Toyota Gazoo Racing Reveals New GR GT and GR GT3
Toyota Gazoo Racing has officially unveiled two highly anticipated models, the GR GT and its motorsport-ready sibling, the GR GT3. Revealed at Daytona Beach, the pair showcases Toyota’s renewed commitment to delivering motorsport-bred performance machinery through advanced engineering, cutting-edge materials, and a driver-first development approach. Both models represent a major evolution in Toyota’s performance line-up and signal the next chapter of its global racing ambitions.
A new generation of motorsport-bred engineering
Toyota Gazoo Racing has highlighted three core principles behind the GR GT and GR GT3. These principles are a low centre of gravity, low weight paired with high rigidity, and a relentless focus on aerodynamic efficiency.
Together, these elements form the foundation of Toyota’s latest high-performance philosophy. The GR GT carries the mantle as TGR’s newest flagship sports car, blending road-legal usability with race-car aggression. It is intended to push beyond the company’s existing GR portfolio and serve drivers who want motorsport DNA in an everyday-usable package.
The GR GT3 follows the same engineering philosophy but is developed strictly for racing at the highest level. Built to FIA GT3 specifications, the GR GT3 gives private teams and gentleman drivers access to factory-calibre machinery without compromise. With GT3 racing expanding globally, Toyota’s entry marks a significant strategic move to broaden its competitive footprint.
A platform built around drivers and real-world feedback
Toyota approached the GR GT and GR GT3 with a development process focused on real drivers instead of starting purely with engineering targets. Under the guidance of TMC Chairman Akio Toyoda, known as Morizo within Toyota’s motorsport circles, the company adopted a one-team philosophy that brought professional drivers, gentleman racers, and in-house development drivers into the engineering decision-making process.
This approach meant that feedback from racers such as Tatsuya Kataoka, Hiroaki Ishiura, Naoya Gamou, and Daisuke Toyoda shaped the earliest design stages. Every element, from steering feel to brake modulation to aerodynamic stability, was refined with the driver experience in mind.
The philosophy carries directly into the GR GT3 as well.
In GT3 racing, where professional drivers and amateurs often share the same car, drivability is just as important as outright race pace. Toyota has stated that the GR GT3 is engineered to be both a winning machine and accessible to a wide range of drivers, allowing more entrants to compete confidently in production-based motorsport.
Engineering breakthroughs and Toyota-first innovations
Both models introduce some of Toyota’s most advanced performance technologies to date. One of the standout achievements is Toyota’s first all-aluminium body frame, designed to dramatically reduce weight while improving rigidity. This structural breakthrough places the GR GT and GR GT3 in rare company alongside iconic vehicles such as the Toyota 2000GT and Lexus LFA, which also pushed boundaries in their respective eras.
Under the bonnet, both models are powered by a 4-litre, V8 twin-turbo engine. This platform is expected to deliver high levels of responsiveness and performance, allowing both the road-going GT and the track-focused GT3 to perform at the standards expected from modern high-performance vehicles.
Equally important is the developmental philosophy Toyota refers to as Shikinen Sengu, which is the idea of passing down craftsmanship and engineering knowledge to the next generation. Veterans from the Lexus LFA programme supported this project and mentored younger engineers throughout development. This ensures that Toyota’s heritage of engineering excellence continues while enabling innovative thinking and modern techniques.
GR GT3 and Toyota’s ambitions in global competition
While the GR GT establishes itself as an exciting new flagship for the road, the GR GT3 is positioned to become Toyota’s next major competitor in the global GT racing scene. FIA GT3 racing is one of the most competitive motorsport categories worldwide, featuring entries in IMSA, GT World Challenge, European endurance racing, and national championships.
The GR GT3 applies the same core engineering priorities as the GR GT but optimises them for pure competition. The design features high-downforce aerodynamics, refined weight distribution, and an even more rigid structure to withstand the demands of endurance racing. Toyota is also preparing a full customer support programme to ensure that both professional teams and gentleman drivers receive the technical backing needed to perform at their best.
This approach mirrors successful customer racing programmes from other manufacturers and signals Toyota’s intention to become a strong competitor within the GT3 category.
Toyota and Lexus in IMSA: context for the future
The reveal of the GR GT and GR GT3 comes at a time when both Toyota and Lexus have an active presence across multiple IMSA championships. Lexus continues to field the Lexus RC F GT3, which is now heading into its tenth competitive season in 2026. The longevity of the RC F GT3 highlights the strength and adaptability of Lexus’ racing programme.
Toyota’s GR Supra GT4 EVO2 also competes in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge and the IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge. The Supra achieved a dominant season in 2025 by sweeping all 12 GSX class races, with victories shared between RAFA Racing and BSI Racing.
With the introduction of the new GR GT3, Toyota is clearly preparing to expand its motorsport presence even further and to challenge established competitors with fresh engineering and renewed ambition.
A bold new era for Toyota Gazoo Racing
The GR GT and GR GT3 represent far more than two new performance models. They showcase Toyota’s long-term vision for motorsport development, driver-focused engineering, and innovation that flows across both road and race programmes.
With new technologies, an emphasis on knowledge transfer, and a renewed commitment to global competition, Toyota Gazoo Racing has set the stage for a powerful new era in both customer racing and high-performance sports cars.
