Toyota and Lexus are preparing to unveil a trio of high-performance sports cars this week, marking a significant expansion in their performance lineup. The unveiling will take place on December 5th in Japan, with a road-going Toyota model, a Lexus variant, and a dedicated track car all set to debut. This move underscores Toyota’s commitment to strengthening its sports car offerings beyond traditional models.
Gazoo Racing’s Expanding Role
The new vehicles will be revealed alongside the expansion of Gazoo Racing (GR) into a standalone brand. This signals Toyota’s intention to position GR as a distinct entity focused on performance and motorsports-inspired vehicles. The road-going Toyota, potentially branded simply as the “GR GT,” will share the spotlight with its Lexus counterpart. Both models are expected to feature a newly developed 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine, possibly augmented with some form of electrification, though not necessarily as a plug-in hybrid.
Lexus Sport Concept Confirmed
The Lexus version of the supercar is anticipated to draw heavily from the Lexus Sport Concept, with design cues including a more dramatic roofline and unique taillight features. The teaser images reveal design details such as a textured glass panel housing a vertical third brake light, confirming its distinct identity. Given Toyota’s restructuring, this Lexus model could command a premium price compared to the Toyota version.
Track-Focused Performance
Completing the trio is a track-only variant, confirmed by its Michelin racing tires and full roll cage. Louvers in the front fenders and plexiglass windows further distinguish it from street-legal models. Toyota initially showcased a GR GT3 concept at the Tokyo Auto Salon in 2022, hinting at a production version – now confirmed as a Lexus-badged track car.
Pricing and Market Strategy
While exact pricing remains unconfirmed, industry expectations suggest both road cars will carry six-figure price tags. The Lexus variant is likely to be positioned above the Toyota in terms of cost, but still below the $375,000 price point of the iconic Lexus LFA. This launch aligns with Toyota’s broader restructuring, which now includes GR for performance, Century for luxury, and Daihatsu for value-focused vehicles.
Global Reveal Times
The world premiere is scheduled for 11 AM Japan time on December 5th. This translates to 9 PM Eastern time on Thursday for North American audiences and 2 AM GMT on Friday for viewers in Europe. Toyota’s move represents a significant step towards establishing a more diverse and robust sports car portfolio under its restructured brand strategy.
