Toyota is edging closer to the commencement of its GT3 endurance campaign, and a recent testing footage indicates that it is undeniably a cause for enthusiasm.
At the 2022 Tokyo Auto Salon, Toyota’s Gazoo Racing (GR) department unveiled the GR GT3 concept, embodying all the iconic race car elements – an elongated hood, an imposing rear spoiler and diffuser, front splitter, hood vents, side-exit exhaust, and central-lock wheels – as it aimed to further expand into endurance racing.
It undeniably possessed the essence, and now, after witnessing it in action, it seems that Toyota’s collaboration with Lexus on this project has not only delivered an enticing V8 sound but also the potential for a similarly delightful production model carrying a Lexus emblem.
Take a moment to listen as the camouflaged Toyota/Lexus GR GT3 zips around Belgium’s Spa-Francorchamps track.
Toyota aims to make a strong start when it joins the LMGT3 category of the World Endurance Championship (WEC) in 2026, with the vehicle seen in the testing video believed to represent the next iteration of Lexus’ GT3 racer.
The current contender is the Lexus RC F GT3, slated to compete in this year’s WEC series in the LMGT3 division under the European Akkodis ASP team’s guidance.
In action since 2017, it is energized by a 5.4-liter V8 engine generating over 367kW of power, coupled with a six-speed sequential gearbox.
Reports suggest Lexus may introduce a hybrid successor to the LFA in the upcoming year, potentially featuring a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine packing between 515kW and 530kW of power, in conjunction with a 662kW electric motor.
The fresh performance model has previously been dubbed as a “series-produced model” rather than a limited-edition piece like the LFA, hinting at a possibly longer presence in the market and a higher production volume than the 500-unit V10 model.
The new GT3 venture wouldn’t mark Toyota’s initial venture into WEC competition, as it has clinched the championship in the top tier of the series every year since 2018.
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