Toyota Gazoo Racing has officially pulled the covers off its most ambitious performance car in a generation. The new GR GT, set to launch in 2027, is a clean-sheet, road-legal supercar developed to go head-to-head with established benchmarks like the Mercedes-AMG GT, Porsche 911, and Aston Martin Vantage. This isn’t a modified version of an existing model; it’s a dedicated flagship built around a potent new hybrid V8 and a singular focus on driver engagement.
A New Heart for a New Halo
At the core of the GR GT is an all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, augmented by a hybrid electric motor. This combination targets a formidable 650 horsepower and 850 Newton-meters of torque, channeled exclusively to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. In a move that highlights its performance intent, Toyota has opted for a faster-responding wet clutch system instead of a traditional torque converter.
The powertrain is engineered not just for power but for balance. Mounted low in the chassis and positioned behind the front axle, it contributes to a targeted near-perfect 45:55 front-rear weight distribution. Engineers, including veterans from the legendary Lexus LFA project, have been tasked with imbuing this new machine with a similar sense of emotional connection and engineering purity—what Toyota calls the “secret sauce.”
Form Relentlessly Follows Function
Every line of the GR GT’s low-slung silhouette is dictated by aerodynamics and cooling. It’s a classic front-engine, cab-rearward shape, stretching 4,820mm long yet standing just 1,195mm tall. The body utilizes Toyota’s first all-aluminum frame, with carbon-fiber-reinforced panels for the hood, roof, and doors to keep weight below 1,750 kilograms.
Large functional vents manage airflow over brakes and through the engine bay, exiting near the windshield and rear to maximize efficiency and downforce. The chassis is equipped with double-wishbone suspension, massive Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes, and high-grip Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, with stability control technology adapted from Toyota’s Le Mans racing program.
A Cabin Built for the Task
Inside, the theme is purposeful simplicity. The cockpit is a strict two-seater, dominated by a low dashboard, a central touchscreen, and physical controls within easy reach. Carbon-framed bucket seats provide support for track driving without sacrificing day-to-day usability. Notably, the steering wheel houses controls for drive modes and vehicle dynamics, while the absence of a Toyota badge reinforces GR’s standalone performance identity.
The Road to 2027
With development still ongoing, the GR GT represents Toyota Gazoo Racing’s bold re-entry into the high-end sports car arena it has long been absent from. By targeting a 2027 sales start, Toyota is ensuring the hybrid V8 powertrain meets future emissions regulations, aiming for a top speed in excess of 200 mph (320 km/h) and a lifespan that keeps it relevant for years to come. This is more than a new model; it’s a declaration of intent from a brand determined to compete at the very pinnacle of driver-focused performance.
