The Toyota GR GT road car has finally been unveiled after loads of speculation and a drip-feed campaign in the media. Gazoo Racing pulled the wraps off its new sportscar at an event held at Fuji Speedway. The GR GT sits atop the GR portfolio, which includes the likes of the GR Yaris, Corolla and GR86. In addition the company also showed a GT3 racecar that is based on the GT GR.
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Whether it’s the V8 twin-turbo in the GR GT3 or the hybrid version in the GR GT, both running on conventional fuel or e-fuel, or an electric future in the LFA, these cars represent a commitment to keep the joy of driving at the limits of human capabilities alive for the next generation. Nurturing technology and people to create a new era of driving euphoria—just as Naruse-san brought his wisdom from the Toyota 2000GT to the LFA and passed it on to a new generation of test drivers
– Simon Humphries, Operating Officer
GT Roots
The Toyota GR GT takes inspiration from other iconic GT cars from the company’s performance history, namely the 2000 GT and Lexus LFA. Both are front-engined RWD machines with seating for two and he latest in that lineage does not buck the trend. The engine in the GR GT is positioned ahead of the cabin, but behind the front axle line. As a result it has a long bonnet and cab-back design. This is similar to the likes of the Mercedes-AMG GT, which is probably where Toyota is aiming with the GR GT.
The GT is based around an all-aluminium monocoque. However, several of the external body panels are made from carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP), plastic, and other lightweight materials. Incidentally, Gazoo Racing is aiming to keep the mass below 1 750 kg, so it’s not quite a featherweight in the sportscar stakes. The Toyota GR GT isn’t a ‘pretty’ car, it is far more menacing/brutal in execution. That stems from function leading form, as Toyota says: the ideal aerodynamic performance was established first, followed by consideration of exterior styling.
V8 Hybrid
Toyota has opted for a V8 powerplant for the GR GT. The newly developed 4,0-litre engine features twin turbochargers that are mounted within the Vee of the block as well as dry-sump lubrication. As a result the engine sits extremely low in the car. In addition the powertrain has a single electric motor to help fill in torque during boost build and gearshifts. An eight-speed transaxle sends power to the rear wheels only. Toyota has not quite confirmed the power ratings as yet. Initial press material quotes maximum system output of 650 PS (478 kW) or greater and maximum system torque of 850 Nm or greater (development target values). Toyota has yet to make any definitive acceleration performance claims, however the top speed is claimed as over 320 km/h.
Race Ready
The Toyota GR GT was designed from the get-go with GT3 racing in mind. As a result it is Gazoo Racing’s first GT3 machine built from scratch. The GR GT3 already meets FIA GT3 specifications. It will spearhead Toyota’s customer motorsports program. We’re guessing the racecar will ditch the hybrid component for competition.
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