In an unusual move for the automotive industry, Toyota is preparing to debut not one, but two highly anticipated supercars alongside a dedicated track-only machine. This simultaneous launch, a departure from the typical staggered release, promises a thrilling event for car enthusiasts globally. The presentation will be accessible via a live broadcast, allowing audiences to witness the unveiling of these high-performance vehicles as it happens.
The highly anticipated presentation of Toyota's "all-new sports models" will be streamed live, offering a half-hour glimpse into the future of performance motoring. For those in Japan, the reveal is scheduled for December 5th at 11 AM, while European viewers will need to set early alarms for 2 AM GMT or 3 AM CET. Fortunately, North American fans can catch the action on December 4th at 9 PM Eastern Time, requiring a less demanding viewing schedule.
The event is expected to showcase the Toyota GR GT, a street-legal production model derived from the Lexus Sports Concept, and a new GT3 race car from Gazoo Racing. Speculation is rife that all three vehicles will incorporate a new V8 engine. This powerplant was initially mentioned in October at the Japan Mobility Show by Takashi Uehara, Toyota's powertrain president, hinting at a significant advancement in the company's performance offerings.
The newly announced V8 engine is part of an innovative modular gasoline engine series, which also encompasses a pair of four-cylinder units with 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter displacements. Uehara indicated a conceptual link between the eight-cylinder and four-cylinder engines, though specific technical details remain under wraps. Industry reports suggest the V8 will boast a twin-turbocharger setup and may integrate into a hybrid powertrain, potentially delivering impressive performance figures far exceeding its predecessors, like the LFA's naturally aspirated V10.
While specific power outputs are still unofficial, it is widely believed that the new V8, especially with potential twin-turbo and hybrid components, will significantly surpass the 553 horsepower of the LFA's V10. Unconfirmed reports hint at figures ranging from 800 to 900 horsepower, but enthusiasts await official confirmation for precise details on these high-performance machines. The design elements of these upcoming models are not entirely a secret, having been teased previously. Toyota first offered a preview of the GR GT through its GR GT3 concept at the Tokyo Auto Salon in January 2022. Subsequent sightings of camouflaged prototypes further revealed the coupe's appealing silhouette. Earlier this year, at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, a glimpse of the interior was also afforded, confirming an automatic transmission through a compact gear selector.
The Lexus Sports Concept, first unveiled in August, is anticipated to closely resemble its production counterpart, given the short interval between concept and production. Teaser images released this week suggest a near-identical taillight design for the production version. The naming conventions for these new vehicles remain a point of interest. While the Toyota model is likely to adopt the "GR GT" designation, it may not feature traditional Toyota badging, aligning with the company's strategic plan to establish Gazoo Racing as a distinct brand. For the Lexus variant, simply using "Sports" would be overly general. Previous rumors hinted at the "LFR" nameplate, though this has not been officially confirmed. Earlier expectations focused solely on the Lexus LFR, without a Toyota counterpart. However, it is now certain that both brands will receive their own supercar models, complemented by a dedicated race car for Gazoo Racing's GT3 program, serving as a successor to the current RC F GT3.
Both street-legal models are projected to carry price tags well exceeding $100,000. A GR GT prototype was previously observed being benchmarked against the last-generation Mercedes-AMG GT, indicating Toyota’s ambitious positioning. For context, the current-generation AMG GT V8 models start at approximately $139,400, while the hybrid V8 variants commence at around $203,450. It is anticipated that the new Toyota and Lexus supercars will be priced competitively within this luxury performance segment. Following their debut, these production-ready vehicles are expected to be showcased at the Tokyo Auto Salon next month, with sales commencing later in the year.
Today marks an exciting moment for car enthusiasts, as Toyota and Lexus prepare to unveil a trio of high-performance vehicles. This unprecedented joint debut, featuring two new supercars and a track-focused model, will showcase the latest advancements in automotive engineering and design from both brands. With a powerful new V8 engine and ambitious pricing strategies, these vehicles are set to make a significant impact on the premium sports car market.
