Toyota GR Super Sport Concept release date, specs news: 986-HP powertrain, race car looks for next-gen supercar

A promotional image for the Toyota GR Super Sport Concept.Toyota

Toyota has unveiled a new concept vehicle, called GR Super Sport Concept, that previews the Japanese automaker's next-generation production supercar.

The GR Super Sport Concept, which was developed by Toyota's motorsport arm, Gazoo Racing, builds upon the knowledge and technologies that the Japanese automaker has learned from its participation in motorsports activities such as the World Endurance Championships (WEC).

According to Toyota, the GR Super Sport Concept is based on the TS050 Hybrid race car — a Le Mans prototype developed to compete in the WEC. The next-generation supercar concept features the same internal carbon fiber structure and the same 2.6-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine that is paired with a hybrid system for an overall power output of 986 horsepower.

Some of the other stand-out features of the GR Super Sport Concept include prominent front and back splitters, a large rear wing, massive air vents on the sides, dual exhaust pipes and 18-inch wheels with 13-inch-wide wheels. The concept vehicle also comes with cameras to give the driver a complete view of the supercar's surroundings. 

During the GR Super Sport Concept's unveiling at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2018, Gazoo Racing president Shigeki Tomoyama said that their goal is to be able to turn active race cars into street-legal sports cars.

"Although it will be sometime 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," he added.

Indeed, judging by the absence of headlights, traditional windows and a regular door, the GR Super Sport Concept may still have to undergo several revisions in the next couple of years before it is ready to enter mass production. Nevertheless, based on what has been revealed, car enthusiasts can be assured that Toyota's future sports car will be a powerful and fun-to-drive vehicle.