By Steve Laser
The new Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) sports cars, GR GT and the GT3 racing version, made their public debut at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2026. While attendees had the opportunity to see the new models at the inside display, TGR also provided exciting outdoor demonstration runs with both models driven by professional drivers.
Tokyo Auto Salon, held at the Makuhari Messe convention center, featured outdoor runs this weekend, with a variety of motorsports-related participants including TGR (above), Honda, Subaru, and more.
According to a news report by the Tokyo Auto Salon, drivers for the GR GT/GT3 demo runs featured TGR teammates Daisuke Toyoda, Hiroaki Ishiura, Naoya Gamou, and Tatsuya Kataoka.
The demo runs were staged in the Makuhari Messe outdoor event venue, and included a special course on the south side of the complex.
With bold styling, a long wheelbase, wide body, and low overall height, the new GR GT is said to be developed with a low center of gravity and considerable attention to aerodynamic performance, where aerodynamics engineers worked together with exterior designers as a team.
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.
The GR GT3 is a pure racing car designed for circuit driving. TGR says it meets the specifications of the Federation Internationale d’Automobile (FIA) GT3, which is the top category of production vehicle-based customer motorsports.
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.
During TGR’s separate world premiere of the new sports cars last month, the GR GT and GT3 were described as under-development prototypes, with product launch anticipated “around 2027.”
News sources courtesy of Tokyo Auto Salon Association (TASA) and Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR). Photos courtesy of TASA are posted in the story for editorial use.
Story (commentary) 2026 by CarNichiWa.com