Plenty to get hearts racing at GAZOO Racing launch

GR86 Race Car, GRF-70 and GR Supra Safety Car on track at Hampton Downs.

Motoring media and performance car enthusiasts enjoyed two days of driving activities, vehicle displays and motorsport experiences as Toyota New Zealand celebrated GAZOO Racing (GR) at Hampton Downs this August. The event represented the most comprehensive GAZOO Racing showcase held in New Zealand to date.

The exclusive media and customer launch marked the beginning of an exciting new era for GR in New Zealand, bringing together the brand's motorsport heritage, high-performance road cars and growing community of passionate owners.

Guests had the opportunity to experience some of Toyota's most exciting performance vehicles both on the track and up close, while getting a first look at the growing GR ecosystem that stretches from world championship motorsport to performance-inspired road cars and performance parts.

Toyota New Zealand Chief Strategic Officer and GR Meister, Andrew Davis, said the launch was about showing Kiwis what GR is all about.

"This was our opportunity to bring the GAZOO Racing story to life," Andrew says.

"Every GR vehicle is inspired by motorsport, tested in some of the toughest conditions on the planet, and built by people who genuinely love driving. Hampton Downs gave customers and media the chance to experience that for themselves.

“GR is much more than performance cars. It's a philosophy built around passion, pushing limits and learning through competition. That philosophy influences everything we do, from motorsport and vehicle development to the way we engage with owners, enthusiasts and communities here in New Zealand.

"Many brands focus on motorsport, product or community engagement in isolation. What makes GAZOO Racing different is that these elements are connected through a single philosophy that influences Toyota vehicle development globally, while also helping us create meaningful experiences for Kiwi enthusiasts and develop the next generation of New Zealand motorsport talent."

Onsite were vehicles that make up the ever-growing GR family including:

• GR Yaris Aero Performance Package: Highlighting motorsport-inspired aerodynamic development.
• GR Yaris Gen2: GAZOO Racing’s latest rally-bred hot hatch, available for track drives.
• GR Corolla: One of GAZOO Racing’s most celebrated global performance models.
• GR SPORT range: Including the new RAV4 GR SPORT Plug-in Hybrid and Corolla Cross GR SPORT.
• GR performance parts: Demonstrating Toyota's motorsport-derived customisation options.
• GR86 Championship Car: In its latest competition livery, showcasing GAZOO Racing’s grassroots motorsport commitment.
• GRF-70 Formula Regional Car: The new Gen2 Formula Regional chassis, designed to deliver enhanced performance, safety, and a world-class pathway for emerging racing talent.
• GR Supra Safety Car: Representing the performance and technology that underpin GAZOO Racing's competitive spirit.

Another vehicle event attendees were able to experience was the GR Supra GT4 EVO2, with exclusive hot laps showcasing the performance of GAZOO Racing's internationally successful GT4 race car. The GR Supra GT4 EVO2 is a proven platform for developing emerging racing talent and forms an important step in GAZOO Racing's motorsport pathway in New Zealand. The experience provided guests with a unique opportunity to witness the capability and technology of a world-class competition vehicle up close.

Looking ahead, Andrew says with New Zealand’s enthusiastic performance driving culture and strong grassroots motorsport scene, it’s the perfect home for the growing GAZOO Racing community.

In New Zealand, that philosophy extends beyond vehicles and racing. GAZOO Racing plays an important role in supporting grassroots motorsport, creating pathways for emerging racing talent and bringing together communities through a shared passion for driving and car culture.

Andrew says the GR philosophy resonates strongly with New Zealand's approach to innovation, problem-solving and motorsport.

"Kiwis have always found creative ways to compete on the world stage, often with limited resources but unlimited determination. We see that same spirit within GAZOO Racing. Whether it's developing future motorsport talent, supporting enthusiasts or showcasing New Zealand innovation through initiatives such as the Castrol Toyota Formula Regional programme, we're demonstrating what can be achieved when passion and performance come together."

“GR gives us a way to connect motorsport, product development, community engagement and innovation through one common philosophy. That's why it resonates so strongly with New Zealanders. It's about challenging convention, pushing boundaries and continually striving to be better. As the GR community continues to grow, we're excited to bring more people into that journey and help inspire the next generation of Kiwi motorsport talent.”