Toyota GR previews purpose-built GT3 racer

Remember when Toyota teased a mysterious-looking concept that somehow resembled the Mercedes-AMG GT? After giving us a glimpse of it last week, Toyota has officially unveiled the GR GT3 concept.

Described by Toyota as a racing-dedicated concept, the GR GT3 is Toyota essentially signaling its intention to go GT3 racing under its own brand.

Starting with its looks, the GR GT3 does not resemble any existing vehicle Toyota currently sells. Instead, it comes with a distinct look that consists of a long hood and a short deck design. It also gets a sleek aerokit, a massive rear wing, muscular wheel arches, lightweight alloy wheels wrapped in Bridgestone Potenza racing tires, and fender exhausts.

Since it’s not based on an existing model, this concept could be a prelude to a bespoke GT3 racer that might be commercialized for racing customers. Should this happen, it will stand against the traditional GT3 philosophy. Instead of being based on a road car, the GR GT3 will be developed using input from motorsport-related activities.

“TGR is committed to further accelerating customer motorsports activities to make the world of motorsports sustainable. Promoting “driver first” car development and with a desire to provide attractive cars that customers participating in GT3, which is the pinnacle of customer motorsports,” shared Toyota Gazoo Racing.

Toyota has not revealed an exact timeline as to when a production version of the GR GT3 will be revealed. However, Toyota Gazoo Racing president Koji Sato said that a working prototype would be ready by the end of the year.

With this in mind, does this mean the RC F GT3 is set to be replaced by the Toyota Gazoo Racing GR GT3? We’ll find out once Toyota finishes working on that prototype that’s set to be revealed later this year.