Toyota has officially pulled the wraps off one of its most daring performance machines to date: the all-new Toyota GR GT, a hybrid-powered V-8 supercar engineered by Toyota’s motorsports powerhouse, Gazoo Racing. Revealed alongside the GR GT3 race car and the Lexus LFA Concept, this new flagship signals Toyota’s bold commitment to electrified performance and enthusiast-focused engineering.
A Production Supercar Born From Motorsports DNA
Although its silhouette looks like something lifted straight from Gran Turismo 7, the GR GT is no digital fantasy. Toyota confirms it is a full production vehicle, conceived as a road-legal sibling to the GR GT3 racer. The project reflects Chairman Akio Toyoda’s “driver-first” philosophy, blending motorsports development with road-car usability, and ultimately previewing Toyota’s long-term approach to preserving combustion performance in a hybrid era. See more Photos
Lightweight Aluminum Structure and Front-Midship Layout
At the heart of the GR GT is Toyota’s first-ever all-aluminum body frame, mixing aluminum castings and extrusions with advanced bonding techniques. Carbon fiber–reinforced plastic (CFRP) panels, such as the hood, roof, and rear hatch, further cut mass.
- Target curb weight: 3,858 lbs or less
- Weight distribution: 45:55 (front/rear)
Engineers lowered the engine, driver position, and major components to achieve an ultra-low center of gravity. The hybridized V-8 sits behind the front axle, making the GR GT a front-midship supercar designed for maximum balance and stability.
Suspension, Tires, and Brakes
The chassis features forged aluminum unequal-length A-arms front and rear. Early development included extensive simulator work and testing by professional drivers. Michelin created bespoke Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires specifically for the GR GT, while braking is handled by Brembo carbon discs,a clear nod to track capability.
641 HP Hybrid V-8 Powertrain
Under the sculpted bodywork lies a newly developed 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8, paired with a single electric motor mounted at the front of the transaxle.
- Target output: 641 hp
- Torque: 627 lb-ft
- Top speed: 199 mph+
The V-8 uses a short-stroke, undersquare layout for reduced engine height, and a “hot-V” configuration with IHI turbochargers positioned inside the V. A hybrid battery, still awaiting final capacity confirmation, appears to be mounted above the rear suspension.
Power is sent through a CFRP “torque tube” to a rear transaxle housing an 8-speed automatic with a wet-start clutch instead of a torque converter. A mechanical, limited-slip differential and the car’s rear-drive layout suggest the GR GT will have no issue producing smoky drifts on command.
Design Shaped Entirely by Aerodynamics
Toyota flipped the usual sequence of car design by starting with aerodynamic and cooling requirements before sketches were even drawn. The result is a clean, functional form that aims to minimize drag and maximize stability near the 200-mph mark. The body is free of unnecessary styling creases and emphasizes laminar airflow over visual complexity.
Driver-Focused Interior
Inside, the GR GT is all about visibility, control, and ergonomics for drivers of any skill level. Switchgear is clustered tightly around the steering wheel, and shift indicators are positioned for instant recognition. Aluminum floor-mounted pedals and a cockpit that emphasizes both protection and forward sightlines make it clear the car is designed for both track days and everyday use.
Engine Sound and Thermal Management
Toyota spent considerable development time tuning the V-8’s sound character to deliver emotionally engaging feedback that reflects engine state and power delivery. Testing took place at Fuji Speedway, the Nürburgring, and Toyota’s Shimoyama proving grounds to ensure durability and performance under extreme conditions.
Preliminary Specifications
- Length: 189.8 in
- Width: 78.7 in
- Height: 47.0 in
- Wheelbase: 107.3 in
- Drivetrain: Front-engine, RWD
- Tires: 265/35ZR20 (front), 325/30ZR20 (rear)
- Seats: 2
Release Timing Still a Mystery
Toyota has not yet confirmed whether the GR GT will arrive as a 2027 or 2028 model. In North America, only select Lexus dealerships that meet Gazoo Racing standards will sell and service the car, as Toyota does not have dedicated GR showrooms in the region.
While unconfirmed, Toyota’s history hints that more extreme versions, such as GRMN or Nürburgring-tuned variants, could appear later, following the precedent set by the LFA and other GR models.
FAQs
What is the Toyota GR GT?
The Toyota GR GT is a newly unveiled, road-legal hybrid V-8 supercar developed by Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division, designed alongside the GR GT3 race car and Lexus LFA Concept.
How much horsepower does the GR GT produce?
Toyota targets at least 641 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque from its hybrid V-8 powertrain.
What type of engine does the GR GT use?
It uses a newly developed 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 paired with a single front-mounted electric motor for hybrid assistance.
Is the Toyota GR GT a production vehicle or a concept?
The GR GT is confirmed to be a full production vehicle, not a concept or prototype.
What is the expected top speed of the GR GT?
Toyota aims for a top speed of 199 mph or higher, depending on final tuning.
When will the Toyota GR GT be released?
Toyota has not yet confirmed a model year, but the GR GT is expected to launch as either a 2027 or 2028 model once development is complete.
Will the GR GT be available in the United States and Canada?
Yes, but only through select Lexus dealerships that meet Gazoo Racing performance and service standards, as Toyota does not operate dedicated GR retail outlets in North America.
What materials are used in the GR GT’s construction?
The GR GT features Toyota’s first all-aluminum body frame, combined with CFRP (carbon fiber-reinforced plastic) panels, for reduced weight and increased rigidity.
Is the GR GT rear-wheel drive?
Yes. The GR GT uses a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) layout with a rear-mounted transaxle and mechanical limited-slip differential.
Will higher-performance versions of the GR GT be offered later?
Toyota hasn’t confirmed anything, but based on past models like the LFA Nürburgring Edition and GRMN vehicles, more extreme variants may be developed in the future.
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