Toyota is gearing up for a new era in motorsports with the development of its new Lexus GT3 car set to be launched this year ahead of 2026 IMSA and FIA WEC debut.
Based on Toyota GR GT3 Concept unveiled at the 2022 Tokyo Auto Salon, the new model represents a technological leap forward for the brand, blending cutting-edge engineering with global racing ambitions.
Development of the new Lexus GT3 car has been ongoing since early 2022 with rigorous testing conducted at iconic circuits including Fuji Speedway, Mobility Resort Motegi in Japan, and Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium.
These efforts underscore a meticulous approach to ensuring the car meets the demands of international competition, from the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship to the FIA World Endurance Championship’s LMGT3 class.
The new Lexus GT3 car is expected to replace the venerable RC F GT3, which has been competing since 2017 and has earned accolades such as the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship GTD Pro title in 2023.
With its robust V8 engine and imposing design, the RC F GT3 has been a stalwart competitor, but its age makes the transition to a more advanced platform timely.
The upcoming model promises to bring modern engineering and enhanced performance capabilities to the forefront, aligning with Lexus’s broader strategy of elevating its reputation as a performance-oriented brand.
New Lexus GT3 car specs
Technical specifications of the new Lexus GT3 car remain closely guarded, but spy shots and test footage reveal a twin-turbocharged V8 engine—a departure from the RC F GT3’s naturally aspirated unit—and aggressive aerodynamic enhancements.
Prototypes feature a massive front splitter, swan-neck rear wing uprights, and side-exiting exhausts, all designed to optimize downforce and thermal management.
While the new Lexus GT3 car will retain a conventional powertrain, its road-going counterpart is rumored to incorporate a hybrid system, though this electrified variant will not compete.
The road car’s speculated 900 hp output—combining a twin-turbo V8 with hybrid assist—suggests a halo model that could rival supercars like the Ferrari 296 GTB.
Toyota Gazoo Racing’s director of global motorsport Masaya Kaji confirmed that development remains on schedule for a 2026 race debut with a formal launch expected later this year.
“Development remains ongoing, but we are on schedule, and we are not worried,” Kaji told Sportscar365.
“The plan hasn’t changed. We are still considering when the launch will be.”
Toyota or Lexus branding?
The timeline is influenced by the concurrent development of a road car, which could debut as early as summer 2025 under the Lexus LFR or Toyota GR GT3 badge. Branding decisions are pending, but insiders suggest the racing variant will carry the Lexus nameplate, continuing the legacy of the RC F GT3.
Homologation processes are underway to ensure compliance with global regulations, with a unified certification strategy enabling simultaneous competition in North America, Europe, and Japan.
The now retired Toyota Racing Development President David Wilson emphasized last year the collaborative nature of the new Lexus GT3 car project, highlighting how Lexus Racing in North America has been instrumental in setting performance targets and providing feedback during development.
“The timeline [for the new car’s introduction] is still 2026-ish, and development continues to go well,” Wilson said.
“The credibility we’ve earned racing here in North America racing the RC F and winning the first GT3 title for Lexus has allowed us to participate indirectly in the development of this new car, providing a lot of feedback and setting the performance targets.
“Track testing the new Lexus GT3 car continues to go well in Japan, and our hope is that there will be testing outside of Japan given that it will be a global race car, and that track surfaces in Europe, Asia and North America are all different.”
Factory drivers Jack Hawksworth and Ben Barnicoat have contributed significantly by participating in testing sessions, ensuring that the car meets rigorous standards for global competition.
In the meantime, the existing RC F GT3 will continue competing through 2025, marking its final season after eight years of service. Its swan song includes a debut in the FIA WEC’s LMGT3 class with Akkodis ASP, a testament to its enduring relevance despite its age.
Teams like Vasser Sullivan Racing and K-tunes Racing are expected to transition to the new model, which will likely make its competitive bow at the 2026 Rolex 24 at Daytona.
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