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The Shikinen Sengu sports cars: Toyota GR GT and Lexus LFA

The Japanese know how to ideally combine tradition and modernity. So it's no surprise that the new Toyota GR GT, the GT3 racing car derived from it and the new Lexus LFA are real hits. All in the spirit of the Toyota 2000GT. And following the ritual of the "Shikinen Sengu".

  • Text
    Marko Knab
  • Photos
    Toyota

Toyota and Lexus celebrated a world premiere in a trio last week: Toyota showed the GR GT, the GR GT3 and Lexus, in turn, the LFA Concept. Vehicles that are more than just new sports cars - they are a passionate plea for certain automotive skills not to be forgotten, but to be passed on. In our specific case: a long bonnet, a crisp rear end and, in some cases, a V8 engine with plenty of displacement.

Toyota is focussing here on the principle of "Shikinen Sengu": a centuries-old ritual in which shrines of the Shinto religion are regularly rebuilt to keep knowledge, craftsmanship and spirit alive. These three models are also intended to convey precisely this claim - as rolling proof that tradition does not just mean preserving it, but renewing it.

Under the direction of Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda and a team of professional and development drivers, the three vehicles were developed under a common philosophy: the lowest possible centre of gravity, low weight, maximum rigidity and uncompromising aerodynamics. We take a brief look at the three models.

GR GT - The new flagship

The GR GT is the latest commitment to Toyota's motorsport DNA: front engine, rear-wheel drive, an all-new 4-litre V8 biturbo in a dry sump, aluminium spaceframe, carbon torque tube and a transaxle with 8-speed automatic transmission plus electric motor. A pure driver's car - but one that appeals to all customer groups and abilities, combined with modern drive and production technology.

It is currently being honed in the classic GR rhythm: develop, drive until it breaks, repair. Repeat it again. And then get a damn good car on the market.

Toyota GR GT3 - The customer sport attack

The GR GT3 is based on the GR GT - an uncompromising FIA GT3 racing car for professionals and gentleman drivers who don't just want to compete, they want to win. Fully race-homologated, drivable for everyone, ready for any international GT3 grid. Toyota is also preparing a global support system - motorsport not just as a product, but as a partnership. The series in which the vehicle will compete is still open, but the WEC World Endurance Championship, in which Toyota also competes in the hypercar class, can be considered a certainty.

1/3

Lexus LFA Concept - The electric future, but with soul

The new LFA Concept carries on the spirit of the original - only battery-electric. Yes, the incredible sounding V10 from the first LFA remains unforgotten. But hey, this is about renewal. And redefining: Lexus wants to make its mark on the BEV sports car chapter with radical performance, cultivated lines and technological maturity. The concept shows that electric sports cars do not have to remain in the experimental stage, but can continue the spirit and tradition.

Marko Knab

Marko Knab

Journalist & Photographer
Life writes the best stories - and Marko Knab tells them in text and picture form. His focus: people & their very own stories and cars, motorsports and travel stories. He already worked for Motorsport-Total.com while completing his Bachelor's degree in German Language, followed by a brief stint at a local daily newspaper and a Master's degree in literature and cultural theory - and ramp.

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