Toyota’s upcoming GR GT3 World Endurance Championship racer is generating a lot of excitement among car enthusiasts. While electric cars have their appeal, there’s something undeniably thrilling about the sensory experience of a powerful combustion engine. The GR GT3 not only looks sensational but also sounds amazing, with its controlled explosions inside blocks of iron and aluminum creating a symphony of power.
Although the GR GT3 seems ready for the race track, Toyota is planning to use it for competition in 2026, aligning with the development timeline of its road car counterpart. According to Rob Leupen, the Gazoo Racing WEC team director, Toyota wants to follow its philosophy of having a motorsport-bred car on the road, and the path to achieving this goes through Lexus. Rumor has it that the road version of the GR GT3 will be the successor to the iconic Lexus LFA. However, if the price tag is similar to the LFA’s hefty $375,000 MSRP, it might disappoint enthusiasts who would prefer a more accessible option from Chevrolet, Ford, or Porsche.
During the Rolex 24 at Daytona event, David Wilson, the President of Toyota Racing Development, shared a timeline of “mid-2026-ish” for the release of the Lexus GT3-derived road car. Wilson acknowledged that homologation and various steps must be completed, but everything is progressing according to plan. The ideal debut for the road car would be at the 2026 Rolex race, which would enable Toyota to participate in global campaigns across multiple series like IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, the WEC, and Japan’s SUPER GT.
While Toyota has not provided specific details about the powertrain of the road car, it is widely expected to feature a twin-turbo V8 engine. However, there is one concern among enthusiasts regarding future regulations. Starting in 2025, FIA regulations will restrict the maximum sound level emitted by cars on the track to 100 dbA, measured from a distance of approximately 50 feet. This means that the distinctive engine roar and exhaust notes that enthusiasts cherish might be muffled in the coming years.
In the meantime, car enthusiasts can enjoy the thrilling sound of the GR GT3 as captured in the video. With its impressive performance and sensory experience, the GR GT3 represents the essence of what it means to be a true automotive enthusiast. As Toyota progresses with its plans for the road car version, many eagerly await the chance to experience a road-going, Lexus-badged alternative to the high-end offerings from Aston Martin, Ferrari, and McLaren.
