V8-powered GR GT is Toyota’s new supercar
Yes, Toyota is making a supercar. Meet the new GR GT, which will offer at least 478 kW from a twin-turbo V8 hybrid powertrain when it officially hits the market in 2027…
- New GR GT uses twin-turbo V8 hybrid powertrain
- Brand targets peak power of 478 kW “or greater”
- Expected to go into production only “around” 2027
Toyota has just whipped the wraps off the new GR GT, a V8-powered supercar the Japanese automaker plans to put into production “around 2027”. Billed as a new flagship that follows “in the footsteps” of the Toyota 2000GT and Lexus LFA, the 2-seater is described as “a road-legal race car”.
In fact, Toyota Gazoo Racing (GR) revealed it alongside the GR GT3, which is based on the new supercar but meets the FIA’s GT3 race-car specification. Interestingly, the new model doesn’t wear a Toyota badge. Indeed, even in the press material, the Aichi-based brand simply refers to it as the “GR GT”.
With development continuing and a planned launch only in 2027, final details have yet to be announced. But we do know the low-slung GR GT employs a “newly developed” front-mounted twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine (with dry-sump lubrication) alongside a transaxle-integrated single electric motor as part of a broader hybrid system.
Toyota says this rear-wheel-drive powertrain will have maximum system outputs of 478 kW and 850 Nm “or greater”, with a targeted top speed in excess of 320 kph. Drive is delivered to the rear wheels through a CFRP “torque tube” and a “newly developed” 8-speed automatic transmission with a wet-start clutch.
Measuring 4 820 mm long and 2 000 mm wide, the new GR GT has a wheelbase of 2 725 mm. Thanks to an all-aluminium body frame, Toyota is targeting a vehicle weight of under 1 750 kg, while also aiming for a “drastically” low centre of gravity. The company furthermore mentions a 45:55 weight distribution, front to rear.
The 2-seater’s suspension system comprises low-mounted double wishbones fore and aft, fitted with forged aluminium control arms. Braking is taken care of by Brembo carbon discs, while the vehicle stability system includes multi-stage control levels. Toyota promises the exhaust system will deliver a “distinctive racing sound”.
Expect more technical details to be revealed over the coming weeks and months. For the record, while the press images show the new GR GT in left-hand-drive guise, Toyota South Africa Motors says this model is indeed on the cards for the local market…
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is Toyota producing a supercar, and what is it called?
A: Yes, Toyota is making a new supercar called the GR GT. It is billed as a new flagship model that follows “in the footsteps” of the Toyota 2000GT and Lexus LFA.
Q: What are the key performance and engine specifications of the new GR GT?
A: The GR GT uses a newly developed, front-mounted twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine (with dry-sump lubrication) alongside a transaxle-integrated single electric motor as part of a hybrid system. Toyota targets maximum system outputs of 478 kW (or greater) and 850 Nm (or greater), with a top speed in excess of 320 kph.
Q: When is the Toyota GR GT expected to go into production, and what is its targeted weight?
A: The GR GT is expected to go into production “around 2027”. Thanks to an all-aluminium body frame, Toyota is targeting a vehicle weight of under 1,750 kg and aims for a 45:55 weight distribution (front to rear).
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