TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Premieres GR GT & GR GT3

Development of the GR GT, which is continuing, started with an aim to achieve a thoroughly low center of gravity by considering how to lower both overall vehicle height and the driver’s position as much as possible. Attention was then paid to adopting a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive powertrain layout for ease of handling when driving the vehicle to its limit. The center of gravity of heavy components, such as the 4-liter, V8 twin-turbo engine with dry-sump lubrication, rear-mounted transaxle, and other major mechanisms, has been significantly lowered through optimized positioning. Both the driver’s and car’s centers of gravity have been made roughly identical by pursuing an ideal driving position aimed at enhancing the sense of car-driver unity and handling ease.

Adoption of Toyota’s first all-aluminum body frame

As for low weight with high rigidity, which constitutes the second key element, the GR GT features Toyota’s first all-aluminum body frame. Additionally, the appropriate use of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), plastic, and other materials in the body panels has resulted in a strong yet light body.

Use of a reverse approach to create styling that pursues aerodynamic performance

Exterior styling, in pursuit of aerodynamic performance, was also born from a process distinct from that of hitherto Toyota car-making. Although attention has conventionally been turned toward aerodynamics only after finalization of exterior styling, in the case of the GR GT, the ideal aerodynamic performance was established first, followed by consideration of exterior styling. Aerodynamics engineers and exterior designers worked together to achieve styling that pursues aerodynamic and cooling performance. Interior styling, as well, was meticulously crafted without compromise, based on ergonomics aimed at achieving the optimal driving position from a professional driver’s perspective and visibility needed for at-the-limit driving. Naturally, in addition to circuit driving, care has been taken to ensure suitability for everyday use.

Aimed at being an FIA GT3-spec race car chosen by people who want to win

The GR GT3 features the same three elements of a low center of gravity, low weight with high rigidity, and the pursuit of aerodynamic performance found in the GR GT, on which it is based. It meets the specifications of the Federation Internationale d’Automobile (FIA) GT3, which is the top category of production vehicle-based customer motorsports, and aims to be a car that is chosen by people who want to win yet be easy to drive for anyone. TGR believes that its driver-first principle, just as it is important in the GR GT, is equally important in the GT3 race car category, which can find both professional drivers and gentleman drivers behind the wheel. At the same time, in addition to heightening the competitiveness of the GR GT3 as a car, TGR is also preparing to establish an optimal support system for customers who race to help them fully enjoy motorsports.

For making ever-better cars The TGR flagship models GR GT and GR GT3 are defined not only by their adoption of new technologies but also by their having been created through the taking up of the challenge of using new development and manufacturing methods. In developing the GR GT and GR GT3, TGR employed multiple methodologies that leverage insights gained from competing in motorsports. The use of driving simulator-assisted vehicle research and development, which is now common in race car development, is an example of such. Introducing driving simulator use early in the development process enabled efficient refinement of fundamental vehicle characteristics from the outset. In addition to using simulators in the creation of each component, extensive real-world testing was done not only on test courses, such as the one at Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama, but also at circuits around the world, including Fuji Speedway and the Nürburgring, enabling verification of at-the-limit driving performance and durability. GT GR testing also took place on public roads to give the model the ability to provide exhilaration, ease of handling, and peace of mind in everyday use. Like other GR models, the GR GT and GR GT3 have been repeatedly honed, driven to failure, and repaired to make them into models that will live up to all drivers’ expectations. As it accelerates its efforts to make ever-better cars, TGR is continuing development of the GR GT and GR GT3 toward launching them around 2027. Further details are to be released as they become available.

GR GT main specifications (prototype development targets, in-house measurements)

GR GT3 main specifications (prototype development targets, in-house measurements)

As the GR GT and GR GT3 announced today are still under development, various details are subject to change without notice.