- Gozo Racing becomes the fifth Toyota brand, joining Toyota, Lexus, Daihatsu and Century.
- GRGT has no Toyota badges.
- Future performance models are also expected to use only GR badging.
Toyota’s already large corporate umbrella is expanding to make room for a fifth brand. Discontinued as a standalone marque just months after the turn of the century, Gazoo Racing is also becoming a distinct entity. The world’s largest automaker has long hinted at a clear separation between Toyota and GR models, and now it’s formalizing those plans.
Going forward, Toyota Gazoo Racing will be known simply as Gozzo Racing, returning to a name that traces its roots back to 2007. Based on the rankings described earlier, the GR sits above the core Toyota brand and entry-level Daihatsu, but below the Lexus and the new-based Century. The latter also now has its own entity, keen to take on Rolls-Royce and Bentley.
Even before the official announcement, we knew this day would come. When the GRGT debuted a month ago, there were no Toyota badges inside or out. Since then, we’ve learned that the V8 supercar won’t even be sold at Toyota dealerships, instead being offered through select Lexus showrooms.
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Photo by: Toyota
The GR Yaris M concept features a mid-mounted layout, fueling rumors of a MR2 revival. As if that’s not exciting enough, US dealers have reportedly received a sneak preview of a redesigned Silica. Add the Yaris and Corolla hot hatches to the mix, and the GR portfolio could look mighty impressive before the end of the decade.
That’s not all. Remember the FT-SE concept with dual motors and all-wheel drive? A fully electric sports car could arrive as soon as 2026, and it won’t be the only electric performance vehicle in the Toyota empire. The LFA concept won’t have a combustion engine when it finally arrives.
The GRGT’s interior lacks a Toyota badge on the steering wheel
Photo by: Toyota
Take Motor 1:
Toyota’s decision to elevate the Ghazo Racing name makes sense when you consider the arrival of highly anticipated models. As affordable sports cars become increasingly rare, Toyota appears intent on dominating the niche with its GR products. The GRGT will sit at the top as the flagship, easily commanding a six-figure price. In fact, some reports suggest it could cost more than $200,000.
It will be interesting to see how Toyota develops the GR lineup in the coming years. However, it is unrealistic to expect every rumor. Reviving the MR2, Silica, and Supra while adding EVs may also be overkill, as all will be low-volume products. Still, the GRGT is a great start, even if it’s reserved for buyers with deep pockets.
