Toyota has revealed the GR GT3 as the long-awaited successor to the Lexus RC F. Developed alongside the new GR GT road car, the project brought engineers, designers and professional drivers together from the earliest stages. The result is a clean-sheet platform shaped specifically for modern GT competition rather than adapted from an existing production model.

Holistic approach

The Toyota GR GT3 has been created with a strong focus on drivability, which is reflected in the way engineers and professional drivers worked together from the beginning to shape its handling. Because the GT3 and the road-going GR GT were developed side by side within one unified programme, both cars share the same priorities of low weight, rigidity, balanced packaging and aerodynamics established early in the process. This combined approach allows Toyota to refine fundamental characteristics such as seating position, weight distribution and component placement in a way that benefits both models and suggests a car that is approachable, predictable and effective across a wide range of driving conditions.

Built on three guiding principles

Toyota explains that the GR GT and GR GT3 were created around three priorities. First, the company aimed for an exceptionally low centre of gravity. To achieve this, the engine, the driver’s position and key components such as the rear transaxle were placed as low as possible within the car.

Second, Toyota pursued low weight combined with high rigidity. This led to the introduction of Toyota’s first all-aluminium body frame, supported by aluminium and CFRP body panels. The GR GT development targets include a vehicle weight of 1,750 kg or lower with a front to rear weight distribution of 45 to 55, and overall dimensions of 4,820 mm in length, 2,000 mm in width and 1,195 mm in height.

Third, Toyota placed aerodynamic performance at the centre of the process. Instead of creating the exterior design first, aerodynamics engineers established the ideal aero form and designers shaped the final bodywork around it. According to Toyota, this reversed workflow was chosen to support downforce, cooling and airflow management from the very beginning.

A new twin-turbo V8

Both cars use a newly developed 3,998 cc V8 engine with twin turbochargers. The unit features an 87.5 by 83.1 mm bore and stroke, a hot-V turbo layout and a dry sump system. Toyota highlights its compact size and low height as key elements in meeting the project’s packaging goals. For the GR GT road car, the company targets more than 650 hp and more than 850 Nm in combined hybrid output, although the GT3 version will run without the hybrid system. The two models will share many structural components.

Shaped by packaging priorities

Power is delivered to a rear transaxle that integrates the transmission and, in the road car, the motor generator. This arrangement is part of the overall low-centre-of-gravity concept. The transaxle is paired with double-wishbone suspension at all four corners, using forged aluminium arms. On the GR GT prototype, the listed tyre sizes are 265/35ZR20 at the front and 325/30ZR20 at the rear, supported by carbon-ceramic brakes.

Cockpit visibility and control

Driving position, visibility and switch placement were refined together, with the aim of ensuring clear gauge readability and intuitive operation during circuit use. This work involved both professional and in-house evaluation drivers.

Continued testing toward a planned launch around 2027

Both models remain under development and may still change. Testing has already taken place in simulators and on circuits such as Fuji Speedway, the Nürburgring and Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama. Further information will be released as the cars advance toward their expected introduction around 2027.

What Toyota has shown so far outlines a project built on clearly defined engineering principles, a new powertrain architecture and a development process that places motorsport experience at the centre of the design.