TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, hereinafter TGR) and Lexus on the 5th unveiled three flagship models worldwide for the first time.
They are Gazoo Racing's "GR GT" and "GR GT3", and Lexus' "Lexus LFA concept." They are models that inherit the lineage of the Toyota 2000GT and the Lexus LFA.
"GR GT", "GR GT3", and the "Lexus LFA concept" are models that originated from the belief of Toyota Motor Corp. Chairman Akio Toyoda (master driver Morizo) that "core technologies of automobile development must be passed on to the next generation." The three models reflect Toyota's "Shikinen Sengu" philosophy.
"Shikinen Sengu" is a ritual derived from the Japanese Shinto tradition characterized by rebuilding major shrine buildings and structures on a multi-decade cycle. In this process, not only are buildings rebuilt, but the ceremonial furnishings and ritual garments stored inside the shrine are also newly produced. Through these procedures, a foundation is established for various Japanese traditional craft artisans—such as carpenters, blacksmiths and weavers—to pass their skills on to the next generation.
These models preserve and pass on core car-making technologies developed during sports car development while incorporating new technologies to realize the spirit of "Toyota's Shikinen Sengu." They were developed together under a common philosophy centered on three key elements: a low center of gravity, light weight and high rigidity, and pursuit of aerodynamic performance.
"GR GT" is a new flagship sports car that further evolves TGR's philosophy of "making better cars through motorsports."
Master driver Morizo, as well as professional drivers Tatsuya Kataoka, Hiroaki Ishiura, Naoya Kamo, amateur racing driver Daisuke Toyoda and in-house evaluation drivers participated in development from the concept stage. All stages of development, including driving posture settings, were carried out with the driver's perspective as the top priority, and, as with other GR models, the development cycle of "polish, push to the limit, and fix" was repeated to raise completeness.
Master driver Morizo encouraged the development team with messages of "run with all your might" and "push it harder." Accordingly, an unprecedented number of technical challenges were overcome across development and production, and in the process many of Toyota's first new technologies were adopted.
Designed based on a front-engine, rear-wheel drive package, the "GR GT" adopts Toyota's first all-aluminum body frame for lowered center of gravity and light weight and high rigidity. It is also characterized by an exterior design that prioritizes aerodynamics. The powertrain is a newly developed 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo (dry-sump lubrication) engine, and the drivetrain adopts a carbon-fiber torque tube and transaxle layout. The rear transaxle integrates an 8-speed automatic transmission, a single electric motor and a mechanical limited-slip differential, realizing driving performance that allows all drivers to handle the car easily while fully connecting with the vehicle.
The "GR GT3", developed based on the "GR GT", was engineered to comply with FIA GT3 regulations so it can compete in races worldwide. Developed under FGT3 regulations, the top category of production-car-based customer motorsports, this model aims to be chosen by both professional drivers aiming for victory and amateur racing drivers while also being a race car that anyone can drive easily. The aluminum space-frame chassis, low-mount double-wishbone suspension and 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo engine are all elements carried over from the "GR GT."
TGR is not only developing the "GR GT3" as a high-performance race car but is also building an optimal support system for customers participating in international GT3 series.
▲BEV sports car "Lexus LFA concept"
The Lexus LFA concept is a concept model developed aiming to be a true battery electric sports car (BEV) that exceeds customer expectations. Like the "GR GT" and "GR GT3", it was completed through a one-team development system together with master driver Morizo. It inherits and develops the spirit of the LFA while pursuing a balance of design and driving performance. Based on technologies and craftsmanship that must be preserved, Lexus is taking on the challenge of changing the perception that BEV sports cars are still in their early stages and presenting a direction for future car development.
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