Why Is This Toyota GR GT3 Wearing a Lexus Badge?

Interesting Development

Toyota revealed the GR GT3 Concept some time ago, previewing the future of the automaker's racing efforts in a sleek new way. At the same time, Lexus unveiled the Electrified Sport Concept, previewing a possible future all-electric LFA successor that may also wind up being available with an ICE-powered variant - maybe even the long-rumored twin-turbo V8 and possibly a manual transmission. However, a member of the Lexus Enthusiast community spied this GT GT3 Concept wearing a Lexus badge recently, which opens a whole new can of speculation. 

Photo: Lexus Enthusiast

Different Approach

Given how good the GT GT3 looks, it would make perfect sense as a future Lexus halo sports car in the same vein as the LFA, perhaps as an ICE-powered alternative to the Electrified Sport Concept. However, Toyota also made it clear during the GT GT3 Concept's reveal that it's taking a different approach moving forward.

Photo: Toyota

Track to Street

In terms of motorsports, Toyota plans to develop race cars that can then be turned into street cars - not the other way around, which has traditionally been the case. As we reported some time ago, the GR GT3 will in fact influence the design direction of the next-gen RC, too.

Photo: Toyota

Sneak Preview?

The sole image that was posted to Lexus Enthusiast has since been deleted, but the internet is forever, as they say. However, the person that posted the photo noted that it was taken at a Lexus dealer event in the U.S. recently, which could mean that it was used to preview the new RC.

Photo: Lexus

Radical Changes

If that's the case, it would mean that the RC is in for a radical transformation, at least in terms of styling. The GR GT3 Concept certainly looks like nothing in the luxury brand's lineup, but then again, it makes quite a bit of sense in terms of attracting German sports car buyers to the brand.

Photo: Lexus

Exciting Possibilities

The current-gen RC is old by automotive standards, and it definitely deserves a thorough redo. At the same time, perhaps Lexus is tired of being bested, performance-wise, by its German rivals. A racing-inspired redo would solve all of these problems while also giving fans an exciting new performance coupe to do battle with. Now, let's just hope that it actually happens.

Photo: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about the Toyota GR GT3 right here at ClubLexus.com.

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