You may be wondering what the “GR” stands for on some of Toyota’s sporting models. The answer is GAZOO Racing, which is Toyota’s motorsports division.
GAZOO History
Toyota has been involved in motorsports for more than 60 years. The automaker had three different racing divisions with different names, but they are now all under the GAZOO umbrella. GAZOO comes from the Japanese word “gazo” which means “image.” The GAZOO team competes in motorsports events worldwide and has had five a Le Mans wins. The TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team is also currently undefeated in the FIA World Rally Championship and will be defending their Rally1 title this August 2022. The team is also particularly proud of the president of Toyota Motor Corporation and master driver, Akio Toyoda, who drives the racing and motorsports vehicles and takes part in races himself.
Available GR Models
Toyota GAZOO Racing offers the GR series of Pure Sports road cars and Sport vehicles which give the everyday driver the motorsports feel and performance they crave. Here’s a bit more about the three GR Pure Sports models that are available in the U.S.:
2022 GR Supra
The GR Supra comes equipped with a 2.0-liter or 3.0-liter engine. The 2.0-liter, turbocharged, inline four-cylinder engine produces 255 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft of torque. The 3.0-liter, turbocharged, inline six-cylinder engine produces 382 horsepower with 368 lb.-ft of torque. The GR Supra boasts an Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) that provides performance handling, as well as Brembo® brakes to help drivers stop on a dime. Exterior curves not only give the GR Supra its racing look, but were designed to optimize downforce while the interior is tricked out with sport seats, a digital display and the technology integrations drivers want.
2023 GR86
We’re anxiously awaiting the arrival of the 2023 GR86. This beast will come with a new 2.4-liter, four-cylinder boxer engine that will produce 228 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque. The GR86 comes with dual cat-back exhaust system that increases performance and gives the vehicle the throaty exhaust sound that you’d want from a race-inspired car. Available in both an automatic and manual transmission, the automatic has paddle shifters with Dynamic Rev Management. The long hood stands out here in the exterior design and the interior comes with fantastic tech including available eight-speaker sound system complete with subwoofer.
2023 GR Corolla
Anticipated to arrive on the lot fall of 2022, the GR Corolla is far from what you might expect from the name Corolla. This is a rally-inspired hatch with a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine cranking out 300 horsepower and 273 lb.-ft. of torque. Available as a 6-speed Intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT), the GR Corolla also has a circuit-tuned suspension and the GR-FOUR AWD system. A more aggressive exterior design draws attention to flared fenders and a rear diffuser.
Get it with GAZOO
If you love the reliability of Toyota and want a vehicle that’s going to excel in performance, handling and design, the GR series is the right fit for you. Also, be sure to catch the Toyota GAZOO Racing Team on the track in some exciting upcoming events!
Get a GR model
Want your own Toyota GR Pure Sport or Sport vehicle? Call Crown Toyota in the Ontario Auto Center to learn more about the GR models they have available and to schedule your test drive.