Toyota GR GT V8 spied in two new versions

The V8-powered Toyota GR GT was unveiled in December last year, but it now appears multiple showroom versions are being readied after two distinct prototypes were spied testing in Europe.

Due in Japanese showrooms in 2027, Toyota’s new 4.0-litre twin-turbo hybrid-powered flagship sports car has attracted interest from Toyota Australia, which has said it would like to offer the model locally should it become available.

Spy photographers captured two heavily camouflaged prototypes lapping Germany's famed Nürburgring Nordschleife, whose undulating 20.8km circuit is used by automakers to finetune vehicle dynamics.

The two cars wore noticeably different aerodynamic packages and equipment, suggesting Toyota is developing multiple road-going versions of the GR GT.

The more restrained prototype featured a smaller rear wing than the show car unveiled last year – and different to the GR GT seen at this month's Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK – finished in what appears to be exposed carbon-fibre rather than body colour.

Its rear wing also featured a different upper lip, or Gurney flap, with a black strip that was absent from the uncamouflaged Goodwood car, further suggesting an optional aerodynamic package or higher-specification variant is on the way.

There are also changes at the front, where bumper-mounted canards designed to increase downforce are fitted. These are another feature not seen on the show car.

A second GR GT prototype spied testing wore a far more aggressive aerodynamic package, pointing to a more track-focused variant, while still retaining enough production-car elements to indicate it is not the GT3 race car Toyota will campaign in international motorsport.

The race car's large vented bonnet has been replaced by a more road-friendly design, although the towering rear wing appears to have been retained. Production-style alloy wheels, lighting, bumpers and glazing also remain, distinguishing it from the competition car.

At the rear, the prototype features a more production-ready diffuser and appears to incorporate a rear-facing camera.

The GR in the GT's name stands for Gazoo Racing, Toyota's performance and motorsport division, which the company last year identified as one of its five strategic global brands.

The GR GT will spearhead that expansion in an engineering-led package centred on its new V8 hybrid powertrain, designed as a race car first and a road car second.

Meanwhile, Lexus appears set to move its future flagship sports cars towards electrification. That has prompted some enthusiasts to view the GR GT as a spiritual successor to the V10-powered Lexus LFA.

Gazoo Racing branding already features across Toyota's Formula 1 partnership with Haas, its World Rally Championship program with the GR Yaris hatchback, and its Supra Supercars campaign in Australia.

Toyota Australia has also said its ongoing strategic review of Gazoo Racing's local presence could lead to dedicated Toyota Gazoo Racing showrooms.

That would see Toyota join other Japanese performance brands expanding their retail presence in Australia, with Nissan set to open the world's first Nismo centre outside Japan in Melbourne later this year.

MORE: Explore the Toyota showroom