- New GR GT flagship features a powerful 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo hybrid engine.
- Toyota’s Shikinen Sengu philosophy preserves elite car-making skills for the future.
- Lexus LFA Concept aims to deliver a true, high-performance battery electric sports car.
- Hybrid GR GT boasts 650 PS and a cutting-edge all-aluminum body frame for rigidity.
The roar of a V8 hybrid and the silent precision of electric power just announced a new era for Japanese performance. TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR) and Lexus unveiled three stunning flagship sports models: the GR GT, the GR GT3, and the Lexus LFA Concept. These cars embody the sacred Japanese tradition of Shikinen Sengu, ensuring fundamental car-making skills endure even as technology shifts radically. This powerful trio confirms that elite craftsmanship and vibrant innovation are the foundations of Toyota’s next generation of speed.
The GR GT is positioned as TGR’s new flagship, pursuing overwhelming, motorsports-bred performance. It’s an aspirational vehicle built from the ground up with direct input from master drivers like Morizo (Akio Toyoda) and professional racers, ensuring the driver’s perspective shaped every decision, starting with the driving position.
The engineering inside the GR GT is cutting-edge:
- Power Unit: A hybrid system pairs a newly developed 4.0-liter, V8 twin-turbo engine with a single electric motor.
- Output: This combination delivers a maximum system output of 650 PS or greater and maximum system torque of 850 Nm or greater.
- Structure: It adopts Toyota’s first all-aluminum body frame, providing low weight with extreme rigidity, all while prioritizing aerodynamic performance.
The GR GT’s use of a carbon-fiber torque tube and an 8-speed automatic transaxle is designed to deliver driving performance that is both easy to handle for all skill levels and allows drivers to fully interact with the car—a key feature for performance enthusiasts who demand precision and control.
The third model, the Lexus LFA Concept, is arguably the boldest statement of the trio. It is a concept model developed to be a true Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) sports car that exceeds customer expectations. By inheriting and evolving the spirit of the legendary original LFA, Lexus is challenging the perception that BEV sports cars are still in their infancy. This pursuit of a perfect balance between stunning styling and electric driving performance is a clear signal of Lexus’s intentions to shape the future of sustainable and high-end automotive engineering.
The entire development process of the GR GT, GR GT3, and Lexus LFA Concept is framed by the traditional concept of Shikinen Sengu. This ritual involves preserving and passing on skills across disciplines—in this case, architecture, aerodynamics, and powertrain mastery—to the next generation.
All three models share a core, uncompromising development philosophy centered on three key engineering elements: a low centre of gravity, low weight with high rigidity, and the pursuit of aerodynamic performance. From the GR GT-based GR GT3, engineered to FIA GT3-spec for customers who want to win races, to the future of electric performance, this showcase confirms that Toyota and Lexus are honoring their deep engineering heritage while building the ultimate vibrant automotive future.
The world premiere of these three flagships confirms that Toyota and Lexus are not just reacting to the future, they are building it with respect for the past. Stay tuned for more details on these next-generation track and road titans!
