Toyota and performance have always had a solid connection with one another though that could sometimes be hard to see over the years when you look at how well pedestrian models like the RAV4 and the Camry do in sales.

But look past those bread and butter models and you’ll see models like the 2000GT and the Lexus LFA in the company’s historic documents. The Japanese auto giant is looking to reignite this passion with its latest new model the all-new GR GT.

Don’t call it a Toyota

While the GR GT will be produced with the good graces of Toyota, don’t call it a Toyota. Instead, the GR GT will be the new flagship sports car model for Gazoo Racing and will be the first formal halo model for the performance sub-brand. It also comes at a time when GR is in the process of axing the slow-selling Supra which is based on the also soon to be axed BMW Z3.

Unlike the Supra, the GR GT doesn’t get inline-power and will instead be motivated by a new 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine. Toyota and Gazoo chose to not release formal performance numbers but did confirm they are targeting 640 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque for the new powerplant. The engine is joined by a single electric motor and is mated to a newly developed eight-speed automatic. The exterior styling is purposeful and it borrows plenty of cues from the GT3 racing version which was also unveiled alongside the road-going model. The sleek suit of carbon-fiber infused clothes is also hiding a lightweight aluminum frame which helps cut excess flab.

The interior is all business and while the GT3 gets plenty of racing sourced gear, the GR GT gets more comfort with red-hued carbon backed Recaro sport seats, a digital instrument cluster, and minimal controls with a large infotainment screen sprouting from the center of the dashboard.

Lexus is getting in on the act too…kinda…

In addition to the debut of the GR GT, Lexus also used the occasion to confirm it’s also getting in on the fun with a reborn version of the LFA. For now, it’s a concept, and while it’s based on the same platform as the GR, buyers hoping to see a version of the GR GT’s V8 or even a V10 will be disappointed to hear that this LFA reboot will be powered by an all-electric powertrain.

That minor blemish aside, this reborn LFA is still a very stylish instrument and it shares alot of the styling that originally debuted on the Sport Concept which doesn;t change very much for this latets concept. At least Lexus tried to justify the choice of pwoertrain stating “The model name ‘LFA’ is not bound to vehicles powered by internal combustion engines. It symbolizes a vehicle that embodies technologies its engineers should preserve and pass on to the next generation.”

The interior gets a cockpit themed design with detailing that puts the focus on the driver with plenty of screens including a cluster that replaces traditional analog instruments. Lexus didn’t reveal when the LFA will go into production but it looks like its making great progress so far in the transformation from show car into road-going EV. The interior in particular is a noticeable departure from the soon to be axed LC

When will we be able to buy it?

While Toyota’s announcement event had plenty of thrills, chills, and engine noise, the one thing it lacked was core launch information. Pricing and a launch timetable were not announced but look for the GR GT to have a price tag that matches its flagship ambitions.

We just hope the spicy V8 luring under its chiseled bodywork will have enough of a soundtrack to match its track oriented ambitions.