Toyota GT Concept reveals more secrets at Goodwood Festival of Speed

We have already described it as the successor to the Lexus LFA, but it is worth remembering that it was unveiled in 2022 as Toyota’s future weapon for the GT3 championship. Last weekend, it appeared again under the Toyota name at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Simply named the Toyota GT Concept, it continues to create considerable anticipation in both road-going and racing form. Although it was presented as a Toyota, the prospect of it being a Lexus remains open, at least in certain parts of the world.

Toyota GT Concept V8 twin-turbo power

Perhaps the most significant takeaway is that a new sports car with a twin-turbo V8 engine is close to being revealed. A few further details emerged at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Toyota brought two test prototypes to the event: one representing the road car and the other the competition model. After completing the Goodwood Hillclimb, two engineers shared what they could about the project, which began more than four years ago.

Their pride in the programme was clear, to the point that they readily opened the door of the road-going Toyota GT Concept to show us its cabin. From what can be seen in the images, it does not appear far from what could become the final production version.

Toyota GT Concept interior and GT3 race car

Inside the Toyota GT Concept - or future Lexus LFR - red and black are the dominant colours, complemented by leather and Alcantara trim.

The seats feature a carbon-fibre structure with supporting pads, while the steering wheel is positioned almost vertically. The centre console is defined by a touchscreen and a row of more direct controls.

The racing version is set apart by its huge fixed rear wing, windows with a small sliding opening, more aerodynamic door mirrors and wheels secured by centre-lock nuts.

Haas F1 Team and Toyota Gazoo Racing

The two Haas F1 Team drivers may be among those able to reveal more about this new project from the Japanese manufacturer, as Toyota Gazoo Racing is the team’s partner in the research and development of new technologies.

As well as Esteban Ocon and Ollie Bearman, the Duke of Richmond himself - host of the Goodwood Festival of Speed - had the chance to take part in a co-drive aboard the Toyota GT Concept on the Goodwood Hillclimb.

For the other appearances of Toyota’s two concepts, the Japanese brand relied on its development drivers. The official unveiling date has yet to be confirmed, although it is expected to take place this year - the competition version of the Toyota GT Concept will race as early as 2026.