By Steve Laser
Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) and Lexus held the world premiere of three exciting new models in Japan this week. The GR GT and GR GT3 prototypes, along with the Lexus LFA Concept, preview a tantalizing trio of next-generation sports cars planned for production.
Toyota executives hosted the new product presentation at the recently opened Woven City, built at the former location of Toyota Motor East Japan’s Higashi-Fuji Plant in Susono City, Shizuoka Prefecture.
The new flagship sports cars are spiritual successors to the likes of the original Toyota 2000GT and the first Lexus LFA. Toyota Gazoo Racing created a new TV commercial, called “The Overtake” (above) that shows the new GR GT driving together with the 2000GT Speed Trial and Lexus LFA Nürburgring Package.
GR GT
The new sports cars are said to be developed with a low center of gravity, low weight with high rigidity, and attention to aerodynamic performance. The GR GT features dynamic styling with a long wheelbase, wide body, and low overall height.
In a first for Toyota, the GR GT employs an all-aluminum body frame with high rigidity and low weight. Additional weight-saving measures include the use of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) body panels.
The GR GT features a front-mounted engine with rear-wheel drive. Power is supplied by a new 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine teamed with a new 8-speed automatic transmission, along with a rear-mounted transaxle-integrated single electric motor. Maximum output for the hybrid system is 641 bhp (650 DIN hp/487kW) and 850Nm of torque (development targets).
Inside, the two-seat cabin is designed for business and pleasure. Ergonomics are said to be aimed at achieving the optimal driving position and outward visibility for both circuit driving along with everyday use on the street. Details in the above photo show a flat-bottom steering wheel with paddle shifters, a large digital gauge cluster, a center-mounted screen, and Recaro® seats.
GR GT3
The GR GT3 is a pure racing car designed for circuit driving. Toyota Gazoo Racing says it meets the specifications of the Federation Internationale d’Automobile (FIA) GT3, which is the top category of production vehicle-based customer motorsports, and aims to be a car that is chosen by people who want to win yet be easy to drive for anyone.
While the GR GT3 shares its twin-turbo V8 with the GR GT, it doesn’t have the rear-mounted electric motor. Unique features include a huge rear wing, side exhaust, and large fender louvers.
The racing-style interior is fitted with a yoke-style steering wheel, abundant switches and controls, Racetech® seats, and Bosh Motorsport® displays. During vehicle development, TGR says that extensive testing took place using driving simulators, test courses, including the Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama track, and racing circuits, such as the Fuji Speedway, and Nürburgring.
The GR GT and GR GT3 at the presentation are described as under-development prototypes, with product launch anticipated “around 2027.”
Lexus LFA
Lingering questions have been answered about the Lexus Sport Concept introduced this summer at Monterey Car Week in Carmel, Calif., followed by the Japan Mobility Show in the autumn. The future production model will be an all-electric BEV, it will likely look very similar to the Sport Concept, and it will be called LFA.
Lexus says the new LFA shares core technologies and is being developed with the GR GT and GR GT3. While the LFA features an all-aluminum body frame, styling is unique to Lexus. Exterior dimensions match the GR GT, including the wheelbase and overall height, yet the LFA is a bit wider (+40 mm).
The LFA features dynamic design details, including high-tech front and rear lighting. There’s a long hood, bold fender arches, side sculpting with air ducts, and big alloy wheels. Lexus says the LFA presents a new ideal form of sports car of universal appeal that transcends boundaries and time to stir the hearts of those who behold it.
Inside, the concept features a high-tech environment with a yoke-type steering wheel and neatly integrated displays for the driver. Lexus says the LFA features the same ideal driving position as the GR GT, and has an immersive cockpit to deliver driving pleasure.
Note: Prototype and development vehicles are shown in this story. Features, specifications, and launch timing for future production models are subject to change without notice.
News sources and photos courtesy of Toyota Motor Corp., Toyota Gazoo Racing, and Lexus
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