Official Thread Toyota Gazoo Racing presents the world premiere of the GR GT and GR GT3


Regarding the HSV I’ve a little story I can share after almost 18yrs.

A small group of bikers from Germany asked me If I could organize them some space to sleep, which I did.
(I was working in the tourism business in these days)

I decided to invite them for dinner, soon one of them disclosed that he’s working in the car industry.
He was a external software developer and testdriver for this Honda, because the project was cancelled, he was able to spill the beans.
Honda had no experience with this kind of transmission, that’s why he was asked to help them.
The Honda would’ve flattened the LFA, 5.5L V10 650hp, 9500rpm, 7SP SMG and transaxle.

As it happens, he once even meet the LFA prototype on the German autobahn, he had to lift at 337 km/h GPS, and he was easily able to outrun the LFA.
And this wasn’t even the topspeed, the target was 340km/h.
That's awesome. I really wish we would've seen the NB1 NSX realize. This car would've been a game changer for Acura/Honda especially at half the cost of the LFA.

The car was incredibly quick and sounded amazing, based on the 'Ring videos.

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

3 minute watch, pure symphony and it's quick!

As I mentioned, I recall Honda engineers were targeting a record run at the 'Ring
 
The interior is perfect.

-Physical non shiny controls in steering wheel.
-Central screen is just right. Not too small, not too big and not in your face. Quick glance down for satnav instructions when needed.
-Huge, round and racing glove friendly buttons around gear selector.
-Big and quick interaction rocker switches for some HVAC controls.

Image.webp
 
Specification of this car, to me , looks underwhelming for a car that is supposed to launch an entire new brand (GR), that centers on performance.
Like I said I do like design.
If what I've read on other forums is correct, that 4.0 l v8 TT was long time in development (meant to go in Lexus F models before they got cancelled). And there were problems with emissions, hybrid powertrain and they have to detuned it at the end.
I just don't see this car going in $300,000-400,000 range
More like $150,000+ range.

For example
2026 Corvette ZR1X cost around $210,000 and it has 1250 HP.
Engine alone (5.5 l V8 TT Lt7) produce 1064 HP and has 8000 rpm redline.
There is also rumors about new Nissan GTR and who knows what spec will that be
 
Honda had no experience with this kind of transmission, that’s why he was asked to help them.
The Honda would’ve flattened the LFA, 5.5L V10 650hp, 9500rpm, 7SP SMG and transaxle.

As it happens, he once even meet the LFA prototype on the German autobahn, he had to lift at 337 km/h GPS, and he was easily able to outrun the LFA.
And this wasn’t even the topspeed, the target was 340km/h.
A 5.5 l V10 , 9500 rpm from Honda...:drool:....that would be one cool engine to hear and see.:cry:
 
More like $150,000+ range.
I think $150-200k. In relation to the other cars in the portfolio, the volumes will be smallcenoigh for Toyota to not have to worry about profiting. As long as they shut tons of GT badged aygo, rav4 and merch the halo effect will return ROI.

It's like Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Chanel. People are pulled into the stores by the runway clothes and hyper expensive bags but 90% of revenue is generated from sneakers, diluted perfume and logo tshirts.
 
It's starting to sound like branding run amok.

M
Personally, I think Toyota should have made this car a Lexus and developed it as a successor to the LFA while the upcoming LFA EV should be a Toyota to give them a big middle finger rival to some Chinese EV sports cars.

I am not really bowled over by the styling, the bonnet seems way too long, especially the front overhang and considering the engine is behind the front axle, there is massive useless space and weight ahead of the front axle. They could have shortened the front overhang by at least 10cm.

The rear air outlets are fake as the car is not mid engined (engine at back), but maybe could be used for aerodynamics or added downforce.

The mechanical details are very interesting, with the transaxle layout and the V8 pushed far back between the front axle and dashboard, this is really a front mid engine layout, similar to the previous AMG GT and SLS AMG. Double wishbone suspension and a rigid looking platform.

1765015648305.webp


1765015647807.webp


1765015647881.webp
 
Personally, I think Toyota should have made this car a Lexus and developed it as a successor to the LFA while the upcoming LFA EV should be a Toyota to give them a big middle finger rival to some Chinese EV sports cars.
Interesting perspective. From a prestige point of view it would have made sense. It seems like Toyota is going all in crowning GR their performance brand at the expense of Lexus.
 
Actually now that I have seen a few live videos this car actually looks quite awesome and it sounds amazing.

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.
 
It seems like Toyota is going all in crowning GR their performance brand at the expense of Lexus.

I agree with you, and I gotta say I'm all for it!

I always thought they could better leverage TRD as their performance brand, but the Gazoo Racing brand instantly has more emotion, energy, cultural tie-in, and attitude than Toyota Racing Development.

I'm fine with Lexus losing out a bit in terms of performance models. That's not their market. Toyota's not going to get a fan following by branding performance cars under the Lexus badge.

I love that they're using the GR branding in motorsports globally. Even in NASCAR, they're not afraid to use that Gazoo name. All the while their competitors further lean into the America-first branding.
 
This new Toyota will be sold at Lexus dealers in the USA. Lexus is indeed being neutered at the same time. No F models so F is dead. GR spread across all their brands Lexus, Toyota, Century is a bold move. It’s either gonna be brilliant or a catastrophe. Either way let the new cars begin.

M
 

Toyota

Toyota Motor Corporation is a Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer headquartered in Toyota City, Aichi, Japan. It was founded by Kiichiro Toyoda and incorporated on August 28, 1937. As of 2022, the Toyota Motor Corporation produces vehicles under four brands: Daihatsu, Hino, Lexus and the namesake Toyota.
Official website: Toyota

Trending content


Back
Top