Following in the footsteps of the iconic 2000GT and legendary Lexus LFA, Toyota has officially whipped the wraps off the GR GT.
The Toyota GR GT’s petrol-electric powertrain comprises a front-mounted 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 and a single electric motor. Exclusively delivered to the rear wheels via a newly developed eight-speed automatic transmission with wet-start clutch, the hybrid setup has targeted power and torque outputs of 478 kW and 850 N.m…or greater.
The targeted top speed is 320 km/h, or greater. To ensure the two-seater coupé remains grounded at speed, aerodynamic performance was one of the most vital concerns, Toyota says. As such, the GR GT’s exterior styling is based on the “aerodynamics first” concept.
A first for a Toyota, the GR GT body frame is all-aluminium, while the body panels are crafted from the same material and carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP). The GR GT prototype’s sharp-looking sheet metal measures 1 195 mm in height, 2 000 mm in width, 4 820 mm in length, and 2 725 mm between the fore and aft axles. For comparison, the GR GT stands 163 mm lower, 16 mm wider, and 92 mm longer than the Mercedes-AMG GT. Toyota targets a kerb mass of no more than 1 750 kg for the production version, and a 45:55 front to rear weight distribution.
The suspension adopts a new double-wishbone setup with forged aluminium arms, front and rear. The GR GT is fitted with a set of 20-inch alloy wheels, wrapped in mixed-size, 265/35 ZR20 fore and 325/30 ZR20 aft, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres that have been specially developed for this model. Stopping power is provided by a carbon-ceramic braking system.
Centred around the driver, the interior has been designed with a focus on the driving position and outward visibility. The cabin plays host to digital instrumentation — which relays essential driving information, including when to shift up via the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters — touchscreen infotainment, dual-zone climate control, and front seat and steering wheel heating, to name but a few items. A nose-lift system is included in the package.
According to the Aichi-based brand, like other GR models, the GR GT has been repeatedly honed, driven to failure, and repaired to ensure it lives up to all drivers’ expectations. Development of the GR GT will now continue, with Toyota planning on launching the most potent GR around 2027.
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