Toyota GR GT officially confirmed for PH entry

Toyota GR GT officially confirmed for PH entry
Photo: Toyota

Toyota has confirmed that its upcoming GR GT hybrid supercar is headed to the Philippines. Yes, having been launched globally last year, the Japanese brand’s most sought after high-performance model will finally see its Philippine debut, giving local performance car enthusiasts something extraordinary to look forward to over the next few years.

The announcement was made during a recent press briefing held alongside Round 2 of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippine Cup at Clark International Speedway. There, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) revealed that the new flagship Gazoo Racing (GR) model will eventually become part of its local lineup once global sales begin.

Positioned as the pinnacle of Toyota’s road-going performance cars, the GR GT has been engineered with a clear objective — to deliver a driving experience inspired by the brand’s motorsport programs while remaining street legal. The project draws heavily from Toyota’s experience in endurance racing, with the company applying lessons learned on the track to its next-generation halo car.

Power comes from a newly developed 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 paired with a hybrid system. Toyota says the combination is expected to produce more than 650 hp and over 850 Nm of torque. The engine also features dry-sump lubrication, a setup commonly used in race cars to maintain consistent oil pressure during high-speed cornering.

Interior of Toyota GR GT
Photo: Toyota

Lightweight construction also plays a significant role in the GR GT’s development. Toyota has equipped the supercar with its first all-aluminum body frame, complemented by extensive carbon-fiber components to help keep weight in check while maintaining structural rigidity. The company is targeting a curb weight of around 1,750 kg with a near-ideal front-to-rear weight distribution.

Its proportions reflect its performance-focused mission. Measuring 4,820 mm long, 2,000 mm wide, and just 1,195 mm tall, the GR GT was designed with aerodynamic efficiency and cooling performance taking priority over styling. Toyota says the exterior shape was determined by airflow requirements before designers finalized its appearance.

Inside, the cabin follows the same philosophy. The cockpit was developed with driver ergonomics at the forefront, aiming to provide excellent visibility and an optimal driving position for spirited driving while remaining suitable for everyday road use.

Toyota expects to begin retail sales of the GR GT globally in 2027. While local pricing has yet to be announced, the upcoming hybrid supercar is expected to occupy the top end of the Gazoo Racing range and serve as Toyota’s new flagship performance model in the Philippines.

Autocar’s Take

The Philippine performance car market may be small compared to larger regions, but Toyota’s decision to bring the GR GT here shows there is confidence in local enthusiasts who appreciate world-class engineering. Whether many buyers would take delivery is almost beside the point. The GR GT will serve as the technological flagship of Toyota’s Gazoo Racing lineup and demonstrate how lessons from the racetrack can shape future road cars. Seeing a machine of this caliber officially offered in the Philippines is a reminder that local enthusiasts are no longer being left out of the conversation.

Toyota GR wheels and brakes
Photo: Toyota
Toyota GR GT
Photo: Toyota
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Randolph de Leon

Randolph de Leon

Randolph is a visually-impaired car photographer and one of the correspondents of Autocar Philippines. Seeing the world out of his left eye since birth, Randolph loves to photograph cars and most especially motorsport events. Despite the challenges he's facing, Randolph continues to be an optimistic energy to himself and to those around him, living life to the best of his abilities.