Quick look
- New flagship models of the GR performance brand which will be launched in 2027..
- GR GT is a road-legal sportscar while the GR GT3 is for competition.
- Both cars use a new 4-litre V8 twin-turbo hybrid electric powertrain with 650 ps/850 Nm (or more).
Each decade since the 1960s when Toyota had the Sports 800 and 2000GT, the automaker has had one or two significant sportscars. In the 2020s, especially since the creation of the GR performance brand, there have been more sportscars than ever before and with each new one, the company is meeting its promise of offering ever-better motorsports-bred cars.
Flagship models
The latest are the GR GT and GR GT3 which are flagship models for the GR brand.
Positioned as flagships in the footsteps of the 2000GT of yesteryear and the Lexus LFA, one of the aims of the development of the GR GT and GR GT3 was to preserve and pass on ‘the secret sauce of car-making’ to the next generation. In this way, ‘Shikinen Sengu’ (a ritual in which a Shinto shrine is periodically rebuilt) will continue at Toyota.
The two models are the result of veterans of development of the Lexus LFA transferring skills and techniques to younger members, the active adoption of new, Toyota-first technologies for enhanced vehicle performance, and the taking on of numerous unprecedented challenges.
Road-legal racing car
The GR GT was conceptualized and developed as a road-legal racing car. As a manifestation of insistence on pursuing a driver-first approach, development strived to not only endow the GR GT with a high level of dynamic performance but also to achieve a sense of car-driver unity, enabling the driver to interact with the vehicle at all times.
It is powered by a hybrid electric system that has a newly developed 4.0-litre, V8 twin-turbo engine and a single electric motor. In addition to maximum system output of 650 ps (or greater) and maximum system torque of 850 Nm (or greater) for superior performance, strong focus was given to 3 key elements: a low centre of gravity, low weight with high rigidity, and the pursuit of exceptional aerodynamic performance. To ensure continued sales, development is being undertaken to comply with increasingly stringent emissions regulations as well.
Attention was paid to adopting a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive powertrain layout for ease of handling when driving the vehicle to its limit. The centre of gravity of heavy components, such as the engine with dry-sump lubrication, rear-mounted transaxle, and other major mechanisms, has been significantly lowered through optimized positioning while also achieving a 45:55 front-to-rear weight distribution.
The engine’s power is transmitted to the rear transaxle via a CFRP torque tube. In addition to a motor-generator, the transaxle integrates a newly developed 8-speed automatic transmission, which uses a wet-start clutch in place of a torque converter, and a mechanical LSD.
Also, the adoption of a rear transaxle and the optimal placement of the drive battery, fuel tank, and other heavy components have resulted in a, contributing to ease of vehicle handling.
The GR GT delivers not only high-level performance but also the distinctive racing sound of a V8 twin-turbo engine. Sound development was centred on two pillars: creating sound that enables interaction with the car and creating sound that conveys changes in thermal energy. The structure of the exhaust pipe has been designed to produce sound that synchronizes with the state of the car.
All-aluminium body frame
As for low weight with high rigidity, which constitutes the second key element, the GR GT features Toyota’s first all-aluminium body frame. Additionally, the appropriate use of carbonfibre-reinforced plastic, plastic, and other materials in the body panels has resulted in a strong yet light body with a target vehicle weight of 1,750 kgs or less.
Exterior styling took a different path in pursuit of aerodynamic performance. In the normal development process, the styling considers aerodynamics only after finalization of the design. In the case of the GR GT, the ideal aerodynamic performance was established first, followed by consideration of exterior styling. Aerodynamics specialists and exterior designers then worked together to achieve styling for the best aerodynamic and cooling performance.
The suspension features a newly designed, low-mounted double-wishbone system with forged aluminium arms at both the front and rear. Its characteristics were developed from scratch, with a focus on linear response and a high level of controllability, from everyday use to at-the-limit driving.
Brembo carbon discs are used in the brakes, and vehicle behaviour control during braking was developed together with professional drivers. The GR GT’s Vehicle Stability Control system allows multi-stage adjustment of driving force and braking control, enabling driver selection of the vehicle control difficulty level based on driving skill and encountered weather conditions for an enjoyable and secure driving experience. This set-up is also used in TGR’s Nürburgring 24-hour endurance racing cars and is an example of technology honed through competing in motorsports.
Driver first
Interior styling, as well, was meticulously crafted without compromise, based on ergonomics aimed at achieving the optimal driving position from a professional driver’s perspective and visibility needed for at-the-limit driving.
Particular attention was paid to efficient operability, with driving-related switches placed near the steering wheel and positioned and shaped for intuitive operation. For ease of visual recognition even during circuit driving, substantial focus was also given to the gauges, for which the width, height, and position of information displays, such as the shift-up and gear selection indicators, were determined through a process of trial and error. Naturally, in addition to circuit driving, the interior designers have also made sure the GR GT will be for everyday use.
GR GT3
The GR GT3 has been developed to been FIA GT3 specifications, the top category of production vehicle-based customer motorsports, and aims to be a car that is chosen by people who want to win yet be easy to drive for anyone. At the same time, in addition to heightening the competitiveness of the GR GT3 as a car, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing is also preparing to establish an optimal support system for customers who race to help them fully enjoy motorsports.
Launch in 2027
While the GR Supra – currently the GR flagship – is ending production in March 2026 (along with the BMW Z3 that is produced in the same Magna Steyr factory in Austria), Toyota says the two new models are still under development and will not be launched for sale till 2027.
It’s also been made clear that the collaboration between BMW and Toyota for the Supra will not be continued with a future Supra (which Toyota hints will have a next generation). Perhaps the direction Toyota has in mind was different from BMW’s.
Whether it can afford the luxury of having another Supra below the GR GT remains to be seen. Akio may be enthusiastic about having more fun-to-drive sportscars but Toyota is also a pragmatic company that always makes sure there’s a strong business case before proceeding.
Find out more about GR models in Malaysia
