Toyota GR GT, GR GT3 Unveiled With 641 bhp V8 Hybrid Powertrain
Toyota's Gazoo Racing has unveiled the GR GT and GR GT3 prototypes, signaling a new performance era aimed at merging road cars with motorsport by 2027. Both models feature a new 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, but while the GR GT is a hybrid road car targeting over 650 bhp, the GR GT3 is designed for FIA GT3 racing without hybrid support. Extensive testing has been conducted, emphasizing low center of gravity and aerodynamic efficiency, with both models positioned as successors to the iconic 2000GT and Lexus LFA.
Photo : TIMES DRIVE
Toyota GR GT, GR GT3 Unveiled With 641 bhp V8 Hybrid Powertrain
Gazoo Racing, the performance car division of the Japanese automaker Toyota has taken a decisive step towards its next performance era. The automaker has showcased the GR GT and GR GT3 in prototype form, giving a clear look at how Toyota plans to bridge its road-car and motorsport events by 2027. Both machines share an all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, but their roles are very different. Where one for the road and track-day regulars, the other built strictly for FIA GT3 competition.
New V8 Hybrid Anchors the Line-Up
Toyota’s new V8 sits low and behind the front axle, forming the foundation for both cars. In the GR GT, it works with a single electric motor in a hybrid transaxle setup, targeting over 650 bhp and 850 Nm. The GR GT3 runs the same engine without hybrid assistance, with power and torque governed later by Balance of Performance rules.
Development has revolved around three clear principles: push the centre of gravity as low as possible, build a structure that’s light yet rigid, and draw the aero package from scratch.
Toyota GR GT
Photo : TIMES DRIVE
GR GT: Toyota’s Road-Legal Track Car
The GR GT is effectively Toyota’s new road-going statement of intent. Akio Toyoda and a team of professional drivers shaped the project with a driver-first approach. That meant lowering everything - from the engine to the seating position and even building the body around those decisions.
It sits on Toyota’s first all-aluminium frame, reinforced with carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic panels to keep mass under 1,750 kg. In terms of dimensions it stands at 4,820 mm in length, 2,000 mm width, 1,195 mm in height and it has a wheelbase spanning 2,725 mm. It has a 45:55 weight distribution, double-wishbone suspension, forged aluminium arms and carbon-ceramic brakes fill out the hardware list.
Aerodynamics take priority here. The surfaces and intakes are shaped to move air for cooling and stability first, and design second. Toyota says the package is capable of crossing 320 kmph.
On the inside, the GR GT sticks to function. A low dashboard, physical buttons on the centre console and a display that shows only essential track-day information keep the cockpit clean. The two seats, built around carbon frames, are designed to hold you in place on fast corners but still work in daily traffic.
Toyota GR GT3
Photo : TIMES DRIVE
GR GT3: Built for Racing
The GR GT3 takes the same technical mindset and pushes it into the GT3 category. Slightly shorter and wider than the GR GT, it measures 4,785 mm in length, 2,050 mm in width and 1,090 mm in height. It gets a full roll cage, a motorsport steering wheel and race-grade computing for telemetry and communication.
The engine remains the twin-turbo V8, but the GT3 drops hybrid assistance for consistency and reliability during endurance runs. A racing gearbox sends power to the rear wheels, and the entire package is built around predictable behaviour for teams and drivers.
Testing & Development
According to Toyota, both these prototypes have seen extensive testing at Fuji Speedway, the Nürburgring and Toyota’s Shimoyama proving ground. Engineers followed Toyota’s test-to-failure routine, pushing components until they break and then building them back stronger. The GR GT has also been driven on public roads to ensure its circuit-first philosophy still fits everyday use.
Toyota calls the GR GT and GR GT3 spiritual successors to the 2000GT and Lexus LFA. Beyond positioning them as halo models, the company says these cars will help transfer motorsport-grade engineering to the next generation inside Toyota Gazoo Racing.
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