Toyota is currently in the process of developing a bespoke GT3 racer, and enthusiasts have been eagerly tracking its progress. From the initial unveiling of the concept version to glimpses of the disguised car during testing and even leaked patent drawings speculating a road version, the anticipation has been steadily building.
Recent developments indicate that Toyota may have settled on a name for the anticipated road car. The company has successfully trademarked the name ‘GR GT’ with the European Union’s Intellectual Property Office, accompanied by a corresponding logo.
This aligns seamlessly with Toyota’s established GR brand, synonymous with Gazoo Racing, its in-house performance brand and racing division. Familiar to fans of the GR Supra, GR Yaris, and GR86, the GR GT appears to be a logical extension of this lineage.
The concept version of the race car, unveiled in early 2022 as the GR GT3 sets the stage for the potential road car. However, the transition from track to road may not be as straightforward as dropping the ‘3’ from the name.
Compelling evidence supporting the existence of the road car comes from leaked patent images that emerged a few months after the GR GT3 Concept reveal. These images depict a production-ready vehicle sans the aggressive aerodynamic elements of its racing counterpart.
The leaked images reveal a striking design featuring a lengthy bonnet, a low roofline sweeping towards the rear, and an overall sense of aggressiveness. Notably, design elements, such as the vents beneath the rear lights, draw parallels to the iconic Lexus LFA, prompting speculation about a potential release under the Lexus branding.
While the GR badge hasn’t yet adorned a Lexus road car, the confusion is further compounded by the GR GT3 Concept appearing at different times with both Toyota and Lexus branding.
Toyota has remained relatively tight-lipped about the ongoing rumors, except for a crucial statement emphasizing the commercialization of motorsports cars to leverage feedback and technologies for the development of both GT3 and mass-production vehicles.
In a departure from the conventional approach, Toyota seems to be crafting its GT3 competitor as a race car first and then adapting it for road use. This unconventional strategy could potentially result in a noteworthy homologation special.
The highly anticipated race car is slated to debut in 2025 or 2026, participating in both the World Endurance Championship and the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship in North America. However, the specific details about the powertrain remain shrouded in mystery, with only hints from testing videos pointing towards a possible turbocharged V8.
While the road car remains officially unconfirmed, signs point towards its increasing likelihood. Toyota’s track record of filing trademarks, such as ‘LFA’ and ‘LF-R,’ known for setting the rumor mill in motion, adds to the speculation
Regardless of its eventual name, enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting Toyota’s continued commitment to delivering exciting road cars and making strides in the realm of motorsport.