributed to this approach. Interior design also focused on ergonomics for optimal driving position and visibility suitable for both circuit use and daily driving.
Both vehicles have undergone extensive testing using simulators early in their development alongside real-world tests at locations like Fuji Speedway, Nürburgring, Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama, and public roads. The aim was to refine handling characteristics suitable for various conditions.
TGR emphasized its philosophy of continuous improvement: “Like other GR models, the GR GT and GR GT3 have been repeatedly honed, driven to failure, and repaired to make them into models that will live up to all drivers’ expectations.”
Production versions of both models are targeted for launch around 2027. Further details will be released closer to their market introduction.
For more information about Toyota’s broader environmental initiatives related to mobility innovation or sustainability goals supporting projects like these new models, readers can visit Toyota’s Beyond Zero initiative at https://global.toyota/en/mobility/beyond-zero/ or learn about its Sustainable Development Goals activities at https://global.toyota/en/sustainability/sdgs/.
