Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) introduced two new flagship models — the GR GT and GR GT3. Developed in collaboration with professional drivers, these prototypes embody the company’s philosophy of making ever-better motorsport-bred cars. The GR GT was conceived as a road-legal race car, while the GR GT3 is a competition model built to meet international GT3 racing standards. Both models adopt new technologies and manufacturing methods, including Toyota’s first all-aluminum body frame and a 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo engine.
Three Key Elements
The GR GT is equipped with a hybrid system that pairs a new 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo engine and a single electric motor. With a targeted maximum system output of 641 bhp (650 DIN hp/478 kW) or greater and maximum system torque of 850 Nm or greater, the GR GT is designed to deliver exceptional performance. Development also focused on three key elements: a low center of gravity, low weight with high rigidity, and the pursuit of aerodynamic performance.
Development of the GR GT, which is ongoing, began with the aim of achieving an exceptionally low center of gravity by lowering the overall vehicle height and the driver’s seating position. The design also employs a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive powertrain layout for ease of handling ro improve handing at its limit. Optimized positioning of heavy components, such as the engine, rear-mounted transaxle, and other major mechanisms, significantly lowers the vehicle’s center of gravity. Furthermore, the driver’s and vehicle’s centers of gravity were brought into rough alignment through an ideal driving position that enhances the sense of car-driver unity and ease of handling.
Adoption of Toyota’s First All-Aluminum Body Frame
A key element of the GR GT’s design is the introduction of Toyota’s first all-aluminum body frame. A high level of rigidity has been achieved by positioning large aluminum castings in the frame’s main structure, as well as through optimal placement of aluminum extrusions and other components combined with advanced joining technologies. Additionally, the model’s body panels are made of aluminum and carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP).
The suspension features a new, low-mounted double-wishbone system at the front and rear, with forged aluminum arms. The suspension was developed from scratch to provide linear response and a high level of control in conditions ranging from everyday use to at-the-limit driving.
The basic structures of the aluminum space-frame chassis and double-wishbone suspension system have been developed to allow many of their components to be shared with the GR GT3.
The two-seat GR GT has a target vehicle weight of 1,750 kg (approximately 3,860 lb) or less, along with a 45:55 front-to-rear weight distribution. Both the GR GT and GR GT3 remain under development, with Toyota targeting their launch around 2027.