Lexus Introduces GT3 Supercar Setting New Standards in Speed

Jun 19, 2024 02:43 AM EDT

BLUE CAR IN CLOSE UP SHOT LEXUS — (Photo : PEXELS/Garvin St. Villier)

A road-legal version of the Toyota / Lexus GR GT3 race car is on the horizon, poised to challenge powerful front-engined sports cars such as the Mercedes-AMG GT and Aston Martin Vantage. Lexus's upcoming supercar, equipped with a potent V8 engine generating up to 450kW, is gearing up to compete fiercely against established contenders like the Aston Martin Vantage and Mercedes-AMG GT.

Lexus GT3 Supercar

A new Lexus supercar with a V8 engine is about to make a big splash. The GT3 model, which focuses on providing a balance of power, performance, and style, is ready to enthrall car fans. According to AutoCar, based on Toyota's 2022 GT3 GR concept, the prototype has advanced considerably and was recently observed driving at Spa-Francorchamps.

Toyota's motorsports business, Gazoo Racing, is hard at work getting this beast ready for top contests, like the renowned Le Mans 24 Hours in 2026. Expanding on this information, it was clarified that FIA regulations require GT3 race cars to maintain a resemblance to their road-going counterparts.

Thus, there are expectations that a more street-friendly variant of the GT3 GR will be available for purchase in the near future. Toyota's strategic approach involves adapting existing production models for motorsport applications and actively commercializing dedicated motorsport vehicles, akin to the rally-inspired GR Yaris hot hatchback that garnered significant praise in the past.

According to CarExpert, the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the governing body overseeing the competition in which Toyota's GT3 car will compete, has imposed stringent regulations. According to these regulations, a GT3 race car's basic body style must be substantially similar to a corresponding production car.

These regulations mandate that any GT3 race car must closely resemble a related production car in terms of basic body design.

Consequently, it appears highly probable that within the upcoming two years, automotive enthusiasts can anticipate a more accessible iteration of the formidable Japanese racing machine, maintaining its impressive performance characteristics in a refined form.

What Lexus GT3 Offers

The Toyota GR GT3 suggests a formidable V8 powerplant, possibly enhanced by twin-turbo technology, hinting at a beastly performance. Reports also hint at Lexus's plans to unveil a hybrid successor to the legendary LFA model, which is speculated to debut as the LFR in the near future.

This anticipated hybrid supercar could potentially combine a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine producing between 515kW and 530kW with an electric motor, resulting in a staggering total power output reaching up to 662kW.

According to CarScoops, numerous test prototypes of the upcoming racing car have been observed undergoing testing in recent weeks. A notable sighting occurred earlier this month when Toyota conducted rigorous trials of the GR GT3 . The vehicle's design draws significant inspiration from the 2022 GR GT3 concept and is slated to replace the aging Lexus RC F GT3 on the racing circuit.

In terms of aesthetics, the production version of the car is expected to closely resemble the test prototypes, albeit without the extravagant wings typically found on racing models. This design direction suggests a sleek profile characterized by an elongated hood, a commanding front grille, and aggressive LED headlights in line with its competitors.

The car is designed to have a low-slung, wide-bodied appearance, mimicking the attitude of cars like the LC. Its sculpted rear end is highlighted by a big lip spoiler and sharp taillights. Although the interior's specifics are yet unknown, there are rumors that Lexus may have taken cues from the opulent cabin of the critically praised LC model for the road-going version.
Racing fans may look forward to the race car's premiere during the esteemed 24 Hours at Daytona in January 2026. Autocar has hinted that the road version may also be released in the same year, paving the way for an exciting new era in automotive supremacy.