Toyota officially separates Gazoo Racing into its own brand, expanding its performance lineup and hinting at new sports and electric models. Discover the details now!
At the Tokyo Auto Salon 2026, Toyota announced a bold move: Gazoo Racing will now operate as an independent brand, officially shortened to Gazoo Racing (GR). The change elevates the performance arm that has existed since 2007 to a standalone identity within Toyota’s expanding brand ecosystem.
Where Gazoo Racing Fits in Toyota’s Portfolio
Following the recent spin‑off of the ultra‑luxury Century brand, Toyota now manages five distinct marques:
- GR – positioned above the mass‑market Toyota and Daihatsu lines but below the premium Lexus and the newly launched Century.
- Lexus – the global luxury flagship.
- Century – Toyota’s answer to Rolls‑Royce and Bentley.
- Toyota – the core mainstream brand.
- Daihatsu – the compact‑car specialist.
GR GT: A First Glimpse of the New Direction
The debut of the GR GT supercar last month underscored the separation. The car bears no Toyota badge on its exterior or interior, and Toyota confirmed it will be sold exclusively through select Lexus dealerships, not the regular Toyota dealer network. This strategy signals a clear brand distinction for future high‑performance models.
Future Models in the GR Pipeline
GR’s roadmap is ambitious:
- MR2 revival – Rumors suggest the iconic mid‑engine roadster could return without a Toyota logo.
- New Supra – A fresh generation, now independent from the BMW partnership, is slated to become a core GR offering.
- GR 86 – An updated entry‑level sports coupe designed to welcome new enthusiasts into the brand.
- GR Yaris M – Mid‑engine concept that reignites talks of an MR2‑style successor.
- Celica – Early leaks hint at a completely reimagined model for the U.S. market.
Racing Roots and Customer Motorsports
Staying true to its name, GR will continue competing in top‑tier series such as the World Rally Championship (WRC). In addition, the brand plans to expand “customer motorsports” programs, offering homologation specials and limited‑edition track‑ready versions for collectors.
Powertrain Highlights
While the GR GT will be powered by a bespoke 4.0‑liter twin‑turbo V8, other GR models are expected to share a new family of four‑cylinder engines. Notably, the 2.0‑liter G20E turbo is projected to deliver over 400 hp, becoming the performance heart of the GR lineup without being confined to a single configuration.
Electrification Strategy
GR is not ignoring the shift toward electric performance. The FT‑Se concept, featuring dual electric motors and four‑wheel drive, is slated to become a pure‑electric sports car after 2026. A next‑generation LFA is also being redeveloped as an all‑electric hyper‑car, showcasing Toyota’s commitment to high‑performance electrification.
Market Implications
Elevating Gazoo Racing to an independent brand positions Toyota to fill a growing void for affordable, high‑performance cars. With the flagship GR GT priced around $200,000, GR aims to attract enthusiasts willing to pay a premium for exclusivity and track‑ready capability. While ambitious plans—such as reviving the MR2, Celica, and Supra alongside electric models—may stretch production capacities, the launch of GR GT provides a strong proof of concept.
As the automotive world watches, Toyota’s new performance arm could reshape the sports‑car landscape, delivering a blend of cutting‑edge engineering, racing heritage, and electrified power.