Introduction:
Toyota is set to unveil a new race car, the GR GT3, which will also have a road-going version likely bearing a Lexus badge. The timeline for the unveiling is delayed, with the race car expected in 2026 and the road version a year or more after that. Despite the delay, Toyota has dropped hints about the upcoming vehicle, giving us some details to anticipate.
The GR GT3 name is derived from Toyota’s 2022 concept, but the official name may change upon launch. Speculation suggests that the road car could be named Lexus, though it is uncertain if it will replace the current RC or introduce an entirely new model to the lineup. The current RC was released in 2015 and is overdue for an update.
Spy videos and patent images reveal a sleek, long coupe resembling the GR GT3 concept. Featuring aggressive splitters, canards, wings, and a hood vent with radiators, the car seems poised for track performance. The patent images hint at a street-legal version of the concept, with a less aggressive design. The car’s profile resembles a Mercedes-AMG GT, with triangular-accented taillights, vents reminiscent of the LFA, and side-exit exhaust tips on the massive front fenders.
While Toyota has not confirmed the powertrain for the GT3, speculations suggest a V-8 engine based on a recent spy video capturing the exhaust note. The car could evolve from the Lexus RC F GT3’s 5.2-liter V-8 engine, producing over 500 horsepower. The possibility of a hybrid setup or smaller engines for pedestrian trims cannot be ruled out. The production car is expected to have sufficient power, with ample room in the engine bay.
The GR GT3 race car may debut at the 2026 Daytona 24 Hours, as suggested by Toyota Racing President David Wilson. However, the road version’s delayed release in 2026 is due to hurdles faced in homologating development. Toyota aims to introduce the road version in mid to late 2025, with sales commencing the following year.
The pricing for the upcoming Lexus-badged sports car remains uncertain, with the 2024 Lexus RC F starting at $68,295 and the entry-level RC priced at $45,920. The potential successor to the RC might fall below the six-figure range, considering the current lineup. The pricing strategy may be influenced by the availability of the LC 500, priced at $99,800, and potential updates to the model.
Overall, the Toyota GR GT3 promises an exciting blend of track performance and road-worthy capabilities, with the anticipation surrounding its launch building up as more details trickle in.
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