Toyota unveils new GR GT supercar – And it’s coming to South Africa

Toyota has pulled the covers off two new prototype supercars – the GR GT and the GR GT3.

Developed by the brand’s iconic Gazoo Racing division, the GT models are meant to showcase new technologies that have never been used in a Toyota production car before.

The company stated that both vehicles are being positioned as future flagship products for its GR performance portfolio, demonstrating the same level of engineering ambition that produced the Toyota 2000GT and the Lexus LFA.

“The GR GT and GR GT3 are set to become two of the most important models TGR has ever produced,” it said.

The GT is on track to be launched around 2027, and the good news is that it is coming to South Africa.

According to Car Magazine, Toyota South Africa Motors has confirmed that the GT will be sold in our market, but given that it is only expected to launch globally in 2027, it seems we have quite the wait on our hands.

What to expect

The GT is described as a road-legal race car, featuring an all-aluminium body frame to minimize weight.

Both cars are powered by a completely new 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbo petrol engine, which is paired with a single electric motor and a rear transaxle in a hybrid configuration.

The result is an impressive output of over 470kW and 850Nm.

Toyota claims that it can hit a top speed of more than 320km/h, though unfortunately, it has yet to provide a 0-100km/h acceleration time.

“The engine features a compact “hot-V” layout, with turbos mounted between the cylinder banks, and uses dry-sump lubrication to reduce overall engine height,” it said.

“Power is sent through a CFRP torque tube to an all-new 8-speed automatic transmission with a wet-start clutch for sharper response.”

As far as its design is concerned, the supercar was built from the ground up with aerodynamics in mind.

Specialists from Toyota, including its World Endurance Championship programme, crafted an “ideal aerodynamic form” which needed to be approved before the designers could begin shaping the panels.

This ‘function over form’ philosophy resulted in:

• a low-slung body,
• purpose-designed intakes,
• expansive cooling channels,
• a rear section optimised for high-speed stability.

The tyres – Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 – were developed exclusively for this vehicle and have been tested extensively using simulators and real-word track sessions.

“Braking is handled by Brembo carbon discs, and the vehicle stability system includes multi-stage control levels inspired by Toyota’s Nürburgring 24-hour race programmes.”

The same functional design approach extends to the interior, as the cockpit is shaped around visibility with ergonomic control placements.

• Critical driving switches are mounted close to the steering wheel.
• Information displays are optimised for quick recognition at high speed.
• The driving position has been refined with the input of both racing professionals and gentleman drivers.

Toyota maintains that while the GT was created with motorsport in mind, it is still suitable for everyday use.

While the GT is the road-legal version of the concept, the GT3 is the full-on racing model built to FIA specifications, meaning it is eligible for the elite global category for customer racing.

“Toyota Gazoo Racing is also preparing a customer racing support programme to complement the car’s launch, ensuring teams receive technical assistance, parts supply, and race-proven development data.”

The GT underwent testing at Toyota’s Technical Centre in Shimoyama, the Fuji Speedway, the Nürburgring Nordschleife, and various international test circuits.

It has also been tested on public roads to assess comfort and everyday drivability.

2027 Toyota GR GT & GR GT3