- Trio of new super-coupes aims to capture spirit of the iconic Lexus LFA.
- Toyota GR GT and Lexus LFA Concept both on new lightweight platform.
- Toyota NZ already talking about local sales and driver training.
Toyota's GR performance/motorsport brand has a new roadgoing flagship: the GT, a highly focused coupe developed around a lightweight platform with low centre of gravity, state-of-the-art aerodynamics and a new 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine.
But the GT is just the start. It's one of a trio of new models on the same architecture, alongside an FIA GT3-specification customer racing version called GR GT3, and a proposed Lexus iteration of the road car with pure-electric power - simply called the Lexus LFA Concept at this stage.
As the name of the latter suggests, the new lineup aims to capture some of the spirit of the Lexus LFA supercar (2010-12): highly acclaimed as one of the best super-coupes ever produced.
Centred on front-engine, rear-wheel-drive vehicle packaging, the new GR GT adopts Toyota’s first all-aluminium body frame for low weight with high rigidity. The newly developed V8 has dry-sump lubrication, and its drivetrain uses a carbon-fibre torque tube and a transaxle layout.
The rear-located transaxle is equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission, single electric motor (1-Motor Hybrid system), and a mechanical, limited-slip differential. It rides on 20-inch wheels with mixed-size tyres and carbon ceramic brakes are standard.
Target outputs for the GR GT (yet to be confirmed) are 478kW/850Nm as a minimum, says Toyota.
The GT GT3 has been designed for global motorsport in accordance with FIA regulations. "It aims at being chosen by both professional and gentleman drivers who want to win," says the company.
Lexus super-coupe goes pure-electric
Meanwhile, the Lexus LFA Concept "explores a different, yet parallel path". While the GR models prioritise aerodynamics, the Lexus shifts back a bit towards high style. The Lexus LFA Concept body shape is 130mm shorter than the GR GT.
However, Toyota/Lexus has not shared any further technical specifications at this stage.
Toyota NZ's plans for the GR GT
With the global revealed just completed and the Lexus version not even ofiicially comfirmed for production, New Zealand-specific launch information is still some way off. But it's coming.
However, Toyota NZ chief stratgery officer Andrew Davis was in Japan for the launch and has already engaged in product training for the GR GT.
He says the Toyota Gazoo Racing facility at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park could come into the sales and mix for Kiwi customers, especially if advanced driver training is required.
“We are well established in NZ with GR and have a custom facility at Hampton Downs with world class engineering and development talent, as well as access to professional driver training. Whatever the GR GT customer needs whether it be car set up or getting the most out of their vehicle we have a team that can meet their needs right here in NZ," says Davis.