Toyota Racing Development President David Wilson recently disclosed that work on the company’s new GT3 car is “well underway”. The car, based on the GR GT3 concept unveiled at the Tokyo Auto Salon last year, has continued development in Japan and is believed to have a debut in 2025. Wilson stated that a timeline for the car’s race debut has yet to be confirmed, but there is both “hope” and “reality” to the launch schedule.
The yet-to-be-named car would succeed the Lexus RC F GT3 in Toyota/Lexus’ GT racing division, which has served as the company’s GT3 entry since its launch in 2017. Wilson also noted that the car was designed from the ground up as a GT3 car and that, due to the success of the Lexus Race program, Toyota has earned credibility to provide valuable input in the development of the car.
Although Wilson would not be drawn on an exact timeframe for when the new car would debut, he did add that the car’s launch is dependent on the production car launch and that the company is “chasing a moving target”. He mentioned that the competition – such as the Corvette Z06 GT3.R and the new Mustang – is driving Toyota to push harder and be better.
The branding strategy for the car has yet to be finalized, but Wilson is hopeful that it can be attached to the Lexus brand in order to continue the luxury automaker’s DNA in motorsports. He also praised the work of Jeff Bal, Senior Motorsports Manager, and the Lexus Racing Experience for engaging the dealers and fans, which has put brand awareness on a fast track.