What Does GR Stand for on Toyota Vehicles? 

The Toyota GR badge has likely caught your attention if you’re a car enthusiast. You may ask yourself, however, what does GR stand for on Toyota cars? If you’re in the market for a new Toyota or used Toyota, you may just want a better understanding of what this now iconic badge means – let’s dive in!    

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What Does GR Stand For? 

Toyota GR stands for Gazoo Racing and it is Toyota’s high-performance division. Gazoo Racing is the brand behind Toyota’s motorsports activities, ranging from the World Rally Championship (WRC) to endurance racing. The GR badge is not just for show, it represents motorsports-inspired engineering and performance. 

Gazoo Racing’s influence has grown over the years as it’s been associated with a select lineup of vehicles designed to provide exceptional driving experiences on both road and track. The GR models are finely tuned for better performance, offering upgraded engines, superior handling, and sportier designs. 

What is the Difference Between GR and TRD? 

While GR and TRD (Toyota Racing Development) are both performance divisions under Toyota, they have different focuses. TRD has been around for much longer and primarily focuses on enhancing the durability and off-road capabilities of Toyota trucks and SUVs. On the other hand, Gazoo Racing is focused on speed, agility, and motorsports performance. 

Where TRD models like the Tacoma TRD Pro shine off-road, GR models are built for high-speed performance on paved surfaces. GR vehicles benefit from Toyota’s racing experience, making them a better fit for driving enthusiasts seeking sharp handling and powerful acceleration. 

Toyota GR Lineup 

The GR badge currently graces a select group of Toyota models, each engineered with motorsports in mind. Here’s a breakdown of the GR models you can find: 

Toyota GR86

The Toyota GR86 features a lightweight body, rear-wheel drive, and a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter engine, the GR86 delivers an engaging driving experience. It’s designed for those who love to drive, offering nimble handling and a responsive powertrain that makes it a joy on twisty roads. 

Toyota GR Supra

The Toyota Supra is a staple in the performance car sector and is one of the most iconic sports cars of all time. The GR Supra is the flagship sports car in Toyota’s lineup. This model features powerful turbocharged engines (available as a 2.0-liter inline-4 or a 3.0-liter inline-6) and near-perfect weight distribution. The GR Supra is a masterpiece of performance engineering and is built for car enthusiasts looking for all around performance. 

Toyota GR Corolla

The Toyota GR Corolla takes the practicality of the regular Corolla and adds serious performance upgrades. Powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine, the GR Corolla delivers 300 horsepower and features all-wheel drive for maximum traction. This model shows that even a compact hatchback can be transformed into a high-performance machine when Gazoo Racing gets involved. 

History of Gazoo Racing 

Gazoo Racing has its roots in an ambitious project that began in 2007. Led by Hiromu Naruse, Gazoo Racing first gained attention through its participation in the 24 Hours Nürburgring race. Akio Toyoda, then vice president of Toyota and now the company president, also participated as a driver under the alias “Morizo.” The Gazoo team’s efforts were more grassroots, focusing on the practical application of racing experience to enhance Toyota’s vehicle development, particularly in performance and reliability. 

Despite Toyota Motorsport GmbH’s discontinuation of its F1 activities in 2009 due to the global economic crisis, Gazoo Racing continued to evolve and has transitioned from a semi-official racing project to a more formalized performance brand. Under Akio Toyoda’s leadership, Gazoo Racing expanded its influence beyond motorsports. It began to play a significant role in developing street-legal performance vehicles, infusing Toyota’s lineup with the expertise and technologies refined on the racetrack. 

Today, Gazoo Racing competes across a variety of motorsport disciplines, including the World Rally Championship (WRC) and the grueling 24 Hours of Le Mans. The division not only highlights Toyota’s engineering excellence but also serves as a test bed for developing high-performance GR models.  

Performance of Toyota GR Models

Each GR model is crafted to offer a superior driving experience. Engineers at Gazoo Racing focus on three key areas: power, handling, and driving feel. 

1. Power: GR vehicles often come equipped with turbocharged engines, delivering more horsepower and torque compared to their non-GR counterparts. The engines are tuned to provide linear power delivery, ensuring smooth acceleration even at higher speeds. 

1. Handling: GR models benefit from improved suspension systems, larger brakes, and enhanced steering dynamics. This ensures that the car remains stable and responsive, even when pushed to its limits on the road or track. 

1. Driving Feel: GR models are designed to connect the driver to the road. Whether it’s through precise steering or the layout of the driver’s cockpit, these cars are built to enhance the joy of driving. 

Why Choose a GR Model? 

If you’re someone who values performance, a GR model is worth considering. Not only do these vehicles provide thrilling speed and handling, but they are also engineered to be reliable and durable. Gazoo Racing has proven its worth in the most demanding racing environments, and this expertise is reflected in each GR model. The overall combination of Toyota’s industry leading reliability with Gazoo Racing’s motorsports pedigree makes GR models stand out in the performance car market. 

GR Versus the Competition 

Toyota’s GR models are often compared to other high-performance divisions from different manufacturers, such as BMW’s M, Mercedes’ AMG, and Honda’s Type R. While these brands also produce excellent performance vehicles, Toyota’s focus on reliability gives the GR lineup a unique edge. 

Gazoo Racing vehicles are designed not only for performance but also for everyday usability. This sets them apart from some competitors whose vehicles might be less practical for daily driving.  

View Our Toyota GR Lineup

Should You Consider a GR Toyota? 

In conclusion, if you’re in the market for a performance vehicle, a Toyota GR model deserves serious consideration. Whether you’re looking for a new Toyota or used Toyota, the GR badge combines motorsports engineering and practicality. Be sure to stop by and check out our selection of Toyota GR models at Crown Toyota.  

Whether you’re looking for the agile GR86, the iconic GR Supra, or the versatile GR Corolla, Toyota’s GR lineup has something for everyone. For current owners, be sure to schedule service and keep your Toyota running strong. Contact us directly to learn more about these exciting models and our qualified team will help you find your perfect car!