Toyota GR GT: Gazoo Racing’s Sports Car with Twin-Turbo V8, 650 hp, and Lightweight Aluminum Chassis

Toyota classifies its new GR GT as a road-homologated race car, following the legacy of iconic models such as the 2000GT and the Lexus LFA. Its development focused on rigidity, maximum aerodynamics, and a surprisingly low curb weight.

Gazoo Racing, Toyota’s sports division, showcases its latest flagship sports car. This is the GR GT, a race car homologated for the road. It all began with the legendary Toyota 2000GT. Decades later, Lexus gave us the LFA. Therefore, the GR GT’s development was based on three key elements. These included a low center of gravity and a relatively low curb weight. Additionally, the car had to be quite rigid and maximize its aerodynamic performance.

Guaranteed Minimum Performance with V8 Powertrain

Power comes from a new twin-turbo V8 engine. A single electric motor is added. This integrates into a transaxle configuration. Consequently, the GR GT achieves 650 hp and 850 Nm of torque. The power transmits to the rear axle. This happens via a newly developed eight-speed automatic gearbox. Toyota has described these figures as minimum targets for the prototype. Therefore, the production model will offer at least these figures, or perhaps more.

The GR GT marks an important milestone in Toyota engineering. It is the first Toyota with a complete aluminum chassis. The structure combines with body panels made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic and aluminum. Seeking weight reduction is crucial in a car like this. By reducing weight, many aspects of performance improve. For example, the center of gravity is at knee height.

Driving Dynamics and High-Level Components

The target curb weight has been set at less than 1,750 kilograms. In fact, this figure is an important objective for the manufacturer. The ideal weight distribution is 45:55 between both axles. Consequently, handling is better. Furthermore, the aerodynamic elements can perform their work more effectively.

When it comes to braking, the GR GT is equipped with huge carbon-ceramic brakes front and rear. The 20-inch wheels are fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. The rear tires feature 325 millimeters of section width.

Exotic Design and Driver-Focused Luxury

Inside, we appreciate a driver-focused cockpit. There are no Toyota badges, as it is a GR product. The Recaro seats with carbon backing are impressive. The interior leans more towards Lexus than Toyota in terms of quality. In this way, GR has successfully combined luxury and sportiness.

In terms of design, Toyota leans towards the race car style. The low roofline gives it an excellent overall image. The model measures 4.82 meters long, but only 1.19 meters high. The quad exhaust outlet has an almost diabolical look. Additionally, it is nestled between the rear aerodynamic elements. Finally, the very long nose also stands out at the front.