Words: Autocar
Published 18 August 2026
Toyota Gazoo Racing New Zealand has detailed the new GRF-70 single-seater that will headline the 2027 Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy.
Replacing the FT-60 used since 2020, the GRF-70 introduces a second-generation Formula Regional chassis, updated aerodynamics and an evolved 212kW turbocharged Toyota engine.
It will be the fourth generation of car used in the championship, following the FT-40, FT-50 and FT-60. As before, the chassis is supplied by Italian race-car manufacturer Tatuus, continuing a relationship that began in 2005.
Updated chassis and aerodynamics
The GRF-70 uses a carbon-fibre composite monocoque with an aluminium and Nomex honeycomb structure. It is built to FIA safety standards and incorporates a halo, reinforced structures, updated crash protection and a front anti-intrusion panel.
Toyota says the car’s aerodynamic package has been influenced by current Formula One design thinking. It produces more downforce than the FT-60 but is also intended to create a cleaner wake, allowing following cars to remain closer through corners.
That should help overtaking, something that will be further assisted by the push-to-pass system introduced to the championship in 2026. Toyota claims push-to-pass contributed to a 30 per cent increase in overtaking during its first season.
Double-wishbone suspension with pushrods is fitted at each end, accompanied by two-way adjustable Andreani dampers. The braking package uses PFC discs and pads, while the wheels measure 15 inches in diameter and are shod with Pirelli control tyres.
Weight-wise, Toyota New Zealand mentioned that the car sits below 700kg with fluids, but without a driver.
Toyota turbo engine produces 212kW
Power comes from an evolution of the 2.0-litre turbocharged and direct-injected Toyota 8AR-FTS engine used in the outgoing car.
The FIA-homologated engine produces approximately 285hp, or 212kW, and drives through a Sadev SL-R 82 six-speed sequential gearbox. A limited-slip differential and Magneti Marelli paddle-shift system are also standard, while MoTeC supplies the engine control and data-acquisition systems.
Toyota quotes a top speed of 260km/h and a 0-100km/h time of 3.1 seconds.
The GRF-70 will also run on Fu3L synthetic fuel. The championship says the fuel produces a 77.4 per cent reduction in well-to-wheel CO2 emissions compared with conventional petrol.
As with the previous cars, the GRF-70 fleet will be prepared centrally by Toyota Gazoo Racing New Zealand at Hampton Downs. Engines and gearboxes will also be maintained in-house, with each car shaken down before the season to check reliability and performance parity.
A season costs $396,000 plus GST
The 2027 series guide lists an indicative arrive-and-drive cost of $396,000 plus GST per driver. That works out to $455,400 including GST.
The package covers the chassis and engine leases, team fee, testing, series registration and entry fees, season consumables, tyres and insurance, although an insurance excess may apply.
An accommodation and travel package is available for a further $17,000 plus GST. Adding that takes the indicative season cost to $413,000 plus GST, or $474,950 including GST, before any other extras. The guide says additional items will attract a 10 per cent administration fee.
Drivers will compete over four consecutive weekends, beginning at Hampton Downs on January 8-10. The series then visits Taupo and Teretonga before concluding with the 71st New Zealand Grand Prix at Highlands Motorsport Park on January 29-31.
Toyota says the four-round championship will provide approximately 3500km of practice, qualifying and racing. Up to 22 GRF-70s are expected to compete across six teams: M2 Competition, mtec Motorsport, Kiwi Motorsport, Hitech GP, TJ Speed Motorsport and newcomer Rodin Motorsport.
The full 2027 calendar is available through Toyota New Zealand.
