Toyota has lifted the curtain on a new flagship supercar project from its Gazoo Racing division, called the GR GT. It’s been developed as a road-legal machine with deep motorsport influence, and is seen as a spiritual successor to the likes of the 2000GT and Lexus LFA.
At the heart of the GR GT is a newly developed 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 – a first for a Toyota production car. The engine is paired with a single electric motor, so yes, it is a hybrid, with development targets set beyond 650PS (478kW) and 850Nm.
Power is sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transaxle and mechanical limited-slip differential, with a near-perfect 45:55 front-rear weight distribution.
From the outset, engineers focused on three core goals; a low centre of gravity, low weight with high rigidity, and strong aerodynamic performance. To achieve this, the GR GT uses Toyota’s first all-aluminium body frame, combined with extensive use of carbon fibre reinforced plastic for exterior panels. Key mechanical components, including the dry-sump V8 and rear transaxle, are mounted as low as possible.
Chassis developments include a bespoke double-wishbone suspension setup front and rear, forged aluminium arms, exclusive Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres, and Brembo carbon brakes. Stability control is also highly adjustable, allowing drivers to tailor the level of electronic assistance to skill and conditions.
Aerodynamics dictated the styling from the very beginning, with designers working directly alongside race engineers to shape the low-slung coupe around airflow and cooling efficiency.
Interior design follows a strict driver-first philosophy, with visibility, ergonomics and intuitive switch placement prioritised over visual drama. It is a strict two-seat layout, with awesome red bucket seats. But there is a certain level of convenience and luxury as well, with a touch-screen media interface on the dash, with dual-zone climate control and digital gauge cluster.
While Toyota has also revealed a GT3-spec race car derived from this platform, the GR GT itself stands as the most ambitious road car Gazoo Racing has ever developed. The road car is expected to hit the market some time in 2027.
