Key Findings:
- Three models positioned as flagships in the manner of the Toyota 2000GT of yesteryear and the Lexus LFA make their world premiere
- As an embodiment of “Toyota’s Shikinen Sengu”, preserving and passing on the “secret sauce of car-making” to the next generation is one aim of development
- The GR GT is a new GR-brand flagship sports car that further advances the making of ever-better motorsports-bred cars
- The GR GT3 is a GR GT-based, FIA GT3-spec race car for all customers who want to win races
- The Lexus LFA Concept is a concept model aimed at creating a BEV sports car that exceeds customers’ expectations
- Development was driven by engineers responding as a top priority to the perspectives of Toyota’s master driver (Morizo) and development drivers (professional and non-professional drivers)
Related Media
WOVEN CITY, Japan (Dec. 5, 2025) – TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR) and the Lexus brand held the world premiere today of TGR’s GR GT and GR GT3 and Lexus’ Lexus LFA Concept.
The GR GT, GR GT3, and Lexus LFA Concept were born from the conviction of Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) Chairman Akio Toyoda, aka Master Driver Morizo, that certain car-making skills must be preserved and passed on to the next generation. Together, the three models symbolize “Toyota’s Shikinen Sengu”.
Shikinen Sengu is a traditional Japanese shrine ritual during which a Shinto* shrine’s core structures and elements are rebuilt every few decades. The ritual involves not only rebuilding the shrine itself but also recrafting its furnishings and ceremonial garments housed within. As such, it serves as a platform for artisans of a wide range of traditional Japanese crafts—including architecture, blacksmithing, and weaving—to pass on their skills to the next generation.
The three unveiled models are being positioned as TMC’s flagship sports cars, in the footsteps of the Toyota 2000GT and Lexus LFA. They embody “Toyota’s Shikinen Sengu” through the making of sports cars by preserving and passing on to the next generation fundamental car-making skills and incorporating new technologies. All three are being developed together under a shared philosophy centered on three key elements: a low center of gravity, low weight with high rigidity, and the pursuit of aerodynamic performance.
GR GT: A new flagship pursuing high performance
The GR GT is a new flagship sports car that further advances TGR’s philosophy of making ever-better motorsports-bred cars. A diverse range of drivers, including Master Driver Morizo, professional drivers Tatsuya Kataoka, Hiroaki Ishiura, and Naoya Gamo, gentleman driver Daisuke Toyoda, and in-house evaluation drivers, was involved in its development from the concept formulation stage. All aspects of development prioritized the driver’s perspective, starting with the driving position. The model is still being refined, with drivers repeatedly putting it through the “hone, drive to failure, and repair” cycle, as with other GR products.
Master Driver Morizo urged the development team onward with calls of “I want you to go all out,” and “I want you to push even further.” In response, those involved overcame an unprecedented number of challenges across every domain, from development to manufacturing, including the adoption of Toyota-first new technologies.
Centered on front-engine, rear-wheel-drive vehicle packaging, the GR GT features a thoroughly low center of gravity and adopts Toyota’s first all-aluminum body frame for low weight with high rigidity, as well as styling that gives paramount priority to aerodynamics. Its power unit is a newly developed 4-liter, V8 twin-turbo with dry-sump lubrication, and its drivetrain uses a carbon-fiber torque tube and a transaxle layout. The rear-located transaxle is equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission, a single electric motor, and a mechanical, limited-slip differential. The result is driving performance that is easy to handle for drivers of all skill levels and that enables drivers to fully interact with the car.
GR GT3: A new FIA GT3-spec race car built with a driver-first approach
Based on the GR GT, the GR GT3 was engineered to compete in races worldwide. Created in accordance with FIA GT3 regulations—the top category for production-vehicle-based customer motorsports—it aims at being chosen by both professional and non-professional drivers who want to win, as well as being easy to drive for anyone behind the wheel. Its aluminum space-frame chassis, low-mount double wishbone suspension, and 4-liter, V8 twin-turbo engine are all drawn from the GR GT.
Going beyond just aiming to make the GR GT3 a high-performance race car, TGR is also preparing to establish an optimal support system for customers competing in international GT3 series races.
Lexus LFA Concept: Aims to be a true BEV sports car
Created to be a true battery electric vehicle (BEV) sports car that aims to exceed customer expectations, the Lexus LFA Concept is a concept model that, like the GR GT and GR GT3, was developed under a one-team approach with Master Driver Morizo. It inherits and evolves the LFA’s spirit, pursuing a balance of styling and driving performance. By leveraging technology and car-making skills that must be preserved, Lexus is transforming the perception that BEV sports cars are still in their infancy and is taking on the challenge of shaping the future of car-making.
Additional details on the GR GT and GR GT3 can be found here on the GR Newsroom. For details on the Lexus LFA Concept, follow this link to a release on the Lexus Newsroom. GR and Lexus intend to continue to release information on these three models as it becomes available.
*A Japanese indigenous religion centered on devotion to and worship of spirits or deities believed to inhabit elements of nature
About TGR
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing was founded from a passion for the adrenaline-filled world of motorsports. Started by the late Master Driver Hiromu Naruse and Akio Toyoda himself, TGR was forged through their mutual respect and understanding that the ultimate proving ground for development of technologies and the people behind them is the racetrack. With his endurance racing debut in 2007, Akio Toyoda under the guise of his now iconic “Morizo” pseudonym, along with Naruse and a team of technical experts, reached the catalyst of what would inspire and define his mission for developing performance-oriented vehicles that continually enhance the overall driving experience. Today, the brand offers three GR models. TGR is a commitment to the car enthusiasts in every generation to continue building sports cars that stir the soul and drive passion into future.
About Lexus
Lexus’ passion for brave design, imaginative technology, and exhilarating performance enables the luxury lifestyle brand to create amazing experiences for its customers. Lexus began its journey in 1989 with two luxury sedans and a commitment to pursue perfection. Since then, Lexus has developed its lineup to meet the needs of global luxury customers in more than 90 countries. In the United States, Lexus vehicles are sold through 244 dealers offering a full lineup of luxury vehicles. With seven models incorporating Lexus Hybrid Drive, Lexus is the luxury hybrid leader. Lexus also offers nine F SPORT models, one F performance model and one F model. Lexus is committed to being a visionary brand that anticipates the future for luxury customers.