Born from motorsport rivalry and shaped by uncompromising feedback from the world’s most demanding circuits, the GR GT and GR GT3 embody GAZOO Racing’s philosophy of learning through competition. The Lexus LFA Concept builds on competition-honed insights and technologies, translating them into values that resonate directly with driver in an immersive, multi-sensory experience in which man and machine can feel as one.

They follow a bloodline established by past icons such as the Toyota 2000GT and Lexus LFA, reflecting the belief of Chairman Akio Toyoda, aka Master Driver Morizo, that the skills of sports car craftsmanship must be nurtured and passed on to future generations.

It’s an approach inspired by the principle of “Shikinen Sengu”, an ancient Japanese ritual in which a Shinto shrine is dismantled and rebuilt once in every generation to preserve and enhance the craftsmanship skills used in its creation.

The GR GT is a track-inspired road car with racing DNA, powered by a new 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbo engine paired with a single-motor hybrid system. In addition to high power and torque for exceptional performance, the car’s development focused on achieving a low centre of gravity, low weight with high rigidity, and aerodynamic performance.

The GR GT3 shares the GR GT’s core elements but has a different profile as a track-focused race car. It’s engineered to be highly competitive and deliver accessible performance.

Looking ahead, the Lexus LFA Concept presents Lexus’ vision for a next-generation electric sports car. It shares common technologies and aspirations with the GR GT and GR GT3, while blending advanced performance with emotional appeal and invoking the spirit of the original LFA. It aims to exceed customers’ expectations, drawing the driver into an immersive experience like no other.

The GR GT and GR GT3 will be on show and in action at the festival, appearing in the Supercar Paddock and making speed runs on the famous hill climb. Defined by steep gradients, tight corners and unforgiving barriers, the hill climb is one of motorsport’s most technical short courses for demonstrating acceleration, agility, aerodynamic stability and driver confidence. This will be the first European dynamic uncamouflaged appearance for both models. Meanwhile, visitors will be given a first close-up view of the Lexus LFA Concept in the Supercar Paddock.

GAZOO Racing’s competition stars

GAZOO Racing’s participation at the top tiers of international motorsport will be celebrated at the festival with appearances by the GR YARIS Rally1, the car which has delivered multiple World Rally Championship titles for TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team, and the DKR GR Hilux, a winning contender in the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship.

A line-up of championship-winning and internationally renowned drivers will be demonstrating the cars’ performance on the hill climb and rally stage. Subject to confirmation, it will include all TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team’s drivers: the nine-time and reigning World Rally Champion Driver Sébastien Ogier; current WRC leader Elfyn Evans; Japanese star Takamoto Katsuta; team newcomer and Rallye Monte-Carlo victor Oliver Solberg; and Sami Pajari, a past WRC Junior and WRC2 champion.  Henk Lategan, a winner with TOYOTA GAZOO Racing in the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship and four-time South African champion, is set to take the wheel of the DKR GR Hilux.

TOYOTA RACING: from Le Mans podium to Goodwood

TOYOTA RACING will display the #7 TR010 HYBRID that recently achieved Toyota’s sixth victory in the Le Mans 24 Hours, driven by Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi and Nyck de Vries. The team’s hard-fought victory in one of the world’s most challenging circuit races took the team to the top of the driver and manufacturer championship standings in the 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship. The car will be on static view alongside the GR YARIS Rally1 and DKR GR Hilux.

Road cars infused with GAZOO Racing performance and design

The knowledge and experience gained by GAZOO Racing in the heat of competition feeds directly into the development of ever-better cars for the road. At Goodwood, this philosophy will be demonstrated by the GR Yaris Aero Performance, the latest development of the multi-award-winning performance hatchback. Also taking part in the festival’s “First Glance” programme will be the all-new RAV4 GR Sport, a version of the plug-in hybrid SUV that benefits from both GR-themed design details and a chassis and suspension tuned for sportier handling.

*The GR GT and GR GT3 cars appearing at the festival will be prototype/development vehicles.

The GR GT, the recently revealed TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR) flagship model, is set to make its debut in 2026 – in the world of gaming. The high-performance coupe features in the newly released cover art for Forza Horizon 6, issued in the lead-up to the launch of the latest instalment of the Microsoft street driving game later this year.

The artwork shows a red GR GT in a quintessentially Japanese setting with a backdrop of Mount Fuji and cherry blossoms.

The GR GT made its world debut in Tokyo in December last year, together with its related GT competition model, the GR GT3. The GR GT is envisioned as a road-legal race car that exemplifies TGR’s philosophy of making ever-better cars, bred through motorsport.

Additionally, during the event’s three days, TGR plans to hold talk sessions featuring various personalities, as well as other vehicle demo runs. Detailed information on exhibited items, the talk sessions, the demo runs, and others can be found on the following special website.
https://toyotagazooracing.com/eventexhibition/tokyoautosalon/

Exhibited vehicles
This year’s TGR booth will showcase TGR’s new GR GT and GR GT3 flagship models. Plans include treating visitors to up-close and detailed viewing of cutaway models of Toyota’s first all-aluminum body frame and production-vehicle 4-liter, V8 twin-turbo engine, both of which are featured in the GR GT and GR GT3. The exhibit is to include several other vehicles, including the currently under-development GR Yaris MORIZO RR and GR Yaris Sébastien Ogier 9x World Champion Edition^*3, as well as other concept models.

Other exhibits and event details
Merchandise: Sale of multiple items, including GR GT-related merchandise and merchandise offered for the first time
The TGR booth will feature a store offering official TGR merchandise that is planned to include 1/43 scale models of the Toyota 2000GT, Lexus LFA, and GR GT as a three-car set based on the currently airing television commercial “THE OVERTAKE”, as well as a 1/43 scale model of the GR GT3. Also to launch with this Tokyo Auto Salon are sales of sunglasses developed in collaboration with American eyewear brand Oakley and items newly developed in collaboration with American apparel brand New Era.

Renewed GR app: Release and downloadability of the “GR app” for supporting customers’ car lifestyles
On the occasion of Tokyo Auto Salon 2026, the current official TGR “GR Passport” app is to relaunch as the “GR app”, downloadable from January 9. The renewed app is planned to be packed with features that support the car lifestyles of GR-vehicle owners and enhance their love of the GR brand. Specifically, in addition to the features of the current “GR Passport”, the “GR app” is designed to make various aspects of car lifestyles more exciting. It is to feature a “Home Garage” function and a system that allows users to heighten their in-app rank through vehicle and/or parts purchases and event participation, ultimately exchanging such for various benefits, as well as the ability to submit purchasing lottery applications, among other functions. Details are to be forthcoming.

GR Heritage Parts: Exhibit of prototypes of parts slated for release in 2026
GR Heritage Parts on display are to include the prototype of a dashboard for the A80 Supra, combined with the currently available reproduced and reissued A80 gauge-area panel. Also planned for exhibit are the 4A-GE engine cylinder head and cylinder block, due for release in May 2026 for the AE86, as well as several reproduced and reissued parts for the A70 Supra, A80 Supra, and Land Cruiser.

Talk session and demo runs: Scheduled runs of the GR GT, GR GT3, and rally cars
The talk sessions are to comprise various segments featuring Morizo and TGR drivers active in Japan and abroad. Outside, demo runs of the GR GT, GR GT3, and rally cars are scheduled, with the GR GT and GR GT3 being driven in public for the first time ever^*4. ^*5

^*1For an overview and details of Tokyo Auto Salon 2026, please see: https://www.tokyoautosalon.jp/2026/.

^*2The livestream can be watched here: https://www.youtube.com/live/AodXo4f46Fg

^*3The names of under-development vehicle models are subject to change.

^*4Excluding promotional footage

^*5All exbihits are subject to change without notice.

The GR GT and GR GT3 are positioned as flagships in the footsteps of the Toyota 2000GT of the 1960s and the Lexus LFA. One of their development goals was to preserve and pass on “the secret sauce of car-making” to the next generation following Toyota’s “Shikinen Sengu^*” principle. The two models are the result of the veterans who developed the Lexus LFA passing on their skills and techniques to a younger generation of members; the active adoption of new, Toyota-first technologies for enhanced vehicle performance; and the taking on of numerous and unprecedented challenges.

Main features

Three key elements

The GR GT was conceptualised and developed as a road-legal race car. Demonstrating the commitment to a driver-first approach, development strived to not only endow the car with a high level of dynamic performance but also to achieve a sense of car-driver unity, enabling the driver to interact with their vehicle at all times. The GR GT is equipped with a hybrid system that pairs a newly developed 4.0-litre, V8 twin-turbo engine and a single electric motor. In addition to maximum system output of 650 DIN hp or greater and maximum system torque of 850 Nm or greater (development target values) for exceptional performance, an unrelenting focus was placed on three key elements: a low centre of gravity, low weight with high rigidity and the pursuit of aerodynamic performance.

Vehicle packaging for an ultimate low centre of gravity

Development of the GR GT, which is ongoing, began with the aim of achieving an exceptionally low centre 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. Optimised positioning of heavy components, such as the engine, rear-mounted transaxle, and other major mechanisms, significantly lowered their centre of gravity. Furthermore, the centres of gravity of both driver and car have been made roughly identical by pursuit of an ideal driving position that enhances the sense of car-driver unity and ease of handling.

Adoption of Toyota’s first all-aluminium body frame

The key element of low weight with high rigidity is addressed by the GR GT using Toyota’s first all-aluminium body frame. Using carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) and other materials in the panels has produced a strong yet light body.

A reverse approach to create styling that pursues aerodynamic performance

The process to create exterior styling in pursuit of aerodynamic performance was distinct from that previously used in Toyota car-making. Conventionally, attention is turned to aerodynamics once exterior styling has been finalised; in the case of the GR GT, ideal aero performance was established first. Aerodynamics engineers and exterior designers worked together to achieve styling that supports aerodynamic and cooling performance.

Interior styling was also crafted meticulously and without compromise, based on ergonomics aimed at achieving the optimal driving position from a professional driver’s perspective and the visibility needed for on-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 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, the top category of production vehicle-based customer motorsports, and aims to be a car chosen by people who want to win, yet easy to drive for anyone.

TGR believes that its driver-first principle is just as important in GT3 race car category as it is for the GR GT, as both professional and gentleman drivers will be behind the wheel. At the same time, as well as raising 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 their motorsports experience.

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 having been created 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 this. Introducing driving simulator use early in the development process enabled fundamental vehicle characteristics to be efficiently refined from the outset. As well as using simulators in the creation of each component, extensive real-world testing was undertaken not only on test courses, such as 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 ensure the car can 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 will 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 may be subject to change without notice.

More information (in Japanese) on the GR GT can be found here:

https://toyotagazooracing.com/gr/grgt/wp/

More information (in Japanese) on the GR GT3 can be found here:

https://toyotagazooracing.com/gt3/grgt3/

Technologies incorporated in the GR GT

Exterior styling for aerodynamic and cooling performance

The GR GT’s styling was developed under an “aerodynamics first” concept in which aerodynamics engineers and exterior designers worked as a single team. With the GR GT boasting a top speed in excess of 320 km/h, aerodynamic performance was one of the most vital concerns. As the GR GT is envisioned as a road-legal race car, the conventional production vehicle development process of considering aerodynamic efficiency and cooling performance after the exterior styling has been set needed to be rethought. Aerodynamics engineers experienced in FIA WEC competition vehicle development joined the GR GT development team and engaged in thorough discussions with vehicle designers. This led to overall vehicle packaging being based on an “aerodynamic model” representing the aerodynamic design team’s proposal for the ideal form. It was only after this that the exterior designers prepared design sketches with mass production in mind, eventually leading to finalisation of vehicle styling in a process that was the reverse of the normal approach.

Interior styling that prioritises functionality and operability

The GR GT’s interior styling centred on prioritising the driving position and visibility above all else in an effort to achieve an optimal design that would be suitable for both professional and gentleman drivers, as well as for both circuit and daily use.

Pursuit of the ideal driving position, coupled with consideration of interior styling, renewed awareness of the importance of sufficient visibility, as well as a sense of being protected. Particular attention was paid to excellent operability, with driving-related switches placed near the steering wheel and positioned and shaped for intuitive operation.

For ease of visual recognition, even during circuit driving, special attention was paid to the gauges, with the width, height and position of information displays, such as the shift-up and gear selection indicators, determined through a process of trial and error.

Newly developed 4-liter, V8 twin-turbo engine and rear transaxle

The GR GT’s 4.0-litre, V8 twin-turbo engine, which is TMC’s first to be fitted in a production vehicle, was developed on a “thoroughly compact and light” design concept to help achieve the GR GT’s “packaging of low overall height and a low centre of gravity”. The engine has a87.5 x 83.1 bore and stroke, the short stroke reducing overall engine height. The hot V configuration positions a turbos in each engine bank. The unit also features dry-sump lubrication and an oil pan with a thinner than usual design.

The engine’s power is transmitted to the rear transaxle via a CFRP torque tube. In addition to a motor-generator, the transaxle integrates a newly developed eight-speed automatic transmission, which uses a wet-start clutch in place of a torque converter, and a mechanical limited-slip differential. The motor-generator, which is positioned in front of the transmission, is used to help make up for the momentary lag in torque response that occurs during acceleration and gear changes. While providing a direct feel that surpasses that of the GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission used in the GR Yaris and GR Corolla, the GR GT’s eight-speed automatic transmission is being developed with the aim of achieving world-class shift speed, as well as shift control that allows shift manipulation at will, even when in D-range automatic shift mode. To minimise the wheelbase in consideration of the overall vehicle packaging, the rear transaxle, after relaying to its far end the power that has been conveyed from the engine and through the electric motor and automatic transmission, uses a conical gear to reverse the direction of that power. This then turns the driveshaft through the mechanical limited-slip differential. This structure is unique among front-engine, rear-wheel-drive vehicles and represents the optimisation of the mechanism used in all-wheel-drive vehicles for use in the GR GT.

For exceptional performance, the development target for maximum system output is 650 DIN hp or greater, and the development target for maximum system torque is 850 Nm or greater. 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, contributing to ease of vehicle handling.

Powertrain development involved advancing studies through the use of race development driving simulators and system benches onto which entire powertrain systems could be mounted. Consideration was also given to thermal management, mounting position and serviceability. To ensure continued sales, development is being undertaken to comply with increasingly stringent emissions regulations. The GR GT3 also uses a 4.0-litre, V8 twin-turbo engine with many structural components shared with those in the GR GT.

An enjoyable sound at all times, from engine start to acceleration and deceleration

The GR GT delivers not only high-level performance but also the distinctive racing sound of a V8 twin-turbo engine. Sound development centred on two pillars: creating sound that enables interaction with the car and sound that conveys changes in thermal energy. The structure of the exhaust pipe has been meticulously crafted to produce sound that synchronises with the state of the vehicle.

An all-aluminium body frame and a chassis that prioritises ease of at-the-limit handling

The mainstay of the GR GT’s low weight with high rigidity is Toyota’s first all-aluminum body frame. A high level of rigidity has been achieved by positioning large aluminium castings in the frame’s main structure, as well as through optimal placement of aluminium extrusions and other components, and the use of advanced joining technologies. Additionally, the model’s body panels are made of aluminum and CFRP.

The suspension features a new, low-mounted double-wishbone system with forged aluminum arms front and rear. Its characteristics were developed from scratch, with a focus on linear response and a high level of controllability, from everyday use to at-the-limit driving. The tyres are Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2, developed exclusively for the GR GT. Since the early stages of development, the design of both the suspension and the tyres has involved working with professional drivers in the use of simulators and conducting test runs and simulator evaluations in pursuit of optimal performance so the driver can interact seamlessly with the car on circuits, as well as on winding roads and other public highways.

Brembo carbon brake discs are used, and vehicle behaviour control during braking was developed together with professional drivers. The GR GT’s Vehicle Stability Control system allows multi-stage adjustment of driving force and braking control, enabling driver selection of the vehicle control difficulty level based on driving skill and weather conditions, for an enjoyable and secure driving experience. This setup is also used in TGR’s Nürburgring 24-hour endurance race vehicles and is an example of technology honed through competing in motorsports.

Additionally, the basic structures of the aluminum space-frame chassis and front-and-rear double-wishbone suspension system have been developed so that many of their components can be shared with the GR GT3.

^*A ritual in which a Shinto shrine is periodically rebuilt

The event will be live-streamed (with English interpretation) on this webpage : https://global.toyota/en/newsroom/corporate/43567793.html

Following the premiere, a video of the presentation will be archived and the full text of the presentation and official photos will also be posted on this page.

In addition to this site, the live stream can also be watched on an official YouTube channel. A reminder can be set by logging in to your YouTube account and accessing the URL below.

YouTube: 　　https://youtube.com/live/vavduEEE85k
 

Live stream details

Date/Time:

Friday, December 5, 11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. JST / 03:00 am – 03:30 am CET

* The time may be subject to change depending on circumstances.

Language:

Japanese /English (English interpretation provided)

Toyota Motor Corporation Attendees:

Akio Toyoda, Chairman of the Board of Directors (Representative Director)

Simon Humphries, Operating Officer, Chief Branding Officer