Toyota recently announced that Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) will revert to simply “Gazoo Racing”, returning to its original 2007 name before the corporate “Toyota” prefix was added in 2015. This positions Gazoo Racing as an autonomous performance brand within Toyota’s ecosystem, sitting above core Toyota/Daihatsu but below Lexus and Century. The complete logo transition targets January 2027 across vehicles, dealerships, and digital assets.
AI Quick Summary
Toyota Gazoo Racing is reverting to its original “Gazoo Racing” name to establish itself as an autonomous performance brand, separate from the core Toyota marque. This strategic move, with a full transition by January 2027, aims to restore grassroots authenticity and a pure focus on motorsports-bred production cars, positioning it akin to rivals like BMW M or Mercedes-AMG.
This summary was generated by AI using this article’s content.
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The rebrand restores grassroots authenticity whilst granting operational autonomy. Toyota acknowledges corporate backing diluted the original racing passion that began as an unofficial endeavour. Gazoo Racing now focuses purely on motorsports-bred production cars and talent development through competition.
How Did Gazoo Racing’s Humble Origins Shape Its Identity?
Gazoo Racing originated in 2007 when Akio Toyoda (then executive VP) and Master Driver Hiromu Naruse raced at Nürburgring 24 Hours as “Team Gazoo”. Corporate rules prohibited using “Toyota” as the event wasn’t an official company activity. Toyoda competed as “Morizo” and recalls profound humiliation, overtaken by European rivals’ development mules whilst Toyota lacked sports cars.
- 2010: Lexus LFA launched, Toyota’s first in-house supercar in 20 years, despite internal profitability resistance (limited to 500 units)
- 2015: Motorsports consolidated under the “TOYOTA GAZOO Racing” banner
- 2020: GR Yaris born from WRC return, reversing development order (race car first, production second)
This origin embodies Shikinen Sengu, preserving car-making traditions through motorsports, mirroring Japan’s Ise Shrine rebuild ritual every 20 years.
Why Remove “Toyota” and Restructure Operations?
The corporate prefix diluted grassroots motivation. The rebrand separates entities for clarity:
Gazoo Racing handles:
- WRC/top-tier competition
- Customer racing programmes
- Motorsport-DNA production cars
Toyota Racing (ex-TGR Europe, Cologne) focuses on:
- Advanced powertrain R&D
- Long-term engine development
- Technology validation across racing formats
TGRR remains the “dojo” bridging both, developing driving/engineering talent through competition.
Which GR Models Feature the New Standalone Branding?
Gazoo Racing’s lineup spans accessible performance to flagship supercars:
- Hot hatches: GR Yaris, GR Corolla (WRC-derived)
- Sports cars: GR86, GR Supra
- Flagship: GR GT (V8 hybrid supercar, $200,000+, Lexus dealers only) + GR GT3 racer
- Future: GR Celica revival, rumoured GR MR2, FT-Se electric sports car, LFA Concept
The GR GT launched without Toyota badges, the first taste of a standalone identity.
What Does Gazoo Racing’s Packed 2026 Calendar Look Like?
Gazoo Racing competes across global series:
- FIA World Rally Championship
- Super GT (Japan)
- Japanese Super Formula
- Nürburgring 24 Hours (Toyoda’s symbolic return)
- ARA National Championship debut (GR Corolla, RC2 class)
Timing aligns with Haas F1 title sponsorship from 2026, boosting global visibility. Customer programmes enable enthusiasts to race GR models.
Why Does This Rebrand Transform Performance Automotive?
This 19-year evolution, from the Nürburgring incident to an autonomous brand, completes Toyoda’s vision. Gazoo Racing gains motorsport credibility akin to BMW M or Mercedes-AMG whilst preserving Toyota’s manufacturing heritage. The strategic separation ensures R&D flows efficiently from track to street, positioning Gazoo Racing to challenge premium performance brands across petrol, hybrid, and electric segments through 2027 and beyond.
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FAQs
Why is Toyota Gazoo Racing changing to Gazoo Racing?
Toyota reverts to the original 2007 name to restore grassroots racing passion diluted by corporate branding since 2015. It strengthens motorsports’ focus and talent development through the Shikinen Sengu philosophy. Logo transition completes January 2027.
Will GR cars lose Toyota badges?
Yes, GR GT launched without Toyota badges. Future GR Yaris, GR Corolla, GR86, GR Supra, GR Celica, and GR MR2 will feature standalone GR branding through model refreshes by 2027.
What happens to Toyota’s motorsports operations?
Gazoo Racing handles WRC, customer racing, and production sports cars. Toyota Racing (ex-TGR Europe) focuses on powertrain R&D. TGRR bridges both as a talent dojo.
Which new Gazoo Racing models are coming?
Confirmed: GR Celica revival. Expected: GR MR2 mid-engine car, FT-Se electric sports car, LFA Concept. GR GT (V8 hybrid supercar, $200,000+) is the current flagship.
What is Gazoo Racing’s 2026 racing schedule?
Includes WRC, Super GT, Nürburgring 24 Hours, Japanese Super Formula, and ARA National Championship debut with GR Corolla. Aligns with Haas F1 sponsorship.
Toyota recently announced that Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) will revert to simply “Gazoo Racing”, returning to its original 2007 name before the corporate “Toyota” prefix was added in 2015. This positions Gazoo Racing as an autonomous performance brand within Toyota’s
