Gazoo Racing Working on New GS F and New Supra
Toyota's motorsports-focused division has several exciting high-performance projects in the works, including a new Supra and GS F.
1. Not Just for Motorsports Anymore
For years, Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division has focused solely on motorsports. But now, they're turning their attention to high-performance, street-going vehicles under the brand GR. Obviously, this is excellent news for fans of Toyota and Lexus, as the new sub-brand is already working on several exciting projects. Two of these projects, as we've learned, are the return of the Toyota Supra and the next Lexus GS F.
>>Join the conversation about the Toyota Supra and the Lexus GS F right here in Club Lexus.
2. The Mighty Toyota Supra
Few model names carry the clout and hype of the mighty Toyota Supra. Long a favorite of the tuner crowd, we've been clamoring for the sports car's return for years now. And finally, it appears that it will become a reality as the new Supra is set for a 2018 unveiling. Toyota has been working on the car for seemingly forever now. And indeed, it's been four years since they teased us with the FT-1 Concept (shown).
>>Join the conversation about the Toyota Supra and the Lexus GS F right here in Club Lexus.
3. Akio Toyoda's Supra
So what, exactly, is the holdup? Car & Driver spoke with Shigeki Tomoyama, Gazoo Racing president, at the Tokyo Auto Show and he revealed some interesting details about the car and the process of developing it. According to Tomoyama, Toyota boss Akio Toyoda is personally involved in the project and has a very particular opinion about how the car should feel and drive. Toyoda wants the Supra's chassis to provide the driver with plenty of feedback, with an emphasis on rear grip. Sounds good enough to us!
>>Join the conversation about the Toyota Supra and the Lexus GS F right here in Club Lexus.
4. Lexus GS F Variant
Tomayama also told C&D that Gazoo Racing is collaborating with Lexus' F division as well. He revealed that GR is already working on a GS F variant, though it's unknown if this is a brand new car or a rework of the current one. Considering the fact that we don't even know if the GS will live past its current iteration, it's hard to say at this point. But like the Supra, it appears that this new/updated GS F will focus on rear grip as well.
>>Join the conversation about the Toyota Supra and the Lexus GS F right here in Club Lexus.
5. A Lighter Lexus GS F
Even better, Tomayama revealed that the new car would be lighter than the current one. Today's GS F weighs in at just over 4,100 pounds, which isn't exactly terrible for a mid-size luxury sedan. But dropping pounds is never a bad thing when it comes to performance. The only bad news? Toyota doesn't currently plan to offer a ton of GR variants here in the states like they will in Japan. For now, the focus is on purpose-built cars like the Supra. So if you've been clamoring for a Corolla GR, sorry to disappoint you.
>>Join the conversation about the Toyota Supra and the Lexus GS F right here in Club Lexus.
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