The highly anticipated Toyota/Lexus GT3 vehicle is making progress towards production according to David Wilson, the president of Toyota Racing Development.
Although the official branding remains uncertain, Mr Wilson assured the sportscar365 the car, inspired by the GR GT3 concept unveiled at the 2020 Tokyo Auto Salon, is undergoing development in Japan.
While the timeline for its race debut has yet to be confirmed, there’s a “hope and reality” to the launch schedule, which insiders believe points towards a 2025 introduction.
This new GT3 car is expected to succeed the Lexus RC F GT3, which has been the brand’s GT racing entry since 2017.
“I just got back from Japan two weeks ago and spoke with our colleagues over there. The amount of work that’s been put into the current car we’re racing, which wasn’t originally designed to be a GT3 car, is impressive.
We turned it into a competitive and sporty car, and now we’re a part of the development process for this new car, which gives me a lot of hope and optimism,” Mr Wilson stated.
Wilson went on to discuss the intense competition that the new GT3 car will face, with the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R and the Ford Mustang expected to be strong contenders.
“The competition is driving us to push harder and be better. That’s the definition of competition,” he said.
Front 3/4 view of 2024 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R
As for branding, the new GT3 car was unveiled under Toyota’s performance sub-brand GR, but Wilson is hopeful it will be attached to the Lexus brand to continue the luxury automaker’s racing legacy.
“We’re still working on our branding strategy. We have Lexus, GR, and Toyota to choose from, and I’m hoping for a Lexus connection,” Wilson stated.
Overall, the future of GT3 racing looks bright with Toyota/Lexus’ new car and Wilson’s passion for the sport.
“For our company, the long-term commitment to GT3 racing is critical. To build performance as a real attribute, you have to be on the race track for decades for it to truly soak into the DNA of your brand. In only six or seven years, we’ve already moved the needle and engaged our dealers, fans, and the brand, putting it on a fast track,” Wilson concluded.
