Toyota Could Finally Build a GR Sports Car on Its Own – Without BMW or Subaru

After years of partnerships shaping its performance lineup, Toyota hints at a fully independent Gazoo Racing sports car.

Toyota has shocked the performance car community by hinting that its next Gazoo Racing (GR) sports car may be developed entirely in-house. For decades, Toyota leaned on key partnerships: Subaru for the GT86 and GR86, and BMW for the reborn Supra. But with the Supra nearing the end of its production run, the Japanese giant appears ready to prove it can stand alone in the performance car arena.

GR’s Coming of Age
Since 2019, Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division has evolved from an experimental badge into a respected performance sub-brand. Cars like the GR Yaris and GR Corolla have won praise for their rally-inspired dynamics and raw driving excitement. Now, Toyota executives suggest that the next step is clear: a standalone GR sports car, designed and engineered without outside help. This would mark a milestone for Toyota, showing that its performance arm has the confidence and expertise to deliver a world-class sports machine by itself.

The big question is which model will carry this vision. Toyota’s sales chief in Australia emphasized that “yes, yes, and yes” an independent GR sports car could arrive, though he avoided confirming specific plans. Enthusiasts are speculating whether Toyota will push forward with a next-generation Supra, or perhaps bring back a legend like the Celica with modern GR DNA.

Supra, Celica, or Something New?
While the Supra’s legacy remains strong, reports suggest Toyota has already greenlit a successor, possibly launching by 2027. At the same time, whispers from Japan indicate a revived Celica could return as a mid-engined, all-wheel-drive GR model producing around 400 hp. If true, it would be Toyota’s boldest move yet, combining heritage with cutting-edge performance technology.

For now, Toyota fans will have to wait and watch. But one thing is clear: the next chapter of Gazoo Racing will define whether Toyota can truly rival the likes of Porsche and BMW in the sports car world–this time, without a safety net.