The Toyota GR GT3 Concept: Racing and Road Versions in the Works
Introduction
Toyota, known for its innovative automobiles, is all set to make a splash in the world of racing with its upcoming GR GT3 concept. With an achingly beautiful design and top-notch performance, this car is being developed as a race car, but there’s also a road version in the works. The confirmation comes straight from the top of Toyota’s World Endurance Championship (WEC) racing team. This article will delve into the details of the GR GT3 concept, its development timeline, and the possibility of a road-going version.
The Development Timeline
In an interview with motorsport.es, WEC team principal Rob Leupen revealed that the GR GT3 will start racing in Europe in 2026. Initially, it was thought that the car would target the new WEC GT3 rules, which come into force in 2024, with a debut in 2025. However, the release has been pushed back a season. Leupen explained that the decision to postpone the launch was made to align the racing version’s availability with the road car side. Toyota believes in having a motorsport-bred car on the road, and this delay ensures that both versions are in sync.
The Branding Question
When asked about the possibility of the GT3 falling under the Lexus brand, Leupen replied that it seems likely for now. The final decision will depend on how the project develops within Toyota. However, considering the crowded lineup of high-performance models Toyota already has, including the GR86, GR Yaris, Corolla GR, and GR Supra, it would be better if Lexus competed alongside luxury car brands like Ferrari and Aston Martin. The GT3 would make an excellent successor to the RC or even bring back the iconic SC model.
Lexus’ Electric Plans
Lexus has announced its plans to go fully electric by 2030 in North America, Europe, and Japan. This raises the question of whether the GT3 concept fits with that plan. While nothing is confirmed yet, there are rumors of a twin-turbo V8 LFA successor that might be the GT3 instead. In that case, an all-electric LFA could continue into the next decade. As electrification becomes more prevalent in the automotive industry, it will be interesting to see how Toyota and Lexus adapt their performance lineup to meet the changing demands and regulations.
The GR GT3 Concept
The GR GT3 concept made a surprise debut at the 2022 Tokyo Motor Show, impressing viewers with its menacing beauty. Notably, it bears a remarkable similarity to the Mazda RX-Vision Concept, raising hopes that Toyota and Mazda could collaborate on this project. Toyota already owns a 5 percent stake in Mazda, and sharing the platform could lead to the long-awaited RX-9 for rotary-engine enthusiasts. Patent applications for both the Toyota and Mazda have been found, indicating that development is underway for these exciting new models.
Homologation Rules and Road Versions
Homologation rules for GT3 require racing cars to have at least 300 road cars built in their image. This means that for Toyota to compete with the GR GT3 in racing, they will have to produce a road version as well. With the GT3’s stunning design and potential performance capabilities, it has the potential to be a highly desirable road-going sports car. Toyota’s commitment to having a motorsport-bred car on the road ensures that enthusiasts can experience the excitement of the GT3 both on the track and in everyday driving.
Additional Piece: The Evolution of Toyota’s Performance Lineup
Toyota’s commitment to performance extends beyond the GT3 concept. The brand already offers an impressive lineup of high-performance models, each with its own unique characteristics and capabilities. Let’s take a closer look at some of Toyota’s performance offerings and how they have evolved over the years.
1. The GR86: Reviving the Spirit of the Legendary AE86
The GR86 pays homage to the iconic AE86 Corolla, a beloved sports car known for its spirited driving dynamics. With its lightweight design, rear-wheel drive layout, and responsive handling, the GR86 captures the essence of the AE86 while incorporating modern technology and engineering advancements. It is a testament to Toyota’s commitment to creating enjoyable driving experiences for enthusiasts.
2. The GR Yaris: Rally DNA for the Road
The GR Yaris takes inspiration from Toyota’s World Rally Championship (WRC) success and brings rally-derived performance to the road. With its turbocharged engine, all-wheel drive system, and aerodynamic enhancements, the GR Yaris delivers exhilarating performance in a compact package. It showcases Toyota’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of performance and engineering excellence.
3. The Corolla GR: Elevating the Compact Segment
The Corolla GR series adds a new level of excitement to the compact segment. With sporty design elements, enhanced performance capabilities, and advanced technology, the Corolla GR models offer a compelling alternative for those seeking a dynamic driving experience in a practical package. Toyota’s commitment to performance extends to its mainstream models, providing a wider range of options for enthusiasts.
4. The GR Supra: A Legend Reborn
The GR Supra is the flagship model in Toyota’s performance lineup, carrying on the legacy of the iconic Supra nameplate. With its sleek and aggressive design, powerful engine options, and impeccable handling, the GR Supra embodies the spirit of a true sports car. It showcases Toyota’s ability to create high-performance machines that capture the hearts of enthusiasts around the world.
Summary
Toyota’s GR GT3 concept is set to make waves in the racing world with its stunning design and high-performance capabilities. The car, being developed as a race car, will also have a road version in the works, aligning with Toyota’s philosophy of having a motorsport-bred car on the road. The GT3 concept is planned to start racing in Europe in 2026, following a postponement to ensure both the racing and road versions are released together. While the possibility of the GT3 falling under the Lexus brand is yet to be confirmed, it offers an exciting opportunity for Toyota to expand its high-performance lineup. With plans to go fully electric by 2030, Lexus’ electrification journey may impact the future of the GT3 concept. Overall, Toyota’s commitment to performance and creating thrilling driving experiences is evident in its current lineup and the upcoming GT3 concept.
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it is not only Toyota The achingly beautiful GR GT3 concept is being developed as a race car, there’s also a road version in the works. This confirmation comes straight from the top of Toyota’s World Endurance Championship racing team.
Talking with motorsport.esWEC team principal Rob Leupen has said the GR GT3 will start racing in Europe in 2026. It was previously thought the stylish racer would target new WEC GT3 rules that come into force in 2024 with a debut in 2025, but now it looks like the release will be pushed back a season. But there is a good reason for the postponement, as Leupen said motoring.
“The date is in line with the road car side, which follows Toyota’s philosophy of having a motorsport-bred car on the road. This is moving forward at the moment.”
When asked next if the GT3 could fall under the lexus brand, Leupen replied: “At the moment, it seems to be. It depends on how it develops within Toyota, but for the moment, yes.”
Toyota already has high-performance models in its pipeline: the GR86GR Yaris and Corollaand the GR Supra. The GT3 would enter a crowded lineup and would have to sit above the Supra. It would be better if a Lexus competed alongside ferrari and aston martinsand the GT3 would make an excellent successor to the RC (or bring back the SC!).
However, Lexus has plans to go fully electric by 2030 in North America, Europe and Japan. Will the GT3 fit with that plan? Maybe the rumored twin turbo V8 LFA successor it will be the GT3 instead and an all-electric LFA will continue into the next decade.
The GR GT3 concept made his surprise debut in 2022 tokyo motor show, impressing viewers with her menacing beauty. Is remarkable similarity to the also awesome Mazda RX-Vision Concept could not be ignored either, giving us hope that Toyota can amortize the costs by sharing the platform with mazda. Toyota owns a 5 percent stake in the Hiroshima company, and the collaboration could give rotary-engine devotees the long-awaited RX-9.
That would be the dream, and patent applications for both the toyota and the mazda Have been found. But even if the Mazda doesn’t happen, the Toyota likely will. Homologation rules for GT3 require racing cars to have at least 300 road cars built in their image.
https://www.autoblog.com/2023/06/23/gorgeous-toyota-gr-gt3-race-concept-will-spawn-production-sports-car/
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