Lexus

McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

By Tyler Rampersaud – September 22, 2026

Lexus Collaborates With MSCHF

Lexus is one of the world’s most celebrated luxury automotive brands, defying convention in the 1990s and continuing to define luxury design and engineering with its lineup today. Alongside its vehicles, however, Lexus has also dipped its toe into the fashion and art worlds with collaborations, including a recent one with Yoon Ahn-led fashion house AMBUSH. The latest one has just been announced, and it is with Brooklyn-based conceptual art collective MSCHF. It’s called “Motomorphosis,” and, set to debut at New York’s Armory Week, the collaboration twists Lexus icons with MSCHF’s signature sense of irreverence and subversion. Known for projects like 2023’s iconic “Big Red Boots,” MSCHF’s new collaboration with Lexus takes two electrified Lexus models and physically warps them into a pair of new sculptures. Reminiscent of the surreal elasticity of shapes in digital 3D models, one sculpture takes the electric Lexus RZ450e and pulls it into a long circle with the front facing the rear, while the other sculpture features a Lexus RX450h+, transforming it by twisting it longitudinally, turning it into something disturbingly distorted yet captivating. Metamorphosis shows both sculptures next to the real, unadulterated cars at Armory Week, and the warped RZ is called “Circle Car,” while the warped RX is dubbed “Twisted Car.” <- Gallery -> Senior Manager of Lexus Marketing, Lisa McQueen, commented, “Most conversations about electrification focus on how a vehicle is powered. MOTOMORPHOSIS asks a different question: what can electricity power in our imagination? Working with MSCHF allowed us to take the automobile beyond its familiar form and explore movement, transformation and possibility in an entirely new way.” The exhibition opens on Thursday, September 24, at Chelsea Industrial in New York City, and is available for the public to see for a three-day run until the 26th. At motomorphosis.com, admission is free with an RSVP. Combining a unique art collective’s talent with the electrified luxury vehicles Lexus is celebrated for, this new collaboration is at the intersection of luxury automotive innovation and culture. View All Lexus For Sale Image Source: Lexus

By Khris Bharath – September 20, 2026

Lexus Updates Its Flagship LX for 2027

Lexus has updated its flagship LX sport utility vehicle for the 2027 model year with additional standard equipment and new interior and exterior options, with powertrains and trims carrying over for 2027. <- Gallery -> This year, the Premium grade gets darker-finish 20-inch wheels and a standard digital rearview mirror. F SPORT Handling models add standard red front and rear brake calipers and an optional Palomino interior. One-touch auto-arrange power-folding rear seats will be standard on F SPORT Handling and Overtrail trims. The feature will be available on the Premium grade through an Interior Upgrade package. A head-up display will be standard across the lineup. Powertrains carry over as is, with the LX 700h pairing a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 with a nickel-metal hydride hybrid system for 457 combined horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque and an EPA-estimated combined fuel economy rating of 20 mpg. The gasoline-powered LX 600 produces 409 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. Both models pack a 10-speed automatic transmission and can tow up to 8,000 pounds. The hybrid system can provide motor-driven power in low range, including motor-only operation when precise throttle control is required on rocks, mud, or deep snow. Multi-Terrain Select provides four low-range modes and five high-range modes. Among flagship full-size three-row SUVs, off-road capability remains one of the LX’s key attributes, and it continues to carry the hardware to support it. All LX models retain a Torsen limited-slip locking center differential, Active Height Control and Adaptive Variable Suspension, while the LX 700h Overtrail adds electronically controlled front and rear locking differentials. The LX 600 is offered across three trims: Premium, F SPORT Handling, and Luxury, priced from $109,050 to $117,850. The LX 700h is offered in four trims: Overtrail, F SPORT Handling, Luxury, and Ultra Luxury, priced from $118,055 to $143,350. We have previously reviewed both the LX 700h Overtrail and the LX 700h F SPORT Handling. The four-seat Ultra Luxury model sits at the top of the lineup and includes curved rear headrests, overhead climate vents, and a rear control panel for audio, climate, seat, and lighting functions. The 2027 Lexus LX will be assembled at Toyota Auto Body’s Yoshiwara plant in Japan and is expected to reach dealerships later this year. View All Lexus LX for Sale Images: Lexus

Lexus Announces A New Partnership With Hyrox North America

By Tyler Rampersaud – September 14, 2026

Lexus Becomes A National Partner Of Hyrox

Less than a decade old, Hyrox has quickly become one of the most noteworthy names in fitness racing. It combines running with intense exercise and has been standardized to allow for competition across the globe. Joining forces with Hyrox in a new partnership is Lexus, which has just announced its status as a National Partner of Hyrox North America. Opening a new chapter in the world of fitness racing, the new partnership between Lexus and Hyrox sees Lexus as the Official National Vehicle Partner of the competition. Going forward, Lexus branding will be prominently featured at Hyrox events, and a Lexus activation will be available for athletes and sponsors at eight events throughout the season. About the new partnership, Cynthia Tenhouse, vice president, Lexus Marketing, commented, “Hyrox brings together performance, determination and community—values that closely align with Lexus. Through this partnership, we’re creating a premium experience that challenges athletes to push beyond what they thought possible while showcasing how innovation and purposeful design can support every stage of the performance journey.” <- Gallery -> The partnership will debut this fall at Hyrox Boston, where a custom GX x Hyrox vehicle build will debut. The custom vehicle is built for recovery and training, with integrated workout equipment, red light therapy, massage seating, refrigerated compartments, and other gear. The partnership between Lexus and Hyrox will be present in Boston, and then in Denver, Dallas, Nashville, Chicago, Phoenix, Miami Beach, and New York City going forward. Becoming the official vehicle partner of the iconic competition, Lexus is opening a new chapter in the fitness racing world with Hyrox. View All Lexus For Sale Image Source: Lexus

Lexus Collaborates With AMBUSH On “The Future Classic Club”

By Tyler Rampersaud – September 14, 2026

Lexus Launches New Collaboration With AMBUSH

Lexus is one of the most celebrated luxury marques in the automotive world, and over the decades, the brand has become known for models that combine a Japanese ethos with elegant design, engineering prowess, and luxurious appointments. One of those is the IS, a sports sedan that has earned icon status over the past 25 years. This year, Lexus is celebrating 25 years of the IS, and part of that celebration is a new collaboration with another Japanese icon, fashion house AMBUSH. Founded by Yoon Ahn, AMBUSH is one of the most prominent names to come from Tokyo’s creative underground with significant relevance in the fashion, music, and pop culture worlds. The new collaboration between Lexus and AMBUSH is dubbed “The Future Classic Club,” and it ties the story of the Lexus IS together with the past 25 years of Tokyo culture. A cinematic film, directed by Xavier Tera, showcases an early-2000s Tokyo salaryman against the first-generation IS, alongside a modern Tokyo with the latest model. The film also introduces three members of the Future Classic Club, with influential backgrounds in the automotive, creative, and music worlds: professional drifter Sara Choi, artist Reo Sano, and musician Reiji Okamoto. <- Gallery -> A limited capsule collection designed by Yoon Ahn is also a part of the collaboration, bringing design elements from the iconic Lexus IS sedan to a collection of hardware accessories and apparel. About the new collection, Ahn commented, “We were interested in the fact that the IS has been around for 25 years and still has a recognizable identity. That became the starting point for the collection. We looked at the details, materials and character of the car and translated them through the AMBUSH language into pieces we would actually want to wear and keep.” The collection features two jackets, two t-shirts, a long-sleeve tee, a cap, and a carabiner. On ambushdesign.com, the collection will be available to shop on September 18. With the ethos of fighting against fleeting trends, the Future Classic Club seeks to capture lasting appeal, in the way the Lexus IS has enjoyed enduring popularity and success across 25 years with its sharp design, engaging driving character, and luxurious elegance. View All Lexus IS For Sale Image Source: Lexus

New 2027 Lexus IS Special Appearance Package Unveiled

By Tyler Rampersaud – August 31, 2026

Lexus Unveils New 2027 IS Special Appearance Package

The Lexus IS is one of the most iconic luxury sports sedans on the market, with a quarter-century of legacy combining spirited driving character with elegant looks and creature comforts. This year, the IS is celebrating its 25th anniversary, and at the culmination of the Lexus IS 25th Legacy Tour in Miami, a new Special Appearance Package has been unveiled for the 2027 model year. Combining performance-inspired touches with exclusive design elements, the limited-edition package further enhances the look of the sports sedan icon. Each model year has brought forth a Lexus IS Special Appearance Package, and this year, the package is limited to 350 examples for the North American market, based on the Lexus IS 350 F Sport. A new green exterior color called Envious is part of the package, and it comes alongside BBS wheels, black interior upholstery in Ultrasuede and NuLuxe, green stitching, and satin chrome trims. The 3.5-liter V6 engine at the heart of the car features 311 horsepower and 280 lb/ft of torque, with rear-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission, or all-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission. The 2027 Lexus IS with the Special Appearance Package also features other luxury additions, like the Handling Package, the Technology Package, a moonroof, triple-beam LED headlights, Intuitive Parking Assist, a power rear sunshade, Mark Levinson audio, and more. <- Gallery -> With sporty character, luxury features, and a curated configuration with a green exterior, BBS wheels, and a black interior, the 2027 Lexus IS with the Special Appearance Package is a reaffirmation of the sports sedan’s quarter-century of icon status. View All Lexus IS For Sale Image Source: Lexus

The New 2027 Lexus TZ Is A 3-Row Electric Luxury SUV

By Tyler Rampersaud – May 07, 2026

Lexus Unveils New 2027 TZ EV SUV

Lexus arrived on the scene in the ‘90s as a disruptor to the existing luxury car landscape, and since then, has become a luxury automotive titan in its own right. Some of its most popular staples include the flagship LX SUV, the rugged, off-road capable GX, and the IS sports sedan. However, Lexus has begun to introduce battery-electric vehicles to its lineup, and the latest is the new 2027 Lexus TZ. A three-row all-electric luxury SUV built on the manufacturer’s TNGA platform, the new 2027 Lexus TZ features a design concept that prioritizes comfort for all passengers, utilizing BEV technology to provide an elegant and relaxing environment while also delivering an engaging driving experience. The “Driving Lounge Concept” was the inspiration for the TZ’s design, informing what Lexus calls a sculptural exterior silhouette, the use of materials like Forged Bamboo in the interior, and a three-row layout that offers luxury to all passengers. The cabin is designed to feel open and spacious, with a low floor, a long wheelbase, a slim instrument panel, and a panoramic roof. <- Gallery -> The interior is also the quietest a Lexus SUV has had to offer, thanks not only to the quietness of EVs but also to additional noise reduction measures. The front passenger seat and the second-row seats offer ventilation and power ottomans, which is a first for a Lexus SUV, with easy access to the well-cushioned third-row seats. One-touch folding for the second and third-row seats gives access to generous cargo space. 5G connectivity evolves the vehicle’s infotainment capability, including a “Hey Lexus” virtual assistant. The panoramic glass roof uses a wire system for its sunshade, which maximizes headroom and cabin height. Other luxurious features include standard ambient lighting, a Mark Levinson audio system, and more. DIRECT4 all-wheel drive will be standard on the new 2027 Lexus TZ, with torque able to be distributed from front to rear, allowing for rear-wheel drive in certain situations. Several drive modes allow the vehicle to adapt to different driving needs, including a REAR COMFORT mode that prioritizes the rear-seat passengers. The design combines the modern, futuristic Lexus design language with sustainable materials throughout, with an all-new Shaded Ivy exterior color being added to the palette. Lexus Safety System+ 4.0 comes as standard, offering highly advanced safety and driving assistance features. With the new all-electric, three-row TZ set to be available towards the end of 2026, pricing and grades for the new model are set to be revealed later this year. View All Lexus For Sale Image Source: Lexus

Lexus & Alex Alpert Unveil A New Custom IS 350 At Expo Chicago

By Tyler Rampersaud – April 06, 2026

New Lexus x Alex Alpert Custom IS 350 Unveiled

The Lexus IS is one of the most iconic nameplates in the Japanese luxury titan’s history. Introduced in the late ‘90s as a sporty entry-level model for the brand, the IS quickly became one of the most celebrated models to come from Lexus. With rear-wheel drive, ample power, sharp styling, and exciting agility, the IS earned a reputation as an entry-level luxury sedan that punched above its weight when it came to fun factor. Then, the IS F introduced the “F” moniker for Lexus with a 5.0-liter V8 that warranted a taller hood to accommodate it, and later generations of the sedan would build on that sport sedan legacy. Now, the Lexus IS continues to showcase sharp styling with luxury features in a relatively compact package, and it’s still one of the most enticing luxury sport sedans on the market. Recently, the latest Lexus IS 350 served as the basis for a custom vehicle created in collaboration between Lexus and visual artist Alex Alpert, which was showcased at EXPO Chicago. <- Gallery -> Alpert’s signature work features a line-art style, which was replicated in the form of the IS 350 by placing black lines on the white car. The lines not only trace some of the contours and design touches on the IS 350, but they also feature illustrations that pay homage to Lexus’ history and the brand’s Japanese heritage in a custom hood design. The custom car is the first activation in a year-long partnership between Lexus and Alpert, and showcases yet another intersection between the luxury automotive and art worlds from Lexus. View All Lexus IS For Sale Image Source: Lexus

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 31, 2026

Caroline Marks' Lexus GX Just Made Pro Surf Life Cooler

Surf culture and luxury SUVs don’t usually share the same lane, until now, with Lexus teaming up with professional surfer Caroline Marks. It’s a solid pairing between someone who spends most of her time catching waves and a car that actually makes that on-the-go lifestyle easier. It's the perfect example of real-world use instead of a staged partnership. Caroline, who grew up riding waves in Melbourne Beach, FL, has been on a steady run at the top of the World Surf League, fast, controlled, and never really out of place, even when the conditions aren’t ideal. That kind of approach lines up well with the 2026 Lexus GX, which isn’t trying to be flashy for the sake of it. It’s all about being dependable in the moments that actually matter. Looking ahead, this is also part of Lexus's broader involvement in the World Surf League, partner on events like the Lexus US Open, Lexus Trestles Pro, Lexus Fiji Pro, and Lexus Pipe Masters. With Marks on the team, it all comes across pretty straightforward, no big statement, just a couple of things that work well together, doing exactly what they’re supposed to. All Lexus GX Inventory

Lexus x Laufey The New One-Off “Blue In Green” Edition RZ

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 30, 2026

New One-Off Lexus RZ “Blue In Green” Edition Revealed

Lexus earlier announced that it would be collaborating with Icelandic-Chinese musician Laufey on a project called “100 Miles,” a musical celebration of the 100th birthday of legendary jazz pioneer Miles Davis. That collaboration included a live debut on Twitch of Laufey’s reimagined “Blue In Green” song, and the creation of a new one-off rendition of the Lexuz RZ, the Japanese luxury marque’s BEV model. The new RZ Blue In Green Edition is a bespoke one-off inspired by the song and the creative forces behind it. Its design brings together Laufey’s modern approach to jazz music with touches that pay homage to Miles Davis and his trumpet. Its custom exterior finish, as its name suggests, features a shifting color that shows both blue and green in different lighting. Brass accents and an interior finished in aged leather and burgundy velvet are clear reminders of Miles Davis, referencing not only his trumpet but also the classic look of an instrument case. The custom vehicle features a badge that reinterprets the Lexus “L” emblem with Laufey’s signature script “L” instead, and the trunk features the lyrics of her rendition of “Blue In Green.” When the vehicle is turned on, the first few notes of “Blue In Green” by Miles Davis play, a finishing touch that playfully celebrates the incredible musical legacy of Miles Davis. <- Gallery -> About the car, Laufey says, “Miles Davis’ music has this timeless, atmospheric quality. Seeing ‘Blue In Green’ translated into a physical design was surreal. We captured the feeling of the song, something classic, emotional and a little mysterious, and turned it into something that will actually move you.” Erin Davis, Miles Davis’ son, was also impressed with the result of the collaboration, saying, “My father always created music that people could live inside of. To see ‘Blue In Green’ reimagined and expressed through design like this is really special. It shows how deeply that feeling still resonates.” Streaming now exclusively on Amazon Music, Laufey’s “Blue In Green” is available now to listen to, and the new one-off Lexus RZ Blue In Green Edition is a physical, visual representation of the musical convergence. View All Lexus For Sale Image Source: Lexus

By Charles Bradley – March 28, 2026

Why Toyota’s $225K Gazoo Racing GT Supercar Will Be Sold Through Lexus Dealers

Toyota is about to redefine its performance hierarchy with the arrival of its upcoming Gazoo Racing GT supercar, a flagship model that will not only elevate the brand’s sporting credentials but also introduce a new retail strategy in the United States. When the 2027 GR GT arrives at the end of the year, it will be sold through select Lexus dealerships – and without Toyota badging – an intentional move that underscores both its positioning and exclusivity. The decision reflects a practical reality: Gazoo Racing, despite its growing global recognition, does not operate a standalone dealer network in the U.S. market. Until now, the GR badge has been reserved for performance variants of existing Toyota models, including the Supra, GR Corolla, and GR86. The GR GT, however, represents something entirely different – a six-figure, halo-level supercar designed to compete at the highest levels of both road and motorsport performance. In doing so, Toyota is effectively elevating Gazoo Racing into a brand in its own right. By aligning GR with Lexus dealerships – mirroring the strategy used for the ultra-luxury Century SUV – the company is creating a more premium, curated buying experience that better suits a vehicle expected to command about $225,000. Beyond retail strategy, the GR GT signals Toyota’s broader ambition to diversify its performance and electrification roadmap. As the automaker continues to pursue carbon neutrality, it is investing across multiple pathways, including battery-electric vehicles, hybrids, and hydrogen technologies. The GR GT, with its twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8, represents a high-performance counterpoint within that portfolio, blending traditional internal combustion with advanced engineering. Expected to deliver performance approaching 200 mph, the GR GT is underpinned by an all-aluminum chassis shared with a future all-electric Lexus LFA successor. In a notable first for Toyota, the road-going GR GT and its GT3 racing counterpart were developed simultaneously – ensuring that motorsport DNA is embedded into the car from inception rather than adapted after the fact. That philosophy extends directly into Toyota’s racing ambitions. The GR GT3 is slated to make its North American debut at the 2027 Rolex 24 at Daytona, marking a pivotal transition as Lexus exits sports car competition after a decade campaigning the RC F in the GTD ranks. “For us, we're committed to the RC F for this year,” said Jeffrey Bal, Lexus Racing Director of Motorsports. “We’ll remain Lexus Racing. When the new car shows up, we will be Gazoo Racing.” The shift also introduces new considerations around customer engagement and dealer readiness, particularly as GR evolves from a performance sub-brand into a standalone identity. “The GR GT will be sold through Lexus, we still have an important communication job, that we need to do with our dealers and our customers. We're working on that now,” Bal said. “In Japan, there are 80 dealerships that have a GR Garage, which is a home for motorsports enthusiasts. I don’t know if we’ll go down that route with some of our dealers, because some of them do race. If they do, that’s great and we’ll support it. “The GR GT mantra is motorsports-bred, so they [road and race car] were built hand-in-hand. This has been a global effort, not just TMC. You’ve had TRD plus our race team assisting with testing, development, and feedback. Same with GR Europe with our drivers and teams from over there.” That global collaboration has been central to the GT3 car’s development, according to Tyler Gibbs, Group Vice President and President of TRD. “It’s been a great project for us,” he said. “The things that we at TRD have learned through this process with the new car, being able to work on a portion of that, has been great. It's just been a good opportunity for us and our sister company in Europe. Our drivers have contributed to it. We had the car here last year, tested it a number of times, we're excited about, about the new car and where it will take us.” Driver input has played a critical role in shaping the GR GT3, with experienced racers helping refine its performance across multiple continents and racing disciplines. Among them is Jack Hawksworth, a former IndyCar driver and 2023 GTD Pro champion, who has been deeply involved in testing. “I've driven it a few times now, I've probably tested it seven or eight times, at different tracks in the US, in Japan, Europe, so on a good number of occasions,” Hawksworth said. “With any race car, it's nice to get the feedback from all the different kind of drivers who are racing in different series, especially a GT3 car if you're hoping it's going to race all over the world. “The tracks in Europe are very different to the tracks in America and the racing style in Japan is very different to the racing style in Europe, so we had a collection of Japanese drivers, American drivers, European drivers who worked on the program and, we went all over the world really testing this car to try and develop something that, that's gonna be really consistent no matter where it's raced, whether it be in Asia, in America, in Europe. “I really enjoyed being a part of it and I’ll be super excited to see it actually race, it looks sweet in pictures, so, yeah, I'm looking forward to seeing it with our livery on it; that'll be nice.” As Toyota positions the GR GT at the intersection of luxury retail, motorsport pedigree, and next-generation performance strategy, the model is poised to become a defining statement – not just for Gazoo Racing, but for the future direction of the Japanese-based core company as a whole. View All Toyotas For Sale Images: Charles Bradley, Toyota

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