It has been revealed that Toyota Motor Corporation is planning to bring the new supercar “GR GT” to market around 2026. The race-only vehicle “GR GT3 Concept,” unveiled as a concept car at the 2022 Tokyo Auto Salon , has attracted the attention of car fans around the world with its overwhelming presence and technology directly derived from motorsports.
The GR GT3 is a supercar that was truly “born for racing,” with development led by Toyota GAZOO Racing, Toyota’s motorsports division. Its development concept was a customer motorsports vehicle based on FIA GT3 regulations. Every element, including aerodynamics, engine output, and chassis performance, has been pushed to its limits in order to win on circuits around the world.
This vehicle is scheduled to go on sale in 2026 and is likely to attract attention as a new sports car. Recently, a test drive was conducted at the Spa-Francorchamps Circuit in Belgium, and spy shots were also taken.
Toyota/Lexus new GT3 vehicle, camouflage pattern racing car
Toyota’s new GT3 vehicle will be appearing as a camouflage racing car, which you can see in action in the video below.
The launch of the production model and its WEC debut
Despite delays to the production model’s launch, Toyota is planning to debut the car at the World Endurance Championship (WEC) in 2026. Reports suggest that the GR GT3 Concept-based vehicle will be badged as a Lexus and is likely to be the successor to the RC F GT3.
Successor to the “RC F GT3”: GR GT?
Comments from WEC Team Director
“It’s no secret that we are developing a GT3 car, which will make its race debut in Europe in 2026, ” Rob Leupen, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing WEC team director, told Motorsport.com . “This plan is in line with Toyota’s philosophy and is progressing on the same schedule as our production cars.”
From GT3 to the road – The evolution of the GR GT
GR GT3 Concept
The commercial launch of the GR GT3 is not just the realization of a concept car. Toyota is seeking to create a more emotional, higher-performance sports car by incorporating the technology and know-how it has cultivated in motorsports into its production vehicles.
The production version of the GR GT3 will follow the design of the concept car, but is expected to add safety and comfort features necessary for road use. The powertrain is likely to be a V6 twin-turbo engine, with a maximum output expected to exceed 600 horsepower. Advanced materials such as carbon fiber will also be actively used to reduce weight, resulting in outstanding handling and acceleration.
The History of GR GT – A Challenge in Motorsports
The roots of the GR GT3 date back to the GR Supra GT4, which was announced in 2019. The GR Supra GT4 was developed as a racing car for customer motorsports and has been active in races around the world. The GR GT3 can be said to be a model that aims for even higher performance based on the knowledge gained from the GR Supra GT4.
The GR GT3 Concept, unveiled at the 2022 Tokyo Auto Salon, attracted a great deal of attention with its innovative design and impressive presence. Its exterior, which combines the classic sports car proportions of a long nose and short deck with the latest aerodynamic technology, captivates onlookers.
GR GT Commercialization – A New Chapter for Toyota
The launch of the GR GT3 marks the beginning of a new chapter in Toyota’s sports car strategy. The GR brand has a lineup of compelling sports cars, including the GR86, GR Supra, and GR Yaris, and the GR GT3 will be the flagship model that reigns supreme.
Through the GR GT3, Toyota hopes to bring the excitement and thrill of motorsports to as many customers as possible. The GR GT3 is more than just a means of transportation; it will become a special vehicle that inspires the passion of its drivers.
GR GT: Expected specs incorporating the latest technology
Powertrain
V8 4L twin turbo + hybrid system
- Engine output: 660ps/89.7kgm
- System output: 900ps
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Drive system: FR
Body design
Body size (estimated)
- Total length x width x height: 4700 x 1900 x 1350mm
- Wheelbase: 2650mm
- 2-seater layout
- Lightweight, highly rigid body made possible by an optimal combination of carbon and aluminum
Commitment to driving performance
The GR GT adopts a traditional sports car form with a ” long nose and short deck .” The aggressive side skirts and large diffuser create an aerodynamic design that generates powerful downforce.
GR GT’s Rivals – Supercar Showdown
The supercar market in which the GR GT3 competes is a battlefield where famous automakers from around the world compete fiercely. Among them, the GR GT3’s main rivals are likely to be the following models:
- Nissan GT-R : Japan’s leading supercar. Its impressive acceleration and cornering capabilities make it a must-have.
- Honda NSX : An advanced supercar equipped with a hybrid system. It combines high environmental friendliness with excellent driving performance.
- Porsche 911 GT3 : A high-performance sports car that incorporates technology directly derived from motorsports. Its outstanding handling and powerful engine are its attractions.
The GR GT will compete with these rivals in every aspect, including performance, design, and price, in order to reach the pinnacle of the supercar market.
The Future of GR GT – Carrying Dreams
The GR GT3 is the culmination of Toyota’s passion for motorsports and technological expertise. With its commercial release, its appeal will reach an even wider audience, creating a new legend. The GR GT is Toyota’s hope, a car that will lead the way to the supercars of the future.
Will the commercial model “GR GT” be from the Lexus brand?
The commercial model is expected to be released under the Lexus brand, not the Toyota brand. It is highly likely to be the successor to the current Lexus RC. The current Lexus RC went on sale on October 23, 2014, and it will soon be 10 years old, so the timing is perfect.
