TOKYO: Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) has given world premieres to prototypes of two new models ― the GR GT and GR GT3, ahead of launching the production cars in 2027.
The GR GT is TGR's new flagship sports car developed as a road-legal race car.
The GR GT3 is a new, GR GT-based, FIA GT3-spec race car engineered for all customers who want to win races.
Both unveiled models feature Toyota's first all-aluminum body frame and a 4.0-litre, V8 twin-turbo engine.
The GR GT
The GR GT has a hybrid system that pairs a newly developed 4.0-litre, V8 twin-turbo engine and a single electric motor, mated to a new eight-speed automatic.
Its maximum system output is 650PS or greater and maximum system torque is 850Nm or greater (development target values) for overwhelming performance.
The engine's power is transmitted to the rear transaxle via a carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) torque tube.
In addition to a motor-generator, the transaxle integrates the eight-speed automatic transmission, which uses a wet-start clutch in place of a torque converter, and a mechanical limited-slip differential.
Also, the adoption of a rear transaxle and the optimal placement of the drive battery, fuel tank, and other heavy components have resulted in a 45:55 front-to-rear weight distribution.
Also, unrelenting focus was given to the three key elements of: a low centre of gravity, low weight with high rigidity, and the pursuit of aerodynamic performance.
It adopts a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive powertrain layout for ease of handling.
The centre of gravity of heavy components, such as the 4.0-litre, V8 twin-turbo engine with dry-sump lubrication, rear-mounted transaxle, and other major mechanisms, has been significantly lowered through optimised positioning.
Additionally, the use of CFRP, plastic, and other materials in the body panels has resulted in a strong yet light body.
The suspension features a newly designed, low-mounted double-wishbone system with forged aluminum arms at both the front and rear.
The tyres are Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres developed exclusively for the GR GT.
Brembo carbon discs are used in the brakes.
Aerodynamics engineers and exterior designers worked together to achieve styling that pursues aerodynamic and cooling performance.
The GR GT's interior styling centreed on prioritising driving position and visibility above all else.
Photo gallery: The GR GT
The GR GT3
The GR GT3 features the same three elements of a low centre 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.
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.
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 Centre 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.
Photo gallery: The GR GT3
