Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) stands as a testament to Toyota's commitment to motorsport excellence and the development of high-performance vehicles. With a rich history spanning from grassroots racing to global championships, TGR has evolved into a powerhouse in both motorsport and road car engineering. Let's delve into the comprehensive journey of Toyota Gazoo Racing, exploring its origins, motorsport achievements, and the lineup of iconic GR-branded road cars.
Origins and Early Endeavors
The roots of Toyota Gazoo Racing trace back to 2007 when an in-house team led by Hiromu Naruse, along with student test drivers and mechanics, competed in the grueling 24 Hours Nürburgring race. This endeavor marked the beginning of Toyota's involvement in motorsport under the "Gazoo" banner. Notably, Akio Toyoda, then the vice president of Toyota and now the President, actively participated in racing activities, embodying Toyota's passion for performance.
Initially known as Team Gazoo, the racing efforts were characterized by resourcefulness, using vehicles like the Altezza and BMW E90s, and emphasizing grassroots racing experiences. The Gazoo Racing website became a platform to document these amateur race projects and engage with enthusiasts.
Evolution in Motorsport
Toyota's motorsport journey took a significant turn from 2002 to 2009 with Toyota Motorsport GmbH (now Toyota Gazoo Racing Europe) engineering Formula One cars for the FIA Formula One World Championship. Despite not securing a race win, Toyota's Formula One team, racing as Panasonic Toyota Racing, achieved notable successes with multiple podium finishes, pole positions, and fastest laps.
Following their Formula One tenure, Toyota Gazoo Racing refocused its motorsport efforts on developing vehicles like the Lexus LF-A and the FT-86, emphasizing training and refinement at iconic venues like the Nürburgring. The tragic passing of Hiromu Naruse in 2010 led to a renewed dedication to motorsport excellence in his honor.
Under the leadership of Akio Toyoda, Toyota Gazoo Racing expanded its scope, organizing circuit events like the "86/BRZ Race" and the annual "Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival." The introduction of sports conversion brands like "GRMN" (Gazoo Racing, tuned by the Meister of the Nürburgring) and "G's/G Sports" further solidified Toyota's presence in the performance segment.
Unification and Brand Expansion
In 2015, Toyota consolidated its motorsport activities under the unified banner of Gazoo Racing, encompassing Toyota, Lexus, and GR-branded vehicles. This strategic move streamlined operations and reinforced Toyota's commitment to performance across its lineup.
The GR series emerged as the epitome of Toyota's performance engineering, offering bespoke GR models, entry-level GR Sport variants, and exclusive GRMN editions tuned for track dominance. The establishment of "GR Garage" regional bases signaled Toyota's dedication to grassroots racing communities.
The Birth of GR-branded Road Cars
Toyota's venture into high-performance road cars under the GR sub-brand marked a new chapter in automotive engineering. The GR Supra, launched in 2019, showcased Toyota's collaboration with BMW, sharing a platform with the BMW Z4 and blending Japanese precision with German engineering.
The GR Yaris, introduced in 2020, demonstrated Toyota's commitment to dedicated performance platforms, featuring a bespoke chassis and a turbocharged engine designed for rally-inspired thrills. Production at the specialized "GR Factory" highlighted Toyota's hands-on approach to crafting high-performance vehicles.
Following the success of the GR Supra and GR Yaris, Toyota expanded its GR lineup with the GR86, a joint venture with Subaru, and the GR Corolla, targeting the North American market with a focus on dynamic driving experiences.
Dominance in Motorsport Arenas
Toyota Gazoo Racing's motorsport achievements are nothing short of extraordinary. In the World Rally Championship (WRC), the TGR WRT team has secured multiple manufacturers' championships and driver titles, showcasing the prowess of vehicles like the Yaris WRC and the hybrid GR Yaris Rally1.
In endurance racing, Toyota Gazoo Racing has dominated the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) with victories at iconic events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The GR010 Hybrid and its predecessors have showcased Toyota's hybrid technology and performance capabilities on the global stage.
In rally-raid events like the Dakar Rally and the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship, Toyota Gazoo Racing's presence has been formidable, with victories and championship titles highlighting the off-road prowess of vehicles like the Hilux.
Road to the Future
Looking ahead, Toyota Gazoo Racing continues to push boundaries in motorsport and road car innovation. With a focus on electrification, hybrid technology, and performance-driven design, the future holds exciting prospects for the GR brand and enthusiasts worldwide.
In conclusion, Toyota Gazoo Racing's journey from grassroots racing initiatives to global motorsport dominance and performance-oriented road cars epitomizes Toyota's relentless pursuit of excellence and passion for driving. As the legacy of Gazoo Racing continues to evolve, it underscores Toyota's commitment to thrilling experiences, cutting-edge technology, and the thrill of the open road.
Gazoo Racing Nobori Flag