Toyota GR GT Unveiled With 641-HP Twin-Turbo V8, And It Could Get Even More Powerful

One of the most anticipated reveals of the year finally happened, and it didn’t disappoint. Toyota has launched the GR GT, which is built around three key criteria: low center of gravity, low weight, high rigidity and strong aerodynamic performance. And it has plenty of power, too. The dry-sump twin-turbo V8, which rivals the Porsche 911 Turbo S with 641 horsepower and 627 pound-feet, powers an eight-speed transaxle on the rear axle, with an electric motor in front of the transaxle to fill in the torque and minimize lag. Top speed is over 199 mph, and here’s the real highlight: Everything you read below is preliminary. While dimensions and basic components won’t change, Toyota says the GR GT’s horsepower, torque, top speed and weight figures may improve before the production car goes on sale “around 2027.”

GR GT’s all-new powertrain

The twin-turbocharged V8 engine under the long hood is a hot-V engine (a first of its kind for Toyota) with a turbocharger located between the two cylinder banks, which sends power to the rear wheels via a carbon fiber torque tube and a mechanical limited-slip differential. Between the engine and the wheels is a new eight-speed automatic transaxle that uses a wet launch clutch instead of a torque converter. In front of the gearbox is an electric motor, so this is a hybrid, but it exists solely for performance. In other words, Toyota developed this car to meet stricter emissions regulations.

Looking past the 20-inch wheels wrapped in custom Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 rubber (265/35 front, 325/30 rear), you’ll find Brembo carbon-ceramic brake discs that deliver massive and repeatable stopping power. If you’re looking to turn the tires into smoke, a multi-level stability control system will allow novices and pros alike to take full advantage of the sports car’s nimble handling, aided in part by a double-wishbone suspension with forged aluminum arms at each end of the chassis.

Styling, interior and chassis all built with performance in mind

We’ll let you make your own judgment about the style based on the images, but here’s what you need to know before you make your decision. Unlike many sports cars that start as sketches and then evolve based on engineering requirements, the car’s packaging was decided first in consultation with aerodynamicists and World Endurance Championship engineers, with the team deciding on the ideal layout for the new all-aluminum frame and carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic and aluminum body long before stylists had a say. Simulators are also used early in development to validate decisions. Lexus LFA service technicians know how troublesome this obsession with packaging and performance can be, but Toyota says serviceability was also an important criterion in the GR GT’s design.

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A similar performance-focused approach has been taken inside the cabin, guaranteeing excellent external visibility. Toyota says it paid careful attention to the width and height of the gauges, as well as the placement of displays such as the upshift and gear selection indicators. Additionally, the occupants sit lower, “roughly the same” as the center of gravity of the car itself. The GR GT and its racing version look set to become the brand’s superior driving machines and aura of refinement, much like the 2000GT once was. Since Toyota makes parts and cars in the virtual world first, this won’t be a car that’s almost finished and then redeveloped, like the famous LFA. That should mean a relatively satisfying asking price, and while it’s too early to speculate on MSRP, Toyota’s philosophy of building a motorsport road car seems firmly aimed at the Porsche 911 in this case, both on the GT3 track and on the road.

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This article was originally published by Autoblog on December 5, 2025 and first appeared in the News section. Click here to add Autoblog as your preferred source.