Toyota’s Racing DNA

Toyota’s Racing DNA

How Toyota’s Motorsports Heritage Shapes Its Racing Future

Toyota's motorsport heritage is built on decades of engineering excellence, competition, and innovation across multiple racing disciplines. From its early days in rally and endurance racing to dominating Formula 1, Le Mans, and Super GT, Toyota has consistently pushed the limits of performance and reliability. The brand’s commitment to motorsports has not only shaped its racing success but has also influenced the development of its road cars, integrating track-tested technology into everyday driving. With a relentless drive to compete and improve, Toyota has established itself as a powerhouse in global motorsports, proving its engineering prowess on some of the world’s most challenging circuits.

In IMSA, Toyota’s presence has evolved over the years, demonstrating both prototype and GT racing success. The brand first made its mark in the 1980s, developing competitive engines for endurance racing, which culminated in a dominant run in the early ‘90s. After excelling in prototype competition, Toyota shifted its focus to GT racing, where Lexus continues to carry the torch with high-performance endurance machines. Through constant innovation and engineering refinement, Toyota remains a key player in IMSA, using the series as a proving ground for its advanced race engines and showcasing its commitment to high-performance motorsport competition.

2.1L Turbocharged Inline-4 – Toyota Eagle MKIII (1991-1993)

One of Toyota’s most famous prototype racing engines was the 2.1L turbocharged inline-4 used in the Toyota Eagle MKIII, a dominant force in the IMSA GTP class in the early 1990s. The car, developed by Dan Gurney’s All American Racers (AAR), was highly successful, notably winning 21 out of 27 races, including back-to-back championships in 1992 and 1993.

Specifications:

  • Displacement: 2.1 liters (2100cc)
  • Configuration: Turbocharged Inline-4
  • Valvetrain: Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 16 valves
  • Power Output: 700-800 hp (qualifying trim), ~600 hp (race trim)
  • Torque: 450-500 lb-ft
  • Fuel System: Electronic fuel injection
  • Rev Limit: 9,000 RPM
  • Lubrication System: Dry sump

5.4L V8 2UR-GSE – Lexus RC F GT3 (2017-Present)

Toyota’s Lexus brand currently competes in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship through its GT3 program with the Lexus RC F GT3. This car is powered by a race-modified version of Toyota’s 5.4L naturally aspirated V8 derived from the production 2UR-GSE engine found in the Lexus RC F. The 2UR-GSE V8 has been tuned for endurance racing, featuring upgraded internals and improved thermal efficiency to handle long races like the Rolex 24 at Daytona and the Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta.

Specifications:

  • Displacement: 5.4 liters (5400cc)
  • Configuration: Naturally aspirated V8
  • Valvetrain: Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 32 valves
  • Power Output: Approx. 500-550 hp (per IMSA regulations)
  • Torque: Approx. 500 lb-ft
  • Fuel System: Direct and port injection
  • Rev Limit: 7,500 RPM
  • Lubrication System: Dry sump

3.0L Inline-six Turbo – Toyota GR Supra GT4 (2020-Present)

Toyota entered the GT4 racing category with the Toyota GR Supra GT4, which is a track-focused race car built, blending the legendary Supra heritage with cutting-edge motorsport engineering. Designed for private teams and drivers, it features a lightweight chassis, aerodynamic enhancements, and a finely tuned suspension system, ensuring exceptional handling and cornering stability.

Specifications:

  • Displacement: 3.0 liters (3000cc)
  • Configuration: In-line six cylinder with single twin-scroll turbocharger
  • Valvetrain: Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 24 valves
  • Power Output: Approx. 430 hp
  • Torque: Approx. 480 lb-ft
  • Fuel System: Direct injection
  • Rev Limit: 7,500 RPM
  • Lubrication System: Dry sump

Toyota’s Future in IMSA Racing

As IMSA moves toward hybrid prototypes and electrification and given Toyota’s expertise in hybrid technology, such as the Toyota TS050 Hybrid in WEC, the company could introduce hybrid-assisted GT or prototype entries in IMSA.

The brand’s continued investment in GT3 and GT4 racing, particularly with Lexus and the Supra GT4 program, suggests Toyota will remain a formidable player in IMSA’s sports car racing series. Whether dominating IMSA GTP in the 1990s, competing in GT Daytona with Lexus, or pushing the limits with the GR Supra GT4, Toyota continues to innovate and refine its engines for endurance racing success.