Yes, Supercars and GT3 have very little if anything in common technically, but 2026 will herald the arrival of new Toyota models in both areas.
The Japanese manufacturer has just announced a new GT3 model based off the just revealed GR GT to replace the long in the tooth Lexus RC F GT3 as it will compete against Ford and Chevrolet at the top level of GT racing just like it will in Supercars next year.
Ford’s Mustang GT3 is the newest model to be homologated for the leading GT ruleset, which celebrates 20-years since its first season next year and Chevrolet entered with the Corvette Z06 GT3.R two years ago.
Of course, the Mustang and Camaro have raced in the Repco Supercars Championship since the inauguration of the Gen3 regulations for the 2023 season, but Toyota’s imminent entry will replicate the battle due to happen worldwide in GT3 racing.
Toyota’s GR GT3 was revealed as a concept at the Tokyo Auto Salon in 2022 and has since made appearances at various circuits until its official reveal on December 5.
Powered by a four-litre, twin-turbo V8, the GR GT3 is scheduled to make its debut in 2026 entering the Nürburgring Endurance Series and potentially in the GT300 Class of Super GT ahead of a full roll-out in 2027.
In the GT3 stakes, Toyota in addition to Chevrolet and Ford will take on Mercedes-AMG, Aston Martin, BMW, Audi, Lamborghini, Honda, McLaren, Porsche and Ferrari globally.
Watch out for a Bathurst 12 Hour berth soon for the GR GT3.