Toyota vehicles have long been known for their durability. The Japanese automaker has a whole line-up of sedans, SUVs and trucks ensuring seamless on-road and off-road driving experiences. Alongside daily driven vehicles, Toyota has been testing the on-track limits of its select vehicles for quite some time. The automaker has a fully fledged motorsports division known as ‘Gazoo Racing’. The cars produced for such a division fall under the Toyota Gazoo Racing Series, aka the Toyota GR Series.
To understand more about this Toyota motorsports division, let’s explore its history, featured models and unique specs.
Toyota GR History
According to the history of Toyota, the brand has a long-term association with motorsports. Toyota cars have participated in different types of motorsports activities for more than 60 years. Given this passion, the auto brand formed an in-house team of test drivers and engineers for vehicle track testing.
From car aerodynamics to performance specs, everything was tested. Toyota officially formed ‘Team Gazoo’ in the late 2010s to compete in different types of racing and international events. The GR Series by Toyota was also expanded to its luxury division. According to Lexus’s history, the Lexus LFA was the brand’s first track-focused vehicle. The Lexus LFA was joined by the Toyota FT-86.
A widely acclaimed Toyota car for motorsports is the Toyota Supra. A noteworthy development in the evolution of the Toyota Supra was the addition of the GR trim. Prominent changes were made in the performance department to enhance the GR Supra’s on-track performance.
Since its inception, the Toyota GR division has been expanding. Gazoo Racing now covers both real racing and e-motorsports events. Besides, there are many other iconic video game vehicles that car racing enthusiasts should know about.
More About Toyota GR Car Models
Now that we know how the Toyota Gazoo Racing realm evolved, let’s explore some Toyota GR car models. Designed for the different types of car racing, Toyota GR cars have advanced specs and pumped-up performance departments. Some noteworthy Toyota GR models found globally include the GR86, GR Corolla, GR Yaris and GR Supra.
An interesting fact about Supra is that its GR trim is also available in the UAE. Given the official spec sheet, the 2024 Toyota Supra is a powerhouse of performance. Alongside a brand-new vehicle, car buyers can explore these used Toyota Supra models for sale in the UAE.
Toyota GR Engine
Selecting the right type of car engine layout is crucial for performance. This is what the GR Series by Toyota mainly focuses on. Powerful engines are among the basics for GR vehicles. For instance, the newest model of the GR Supra has been equipped with a 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo engine. This engine configuration comes with both automatic and manual transmission.
Other Noteworthy Toyota GR Specs
From car upholstery to exterior profile, everything is usually tuned up for the Toyota GR series models. For instance, the GR Corolla aesthetics doesn’t follow the conventional sedan design. Instead, it is a hatchback with a sporty and track-focused exterior. Similar is the case with the GR Yaris. On the other hand, the GR86 and GR Supra are two-door coupes.
As of now, the GR Supra is the only GR series model that Toyota officially sells in the UAE. The 2024 model year of the car is available in three trims: Supra GR RB, Supra GR M/T and Supra GR M/T RB. Here the M/T stands for manual transmission and RB stands for the red and black Alcantara interior.
The interior differentiating these car trim levels is specifically for the GR series models. Moreover, GR Supra’s overall exterior profile is complemented by forged black alloy wheels. Similar to other GR series cars, the GR Supra 2024 model also comes with a rear-wheel drive mechanism.
GR Series with GCC Specs
Designed to be driven on the UAE roads, GR Supra comes with GCC specs. However, always be aware of the difference between GCC and Japanese specs before buying Japanese cars.
The spec sheet significantly impacts the car’s performance, maintenance and depreciation in the longer run. Besides, for both daily driven cars or GR series models, Toyota owners can visit these Toyota service centres in the UAE for necessary maintenance and upgrades.
2027 GR GT and GR GT3 Unveiled at Toyota Gazoo Racing World Premier
The TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR) has unveiled two new models: the GR GT and GR GT3, both presented as under-development prototypes. These models represent the brand’s next phase of performance engineering, introducing new platforms aimed at both road and track use.
The GR GT is positioned as TGR’s new flagship road-legal race car. It features a newly developed 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine paired with a hybrid system. The targeted output is 650 PS or more and 850 Nm or more of torque. Its design focuses on a low centre of gravity, an all-aluminium lightweight yet rigid frame and aerodynamic efficiency supported by materials such as CFRP.
The GR GT’s engineering package prioritises driver positioning, balanced component layout and optimal weight distribution at 45:55 front to rear. The prototype’s dimensions stand at 4,820 mm in length, 2,000 mm in width and 1,195 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,725 mm. The manufacturer aims for a curb weight of 1,750 kg or below.
The GR GT3 is a dedicated race-car derivative of the GR GT, developed to meet FIA GT3 regulations. It carries over the same principles of low centre of gravity, high rigidity and aerodynamic performance. The model is being tailored to cater to both professional drivers and gentlemen racers seeking a competitive yet accessible GT3-class machine.
Both models are being developed under a unified engineering approach, drawing on expertise from past halo vehicles such as the Toyota 2000GT and Lexus LFA. Development includes simulator data, global circuit testing at venues like Fuji Speedway and the Nürburgring, as well as public-road evaluations to ensure a balance between race-bred performance and everyday drivability.
TGR states that the GR GT and GR GT3 are still in development, with an expected market introduction around 2027. Technical specifications and performance targets may evolve as development continues.
FAQs
What does the ‘Gazoo’ in Toyota Gazoo Racing mean?
The Toyota Gazoo Racing Series has got its name from the Japanese word ‘Gazoo’. It translates to a picture or an image in English. Another closely associated Japanese term is ‘Gareji’, which means garage in English. Unique car names and badges have always fascinated car enthusiasts. For starters, there’s a long list of car logos with hidden messages.
Who initiated the Toyota GR Series project?
The Toyota GR motorsports division was initiated by Akio Toyoda. He remained the president of the car brand for 14 years before stepping down in April 2023.
Is the Toyota GR Series available in the UAE?
Yes, the GR Series is available in the UAE. You can buy a brand-new Toyota GR Supra for a starting price of AED 214,900. The price goes up from here depending on the chosen trim level.
This was everything about the GR motorsports division by Toyota. Besides the GR racing competitions, the UAE hosts several motorsports events around the year. A first-of-its-kind self-driving car race is also right around the corner. Car racing fans can mark their calendars for the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League, which is scheduled for Q2 2024.
Meanwhile, those interested in daily-driven Toyota vehicles also have tons of options in the pre-owned market. The used Toyota cars for sale in the UAE offer a range of choices to pick from.
For more updates on the current and upcoming Toyota GR car models, keep following dubizzle’s auto blog.
Cover Credits: Toyota Gazoo Racing website
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