Camilla Jessen
Toyota spins off Gazoo Racing as standalone brand.
Toyota is turning its GR performance line into a standalone brand, separating Gazoo Racing from the core Toyota identity.
According to industry reporting, the move will see GR operate independently as a dedicated performance marque.
The restructuring means the familiar Toyota badge will disappear from future GR models. Instead, Gazoo Racing branding will take center stage on both the exterior and interior of upcoming cars.
Toyota’s aim is to elevate GR beyond a trim level and reposition it as a rival to premium performance brands.
New place in the lineup
Under the new structure, Gazoo Racing will sit above Daihatsu but below Lexus and Toyota’s ultra-luxury Century brand. Selected Lexus dealerships will handle sales, meaning GR cars will not be widely available across Toyota’s full retail network.
The strategy mirrors Volvo’s decision to spin off Polestar as a separate brand. Analysts see it as a way to sharpen identity and justify higher prices.
The first clear example of this shift is the upcoming GR GT.
Power and performance
The GR GT, scheduled for launch in 2026, features no visible Toyota emblems.
Under the hood, it will be powered by a twin-turbo V8 engine, marking a bold statement of intent for the new brand.
For smaller models, Gazoo Racing is developing a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine known as G20E. According to reports, it will deliver more than 400 horsepower and be used across multiple future models.
The focus is firmly on high-performance combustion engines.
Future sports cars
Toyota has already confirmed that the next-generation Supra will be a pure Gazoo Racing product.
Unlike the current version, it is expected to be developed without BMW involvement, making it a fully in-house project.
Rumors are also growing about a revived MR2, fueled by a recent concept based on the GR Yaris. Meanwhile, the GR 86, GR Yaris and GR Corolla are expected to continue under the new standalone branding.
Sources: Boosted, manufacturer information
