No, Boomers, this isn’t about a small green alien from “The Flintstones.” Gazoo Racing is Toyota’s motorsports and performance sector, applying its engineering prowess to both road vehicles and race cars. It also contributes to the restoration of older models by reproducing vintage parts.
You can liken Gazoo Racing to brands like Mercedes-Benz AMG, Nissan Nismo, Dodge SRT, and Hyundai N. However, a unique aspect is that only Toyota named its motorsports division after a website.
Established in 1998 to create “ever-better” cars, the name “Gazoo” stems from the Japanese word “ga” meaning “picture,” combined with “zoo,” signifying a digital display of cars. This concept was revolutionary in the 1990s. Over time, “Gazoo” has evolved to represent a specialized garage at Toyota, where teams collaboratively refine even the smallest details to enhance car quality and services for each customer.
The Origins of Gazoo Racing
Given its digital beginnings, it’s not surprising that Gazoo Racing was officially established in 2007 by Toyota president Akio Toyoda and chief test driver Hiromu Naruse. Initially, it was part of Toyota’s broader motorsports strategy, which also included Toyota Racing and Lexus Racing until they were unified under Gazoo Racing in 2015.
Endurance racing has been a crucial focus for Toyota’s motorsports, showcasing the company’s engineering strength. Toyota first joined the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1985, secured its first podium spot seven years later, and celebrated outright victory in 2018 — marking the first of five consecutive wins at this renowned event. Gazoo Racing has continued this momentum, achieving numerous awards in the FIA’s World Endurance Championship, including another championship title last year.
Another significant arena for Gazoo Racing is the World Rally Championship (WRC), where Toyota has also thrived, recently claiming its 103rd WRC win and now leading the all-time manufacturer win count.
Does Gazoo Racing Produce Street-Legal Vehicles?
For those interested in Toyota’s motorsport engineering for daily use, Gazoo Racing has approved three models in Toyota’s lineup. The entry-level model is the Toyota GR86 sports coupe, starting at $30,400 (excluding a destination fee of $1,195).
While it shares its basic components with the Subaru BRZ — including its 2.4-liter boxer engine — the GR86 receives enhancements from Gazoo Racing, improving the driving sensation. Notable upgrades include a refined chassis and suspension, Torsen limited-slip differential, Sachs dampers, and Brembo brakes. The 2026 model year will also introduce a special edition reminiscent of the original Scion FR-S, which preceded the GR86.
Next in line is the Toyota GR Corolla, positioned in the competitive hot-hatch market. This year, it enjoys a reworked suspension, an additional 22 pound-feet of torque, and a paddle-shifted eight-speed automatic transmission. With 300 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, the GR Corolla starts at $39,160, not including the $1,195 destination charge.
At the top of the lineup is the Toyota GR Supra, developed in collaboration with BMW. Although this partnership resulted in high-performance attributes, it deterred some potential buyers. However, the upcoming Supra will be a true Toyota, no longer simply a rebadged BMW model.
