Get ready for an exhilarating ride! TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR) is set to unveil its latest GR brand video, titled "WILD ROAD," on January 1, 2026, at midnight JST. This exciting release will be available on the TGR YouTube channel, and it promises to showcase the essence of what makes GR vehicles truly special.
The origins of the GR sports car series can be traced back to 2017, but its roots go even deeper, dating back to the formation of Team GAZOO in 2007. This initiative was led by Toyota Master Driver Hiromu Naruse and Akio Toyoda, who was then the Executive Vice President and is now the Chairman of the Board. Their vision was clear: to refine both drivers and vehicles through the challenges of motorsport in order to create superior cars. A significant milestone for them was completing the Nürburgring 24 Hours, a race known for its grueling demands on participants. Since the establishment of TGR in 2015, the organization has relentlessly pursued the development of high-performance, motorsports-inspired cars. They achieve this by integrating insights gained from various racing experiences, such as those in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC), the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), and the Dakar Rally, into their production vehicle designs.
This upcoming video not only embodies the passionate commitment of Chairman Toyoda—who is affectionately known as Master Driver Morizo—but also aims to convey a crucial lesson he learned at the Nürburgring: that the roads contribute significantly to shaping great cars. "WILD ROAD" will feature four remarkable race cars: the GR YARIS Rally1, which has competed in the WRC, the GR010 HYBRID from the WEC, the DKR GR Hilux preparing for the Dakar Rally, and the innovative GR GT3, all of which underscore the video’s dynamic energy. The production focuses on capturing breathtaking, real-time footage of professional drivers showcasing their skills in racing environments around the globe, with an emphasis on close-up shots that bring viewers right into the heart of the action.
Professional drivers were enlisted for the various segments of the video. Takamoto Katsuta skillfully maneuvered the GR YARIS Rally1, while Kamui Kobayashi took charge of the GR010 HYBRID, and Akira Miura drove the DKR GR Hilux. Additionally, development drivers played crucial roles, with Tatsuya Kataoka behind the wheel of the GR GT3 and Hiroaki Ishiura handling the GR GT. For fans eager to see more, there’s also a supplementary video titled "WILD ROAD—BEHIND THE SCENES," highlighting thrilling driving moments not included in the main feature, which is also accessible on the TGR YouTube channel.
*1, *2 These vehicles participated in the 2025 season.
*3 The DKR GR Hilux is slated for the 2026 season.
*4, *5 The featured cars are prototypes. For further information about these models, please refer to the press release titled "TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Premieres GR GT & GR GT3" available at https://toyotagazooracing.com/pressrelease/2025/1205-03.
