Toyota’s GR GT & GT3 Showcase Daring Demo at Tokyo Auto Salon

Toyota GR GT3 Drifting at Tokyo Auto Salon

The wait is over as Toyota finally put the GR GT into motion for the public. After months of reveals and speculation, fans saw the car perform live.

The moment answered many questions while creating new excitement. Tokyo Auto Salon became the stage for something special.

The GR GT And GT3 Take Over Tokyo Auto Salon

After heavy hype around its name and reveal, Toyota showcased the successor to the Lexus LFA. The debut took place at Tokyo Auto Salon in front of a packed crowd. Both the GR GT and the GR GT3 hit the track together.

The cars showed speed, control, and raw attitude. Endless burnouts filled the venue with smoke. Drifts followed as the cars slid through corners with ease.

Toyota GR GT Drifting at Tokyo Auto Salon
Toyota’s flagship car making a public drift debut at Tokyo Auto Salon. (Photo by Toyota)

Speed run highlighted power and stability. The live demo confirmed that this project is far beyond a static concept.

Two Cars, Two Very Different Personalities

The GR GT is the road-focused flagship developed by Toyota Gazoo Racing. It uses a hybrid twin turbo V8 paired with an advanced chassis. The engine sits in a front engine layout with rear wheel drive.

Power is sent through a new eight-speed automatic transmission. The motor and gearbox are integrated into a rear transaxle. This layout improves balance and weight distribution.

Toyota GR GT and GT3 Live Demo Tokyo Auto Salon
Both the GR GT and GT3 taking the track. (Photo by Toyota)

The chassis uses Toyota’s first all-aluminum frame. Carbon fiber reinforces the hood, roof, and key structural areas. Engineers worked to reduce weight while increasing rigidity.

A low center of gravity guided every placement decision. The driver sits close to the car’s center of mass. This creates stability and confidence at speed.

Aerodynamics shaped the GR GT from the beginning. Engineers designed airflow and cooling before finalizing the exterior. This reverse process improved downforce and thermal control.

GR GT With the Tokyo International Custom Car Contest Award
The GR GT with its prestigious award at Tokyo Auto Salon. (Photo by Toyota)

Tri hood vents, aerodynamic panels, and a sculpted rear support airflow. The car rides on Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. Sizes are 265 in front and 325 in the rear. Gazoo Racing brakes with drilled rotors handle stopping duties.

The GR GT3 shifts the mood entirely. It removes the hybrid system and focuses only on racing. The V8 remains but is tuned for competition.

Power delivery feels sharper and more direct. Sound is louder and more raw. The car is built to meet FIA GT3 regulations.

Akio Toyoda and Gazoo Racing Holding GR GT Award
Akio Toyoda and Gazoo Racing holding the award. (Photo by Toyota)

Aerodynamics on the GR GT3 are more extreme. Wider fenders house racing slicks. Large vents improve cooling under sustained load.

A huge rear wing and a full aero package increase downforce. Weight is reduced wherever possible. The GT3 exists purely for competition and relentless track use.

GR GT Wins Best Concept At Tokyo Auto Salon

The GR GT continued making headlines after the live demo ended. The prototype won the Best Award in the Concept Car Category.

The honor came from the Tokyo International Custom Car Contest 2026. Toyota thanked fans for their votes at Tokyo Auto Salon. The award highlights strong public interest in the project.

Tokyo International Custom Car Contest Winner Toyota GR GT
The GR GT won this year’s Tokyo International Custom Car Contest award. (Photo by Toyota)

Toyota described the GR GT as “a racing car that runs on public roads.” The company said the car deepens the pursuit of “making even better cars starting from motorsports.”

This philosophy guides Gazoo Racing’s development process. Engineers use competition as the foundation for road car progress. With awards, live demos, and growing attention, the GR GT story continues to build momentum.

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