Toyota Reveals LMP1-Inspired GR Super Sport Concept

Photo: Toyota

Toyota has taken the wraps off its GR Super Sport Concept, featuring hybrid technology developed from the Japanese manufacturer’s LMP1 program.

Featuring the same 2.4-liter twin-turbo V6 engine from the Toyota TS050 Hybrid, the Super Sport Concept delivers nearly 1,000 combined horsepower between its internal combustion and electric motors. 

The unveil came Friday at the Toyota Auto Salon in Tokyo.

Toyota Gazoo Racing Company president Shigeki Tomoyama said the concept is the starting point for Toyota’s plan to develop sports cars from active race cars.

“Rather than developing production cars into sports cars, we aim to work out how to incorporate the know-how developed through races and rallies into production cars,” he said

“Although it will be some time before you all have the opportunity to get behind the wheel, I hope that the GR Super Sport Concept will give you a taste of what we aim to achieve with our next-generation sports cars.”

No indication has been given the concept will enter into future production.

LMP1 Driver Announcement Set for February

Toyota is not expected to confirm its LMP1 lineup until early next month.

Sportscar365 understands that a possible deal with Fernando Alonso, who has been tipped to join the Japanese manufacturer’s planned two-car effort at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, may not be reached until February.

Alonso, who could contest additional FIA World Endurance Championship races, said his forthcoming sports car racing debut in this month’s Rolex 24 at Daytona will help influence a decision on whether the Spaniard will also tackle Le Mans this year.

Should Alonso join Toyota for the French endurance classic, it would come at the expense of at one of its existing drivers, with sources indicating that Jose Maria Lopez’s status with the team for 2018 remains up in the air.

Photo: Toyota

Photo: Toyota

Photo: Toyota

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John