Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) took center stage at the Tokyo Auto Salon with a series of groundbreaking announcements, reigniting excitement in the world of motorsports. The Japanese automaker unveiled the GR Corolla Rally Concept, marking a return of the Corolla name to rally racing after more than two decades. Alongside it, Toyota confirmed its participation in the Nürburgring 24 Hours and debuted the innovative GR Yaris M Concept, designed for Japan’s Super Taikyu Series.
The GR Corolla Rally Concept: Rally Heritage Revived
Toyota’s GR Corolla Rally Concept is a tribute to the brand’s rallying heritage, last seen in the 1999 World Rally Championship, where Toyota clinched the manufacturers’ crown. While Toyota has remained tight-lipped about the car’s precise purpose, its unveiling signals a renewed commitment to rallying innovation.
The concept was driven by TGR chairman Akio Toyoda during its Tokyo debut, underscoring Toyota’s focus on creating vehicles that not only honor its motorsport legacy but also push technological boundaries. The GR Corolla Rally Concept features four-wheel drive and a mid-engine configuration, promising top-tier performance capabilities.
GR Yaris M Concept: Mid-Engine Marvel
The GR Yaris M Concept, another standout reveal at the Auto Salon, represents Toyota’s bold venture into mid-engine racing cars. The “M” in its name signifies its mid-mounted engine, a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged powerhouse, designed to deliver exceptional balance and performance.
Bound for the Super Taikyu Series, the GR Yaris M Concept offers a glimpse into Toyota’s vision of blending rally-inspired engineering with modern racing innovation. This model is poised to set new standards in its class, with a design aimed at maximizing power delivery and handling precision.
Return to the Nürburgring 24 Hours
In a highly anticipated announcement, Toyota confirmed its return to the Nürburgring 24 Hours after a six-year absence. The newly formed Toyota Gazoo Rookie Racing (TGRR) team will field a GR Yaris race car, equipped with a direct automatic transmission, which has been rigorously tested by Akio Toyoda himself.
The Nürburgring race is often regarded as the ultimate endurance test, and Toyota’s reentry underscores its dedication to pushing the limits of performance engineering. The TGRR squad’s participation signals Toyota’s intent to stay competitive at the highest levels of motorsport.
A Bold Future for Toyota Gazoo Racing
The unveiling of the GR Corolla Rally Concept and GR Yaris M Concept, coupled with Toyota’s Nürburgring return, reflects the automaker’s commitment to innovation and its motorsport legacy. These developments signal an exciting new chapter for Toyota, as it balances its racing heritage with cutting-edge performance technology.
For enthusiasts and industry experts alike, these announcements highlight Toyota Gazoo Racing’s ambition to remain at the forefront of motorsport and performance car development. Whether in rallying, endurance racing, or track series, Toyota is once again asserting itself as a force to be reckoned with.