Toyota’s V8-powered GR GT revealed with a Kiwi connection 

Toyota has finally taken the covers off the highly anticipated GR GT, which serves as the spiritual successor to the Lexus LFA. 

Surprisingly, the GR GT is devoid of any sort of Toyota badging, instead serving as the first flagship GR-badged vehicle. 

It was revealed at an event alongside the new Lexus LFA concept.

Toyota New Zealand’s own Chief Strategy Officer, Andrew Davis was among the “GR Meisters” who travelled to Japan, and provided feedback to the engineers for their home market use. 

As predicted, the GR GT is powered by a twin-turbo petrol V8 with hybrid assistance. Measuring four litres in displacement, this engine features dry sump lubrication as well as a “hot vee” turbo configuration. 

Official power and torque figures are yet to be revealed, but Toyota notes it’s targeting the region of 480kW and 850Nm. 

Power will be sent to a 8-speed automatic transaxle at the rear through a carbon fibre driveshaft. 

A 0-100km/h time wasn’t revealed, but a top speed of 320km/h is in Toyota’s sights. 

Despite the massive bonnet of the GR GT, Toyota notes that the V8 actually sits behind the front axle, giving it a weight distribution of 45:55, essentially making it a mid-engined grand tourer. 

Despite the LFA’s V10 being tuned by Yamaha, there is no mention of this partnership when it comes to the GR GT. Toyota notes the exhaust has been built in a way that produces a suitable sound for the vehicle. 

On the inside, the GR GT gets just two seats. Though not as fighter jet-styled as the Mk4 Supra, the driver controls look to be very driver-centric, something Toyota does well. 

Alongside the hybrid-powered road car, a GT3 race version of the GR GT was also unveiled, which goes without any sort of electrification. 

This track-only machine ups the ante with aggressive bumpers and a massive wing at the rear. 

Toyota notes that while the GR GT is just a prototype under development at this stage, it is expected to debut sometime in 2027.