- The new car will be based on the GR GT3 race car currently developed by Toyota.
- Design inspiration has been taken from 2022’s stunning GR GT3 concept.
- The new model will fill the void left behind by the LC.
The new Toyota / Lexus GR GT3 race car will spawn a road-legal variant rivaling other powerful, front-engined sports cars like the Mercedes-AMG GT and Aston Martin Vantage.
Several prototypes of the racing car have been spied testing in recent weeks. Earlier this month, Toyota was seen putting the GR GT3 through its paces at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium. The car has a design heavily inspired by 2022’s GR GT3 concept (pictured above) and will replace the outdated Lexus RC F GT3 racer.
Watch: Listen To The Toyota / Lexus GR GT3’s Ferocious Twin-Turbo V8
While racing fans will be pleased to know about the new car, sports car enthusiasts will be thrilled to hear that homologation rules mean Toyota / Lexus must launch a road version with the same basic design.
The road car will share its basic powertrain with the race car. Spy videos have indicated the racer is equipped with a twin-turbocharged V8, and the street model may also benefit from some hybrid assistance.
To rival the 2025 Aston Martin Vantage, the new flagship Lexus will need around 650 hp, which is easily achievable with a force-fed V8 with a hybrid system. It’s possible the new Lexus could even target the flagship Mercedes-AMG GT 63 E Performance with 805 hp from its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 hybrid.Either way, the new model sounds like a fitting replacement for the LC 500.
Visually, the car will look very similar to the prototypes but without the wild wings. That means it will have a long hood, like its rivals, with a large front grille and aggressive LED headlights. Like the LC, it’ll also sit low and wide and have a shapely rear with a prominent lip spoiler and sharp taillights. It’s a mystery what the interior will look like, but Lexus would be wise to take inspiration from the gorgeous LC cabin.
The race car will debut at the 24 Hours at Daytona in January 2026. Autocar speculates the road version could also launch in 2026.
