Earlier this year, we caught a glimpse of what might be the road version of the Toyota GR GT3—a sleek, Batmobile-esque concept that Toyota Gazoo Racing unveiled at the 2022 Tokyo Auto Salon. Both the racetrack and street versions of the car are still in development, but it’s likely to pack a variant of the 540-hp 5.4-liter V8 that powers the RC F GT3. The plan is to develop the race version first and then the street version.
For most non-gearheads, a six-figure car that’s not street-legal is a hard sell, so we’re eagerly awaiting the road-legal version. Here’s everything we hope to see in the new V8-powered Toyota GR sports car.
1. A Manual Transmission Option
Gazoo Racing and enthusiasts alike cherish manual transmissions. You’ll find them in the GR Corolla, the GR 86, and the GR Supra. Even the Tacoma offers a six-speed manual. However, the street-legal version of the new GR sports car is rumored to come from Lexus, which currently uses automatic transmissions in its modern V8-powered models. Hopefully, Toyota and Lexus will collaborate to let us enjoy rowing our own gears.
2. All-Wheel Drive
This one feels like a long shot. Lexus currently offers an all-wheel drive option in the RC lineup, but the true performance RC F sends all 472 horses to the rear wheels only. Similarly, the GR Supra and GR86 are rear-wheel drive. GT3 racing bans AWD, so it’s unlikely we’ll see it in the track version or the street version. However, the superior grip and control offered by AWD would make the road version a lot of fun for daily driving or weekend getaways.
3. A Topless Variant
Convertible sales have declined, but a convertible option would give this car Shelby Cobra and Dodge Viper vibes. Yes, convertibles often suffer in structural rigidity and performance, but they also offer a unique driving experience. Imagine a V8-powered GR sports car with the wind in your hair. It’s a niche within a niche, but it’s a dream worth having.
4. Keep It ICE-Powered
The real selling point of this car is its 5.3-liter V8 without electric motors or big battery packs. Gazoo Racing has promised to keep ICE-powered cars in the lineup for now. While a hybrid powertrain could be considered later, what we want in the new V8 GR model is a pure ICE-powered driving experience. Save the hybrids for a more practical downmarket version.
5. A Range of Driving Modes
Most road-going sports cars offer multiple driving modes. The street version of the new GR sports car should have at least an adaptive suspension with sport, track, and comfort modes. This flexibility would allow the car to be a daily driver and a track monster. A more adjustable suspension system, like the one in the Mustang GTD, would be ideal.
6. Cylinder Deactivation
While gas mileage isn’t a priority, cylinder deactivation technology could help boost fuel economy. You don’t need 540 horses when idling at a stoplight or cruising at 45 mph. Modern microprocessors make the deactivation process reliable and efficient, making it a practical addition to save on fuel costs.
7. Standard Carbon-Fiber Components
Making carbon-fiber seats, exterior accents, and body panels standard could position the car as both street-legal and track-ready. While this is a major wishlist item, including lightweight components as standard features could offset the added weight of making the car street-legal. It would also appeal to buyers prepared to spend money on a high-performance vehicle.
8. AR Head-Up Display
The futuristic look of the concept car would suit an augmented reality head-up display projected onto the windshield. This would allow drivers to keep their eyes on the road while getting all necessary data. While AR goggles are an option, a HUD is more practical for driving.
9. Cool Ambient Lighting
An all-black interior set off by cool ambient lighting would enhance the car’s modern, sleek aesthetic. Lexus’s Thematic Ambient Lighting system allows for adjustable color and intensity, which would fit perfectly with the futuristic design of the new GR sports car.
10. Maintain the Bold Design
The street version of the car will likely have some changes from the black GR coupe we first saw in 2022. However, the core design elements—the mean-looking nose, side exhaust, and low profile—should remain. These features give the car its unique, eye-catching appeal.
In summary, the new V8-powered Toyota GR sports car has the potential to be a standout in the market. By incorporating these features, Toyota Gazoo Racing can create a car that not only performs exceptionally but also offers a thrilling and engaging driving experience.
