Toyota is stirring excitement among enthusiasts by dropping hints about another addition to its high-performance Gazoo Racing (GR) lineup coming to the US market. This latest teaser comes in a new episode of Toyota’s GRIP anime series, which has become something of a platform for showcasing future models.
The episode culminates in a list showcasing existing GR vehicles – the Supra, 86, and Corolla – followed by a tantalizing blank space for the fourth model. This cryptic ending leaves car fans scrambling to decipher what’s coming next.
While it might seem premature to speculate on this new GR addition, Toyota’s track record adds fuel to the fire. A year ago, another GRIP episode featured a whiteboard with sketches of the “next generation” Celica Mk8 and MR2 Mk4, hinting at their potential return. Both models have been absent from the US market for some time. Notably, there’s also a confirmed upcoming debut of the GR GT3 race car on December 4th.
So what could Toyota be teasing? A GR Yaris seems unlikely since it was launched in 2020 and received a refresh last year, indicating its lifecycle might be nearing its end. The Celica and MR2 remain possibilities despite a lack of prototype sightings – the earlier GRIP episode’s reference makes their return at least plausible. Dealers even report glimpses of a reborn Celica behind closed doors, with test mules circulating in real-world settings.
However, given that both Supra and GR86 are already on the list in this new teaser, it’s clear Toyota is pointing towards something different. A production version of the 2023 FT-Se concept – a dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric sports car – was confirmed for release after 2026. So, while exciting, that option appears too far off for a current tease.
The timing surrounding the GR GT3 launch makes the supercar theory particularly compelling. We already know this model will pack a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 hybrid engine and rumors even suggest a Lexus version based on the Sport concept is in the works.
Beyond these possibilities, Toyota could potentially bring a GR Sienna minivan or a GR Prius – although those ideas seem unlikely, to say the least! A more realistic alternative could be a performance-tuned SUV or truck, such as a GR Land Cruiser or GR Tacoma.
Although speculation runs rampant, the distinct coupe silhouette of a partially obscured vehicle shown earlier in the video does point towards something along the lines of the Celica or supercar.
Regardless of the mystery model’s true identity, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: Toyota is gearing up to expand its American GR lineup with a fourth entry.
