Toyota GR GT is a 650 PS twin-turbo V8 hybrid sports car

Toyota also reveals racing version called the GR GT3

After spending most of the year keeping fans on their toes, Toyota is ready to reveal its latest halo model.

Embodying TGR's philosophy of building even better motorsports-bred cars. Toyota unveiled the GR GT and its next-gen GT3 challenger in a special launch event held at Toyota’s Higashi-Fuji technical center. Both models remain as prototype models as its development phase continues. Even so, both sports cars seem to already look production ready.

These flagship models reflect TGR's philosophy of creating motorsports-inspired cars, developed through a collaborative, one-team approach led by TMC Chairman Akio Toyoda, involving professional, gentleman, and in-house drivers working closely with engineers.

Positioned in the footsteps of the iconic Toyota 2000GT and the groundbreaking Lexus LFA, one of the aims of the development of the GR GT and GR GT3 prototypes are to preserve and pass on "the secret sauce of car-making" to the next generation as "Toyota's Shikinen Sengu". 

GR GT

The GR GT was conceived and developed as a road-legal race car, embodying a driver-first philosophy. Its development aimed not only to deliver exceptional dynamic performance but also to create a sense of unity between car and driver, allowing seamless interaction at all times.

The GR GT features a hybrid powertrain while maintaining a relentless focus on three core elements: a low center of gravity, lightweight construction with high rigidity, and optimized aerodynamic performance.

Low Center of Gravity

The GR GT’s development focuses on achieving an exceptionally low center of gravity by optimizing vehicle height, driver position, and component placement. A front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout and careful positioning of heavy components enhance handling, while aligning the driver’s and car’s centers of gravity fosters a strong sense of car-driver unity.

Lightweight Construction

Combining light weight with high rigidity, the GR GT features Toyota's first all-aluminum body frame. This includes carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), plastic, and other materials in the body panels has resulted in a strong yet light body.

Optimized Aerodynamic Performance

Going against Toyota's usual process of designing vehicles, the GR GT was designed with aerodynamics as the primary focus. Engineers and designers collaborated to balance airflow, cooling, and aesthetics. The interior was carefully crafted for optimal driving ergonomics and visibility for high-performance driving, while still being practical for everyday use.

Twin-Turbo V8 Powerplant

The GR GT features Toyota’s first production 4.0-liter, V8 twin-turbo engine, designed to be compact and lightweight for a low center of gravity. It has a short-stroke “hot V” layout with dry-sump lubrication, paired with a rear transaxle integrating an 8-speed automatic, mechanical LSD, and motor-generator.

The powertrain targets over 650 PS and 850 Nm, achieving a 45:55 weight distribution for optimal handling. If it sounds familiar, the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 formula is similar to how Mercedes-AMG packages its engine with the AMG GT-R.

Aside from the intoxicating levels of power, the GR GT also comes with a gloriously sounding exhaust note. Sound development was centered 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 meticulously crafted to produce sound that refelcts the true nature of the vehicle.

Driver-Oriented Interior

The GR GT’s interior is designed with absolute priority on driving position, visibility, and intuitive operation, making it suitable for both professional and casual drivers on track days or daily driving. Controls are placed close to the steering wheel for easy, instinctive use, while gauges and display information were refined through trial and error to ensure clear visibility even during high-speed circuit driving.

Aerodynamically Optimized

Following an “aerodynamics first” approach, engineers and exterior designers worked as one to meet the demands of a car exceeding 320 km/h. Unlike typical production development, where styling comes before airflow and cooling, its race-car roots required reversing the process. Aerodynamics specialists from FIA WEC helped define the ideal aerodynamic model, and only then did designers create mass-production-ready styling based on that form.

Rigid and Lightweight Structure

Low weight and high rigidity was acheived with Toyota’s first all-aluminum body frame, using new technology and design. Low-mounted double-wishbone suspension with and bespoke Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires was tuned with professional driver input through simulators and test runs for precise, controllable performance on both track and public roads.

Brembo carbon brakes and a multi-stage Vehicle Stability Control system, derived from Nürburgring 24-hour racing enhance braking stability, allowing drivers to tailor control levels to skill and conditions. Many chassis and suspension components are designed for compatibility with the GR GT3.

GR GT3

The GR GT3 carries over the GR GT’s core principles of a low center of gravity, low weight with high rigidity, and advanced aerodynamics, while meeting FIA GT3 regulations for top-tier customer racing. Designed to be both highly competitive and easy to drive for professionals and gentleman drivers alike, it reflects Toyota Gazoo Racing’s driver-first philosophy. Alongside the car’s development, TGR is also developing a support system for the customer racers. 

Developing Better Vehicles

Toyota Gazoo Racing’s flagship GR GT and GR GT3 models embody new technologies and innovative development methods inspired by motorsports. Using advanced tools, TGR employed driving-simulator development, to refine core vehicle characteristics efficiently. Extensive simulations were done on real-world proving grounds, global race circuits like Fuji Speedway and the Nürburgring, and even public roads, ensuring high performance, durability, and everyday usability. Following the GR philosophy, both models were pushed to failure and refined repeatedly.

Toyota Gazoo Racing continues to develop the GR GT and GR GT3 with the goal of launching them around 2027.