Toyota Gazoo Racing is now a standalone brand, reshaping Toyota’s sports‑car lineup and electrified performance. Discover the latest details and what’s next – read on!
At the Tokyo Auto Salon 2026, Toyota announced a bold move: Gazoo Racing will now operate as an independent marque, shedding the “Toyota” badge that has traditionally hung on its high‑performance models. The new identity will be known simply as Gazoo Racing (GR), a name that first appeared in 2007 and is now being elevated to full brand status.
Why the split matters
This decision follows the recent spin‑off of Toyota’s ultra‑luxury line, Century, and positions GR as the fourth distinct brand under the Toyota Group umbrella – alongside Toyota, Daihatsu, and Lexus. While GR sits above Toyota and Daihatsu in the mainstream market, it remains below Lexus and the newly created Century brand, which aims to challenge Rolls‑Royce and Bentley.
Brand separation in practice
Signals of a growing divide have already surfaced. The debut of the GR GT supercar last month marked the first time a GR model was released without any Toyota logos on the exterior or interior. Moreover, Toyota confirmed that the GR GT will be sold exclusively through select Lexus showrooms, not through ordinary Toyota dealers.
What’s coming next for GR?
- GR GT – A limited‑run, $200,000 supercar powered by a bespoke 4.0‑litre twin‑turbo V8.
- GR 86 (new generation) – A more affordable entry point for enthusiasts.
- Potential return of the MR2 – Rumoured to carry no Toyota badge.
- New Supra – Independently developed, no longer tied to BMW platforms.
- GR Yaris‑M concept – Mid‑engine layout that fuels speculation about an MR2 revival.
- Future electric performance cars – The FT‑Se concept, a fully electric sports model slated for post‑2026 launch.
Racing pedigree and customer motorsport
True to its name, GR will keep a strong presence in top‑tier motorsport, including the World Rally Championship (WRC). The brand will also expand into “customer motorsports” – offering road‑legal, limited‑edition models and homologation specials for private racers and collectors.
Powertrain outlook
While the GR GT receives a dedicated 4.0‑litre V8, other GR models are expected to share a next‑generation 4‑cylinder engine family. The standout is the new 2.0‑litre turbocharged G20E unit, delivering over 400 hp and poised to become the cornerstone of the GR lineup.
Electrification push
GR is not ignoring the electric wave. The FT‑Se concept, featuring dual electric motors and all‑wheel drive, targets the pure‑electric sports segment after 2026. Additionally, a new generation of the LFA is planned to be fully electric, underscoring Toyota’s commitment to high‑performance EVs.
Implications for the market
Creating an independent Gazoo Racing brand comes at a time when affordable sports cars are scarce. By consolidating its performance models under GR, Toyota aims to dominate this niche, offering everything from the entry‑level GR 86 to the flagship GR GT.
Whether the anticipated revivals of the MR2, Celica, and Supra materialise remains to be seen, the launch of the GR GT provides a powerful statement: Toyota is serious about carving out a premium, performance‑focused identity that can stand on its own. Stay tuned as the GR portfolio rolls out over the next few years.