Toyota is set to debut its next-generation GT3 race car in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) in 2026. This highly anticipated racing vehicle will coincide with the unveiling of its road-car counterpart. Initially, the race car was supposed to enter competition in 2025, but delays in the production of the road car forced the schedule to be pushed back. Toyota’s WEC team director, Rob Leupen, provided insights into this development.
The foundation of the new GT3 race car is based on the Toyota GR GT3 concept, which was showcased at the 2022 Tokyo auto salon. The concept provided a glimpse into Toyota’s commitment to the GT3 category, indicating that the automaker plans to continue its involvement in this segment. Further proving this commitment, patent drawings for the GR GT3 surfaced shortly after its debut, solidifying Toyota’s intention to produce the race car.
The GT3 class necessitates vehicles to be based on road-going models, driving Toyota to develop a corresponding road car alongside the GT3 race car. Notably, the GR GT3 does not derive from any current Toyota model. Thus, it is likely that the road car could be badged as a Lexus, allowing the GR GT3 to succeed the aging RC F. Furthermore, Lexus has presented an electric supercar concept that bears resemblance to the GR GT3, potentially hinting at the direction for the road car.
Toyota’s decision to create the GR GT3 from scratch instead of utilizing existing platforms serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it provides engineers with the opportunity to test new technologies that may be incorporated into future road cars and racing programs. Secondly, it allows Toyota to expand its product offerings across various levels of sports-car racing.
In addition to the upcoming GT3 race car, Toyota already offers the Supra GT4 customer race car and Supra-badged race cars for Japan’s Super GT touring car series. Furthermore, Toyota competes in the WEC’s Le Mans Hypercar (LMH) prototype class. With the introduction of the GT3 race car, Toyota will bridge the gap between the lower-level GT4 and touring-car classes and the high-level prototypes, cementing its presence in almost every level of sports-car racing.
By debuting the GT3 race car in the WEC, Toyota aims to demonstrate its dedication to pushing the boundaries of automotive performance. The WEC allows manufacturers to showcase the advancements they have made in areas such as aerodynamics, powertrain technology, and overall vehicle performance. Toyota’s participation in the WEC highlights its commitment to innovation and the pursuit of excellence in motorsport.
Moreover, the WEC offers a global platform for automakers to compete against one another and test their vehicles in a highly competitive environment. The series is known for its grueling endurance races, including the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans. Participating in this championship allows Toyota to showcase the reliability, performance, and durability of its vehicles, ultimately enhancing its brand reputation.
Toyota’s involvement in the WEC also aligns with its broader commitment to sustainability and the development of environmentally friendly technologies. The series has embraced hybrid powertrains, with the introduction of the Le Mans Hypercar class. Toyota has been at the forefront of hybrid technology in racing, utilizing hybrid powertrains in its successful TS050 Hybrid prototype racer. By competing in the WEC, Toyota can further refine its hybrid systems and contribute to the advancement of eco-friendly technologies for road cars.
In conclusion, Toyota’s next-generation GT3 race car is set to make its debut in the FIA World Endurance Championship in 2026, alongside the unveiling of its road-car counterpart. This new race car, based on the Toyota GR GT3 concept, highlights Toyota’s commitment to the GT3 category and the development of high-performance vehicles. With its participation in the WEC, Toyota aims to showcase its technological advancements, compete against other automakers, and further its commitment to sustainability. This move solidifies Toyota’s presence in various levels of sports-car racing and reinforces its position as a leader in automotive innovation.
