Toyota’s recent trademark filing has sparked speculation about the upcoming successor to the Lexus LFA supercar, hinting that it might carry the Toyota ‘GR GT’ badge. This filing has raised questions about whether the high-performance vehicle will be positioned under the Toyota brand rather than Lexus.
The trademark application for ‘GR GT’ aligns with the GR GT3 Concept race car that Toyota showcased approximately two years ago. Initially considered a motorsports-exclusive model, the GR GT3 Concept hinted at a potential road-going version necessary for GT3 racing eligibility.
While previous indications suggested the final iteration of the GR GT3 concept, both on the road and track, would bear a Lexus badge, the latest trademark filing suggests a revisit to the possibility of it being branded as a Toyota. This filing reopens the door to Toyota being the flagship for the company’s performance car lineup.
The name ‘GR GT’ could pay homage to Toyota’s first serious sports car, the Toyota 2000GT, characterized by a coupe design with a long bonnet, a sloped rear end, in-set headlights, and a distinctive triangular point in the rear quarter glass.
Reports initially indicated that the GR GT3 Concept might replace the RC F in the GT3 category and carry a Lexus badge. However, the recent trademark filing introduces the prospect of Toyota badging for this high-performance vehicle.
Despite various speculations and reports, concrete details about the GR GT3 Concept, whether it will be under Toyota or Lexus, and its powertrain remain elusive. The road-going version is expected to maintain a petrol-powered configuration, with reports suggesting the possibility of it being named the Lexus LFR and featuring a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged petrol V8 combined with an electric motor, delivering close to 1000 horsepower (approximately 750kW).
While there are ongoing discussions and unconfirmed reports surrounding the Toyota GR GT3 Concept, the recent trademark filing indicates that Toyota is approaching a significant reveal in the realm of high-performance vehicles.
