Will New Zealand get Toyota’s new GR GT supercar?
Words: Andrew Sluys
Late last week, Toyota unveiled arguably the coolest car that has come from the Japanese manufacturer since the Lexus LFA.
Powered by a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 engine making in the region of 400kW, this GR GT promises proper supercar performance.
Despite being built and sold by Toyota, this long-nosed supercar doesn’t actually wear any Toyota badges on it, and instead, is the first pure GR model to be unveiled.
When the local press release about the GR GT arrived, it mentioned how Toyota New Zealand’s Chief Strategy Officer, Andrew Davis had a hand in developing the GR GT to what it is today.
The release mentioned how Davis, among other ‘GR Meisters’ provided feedback to the engineers for their home market use.
Given this tidbit of knowledge, it would make sense for Toyota New Zealand to bring the GR GT here as soon as possible, right? Yes, and no.
According to a spokesperson, Toyota New Zealand is “unable to absolutely confirm at this stage, but it is most likely that the GR GT will be coming to NZ.”
While this isn’t a resounding yes, all things point to the GR GT arriving on local shores eventually.
As for timing and pricing, the spokesperson explained that Toyota New Zealand is still working through things, adding; “we will provide these details as they become available.”
International reports have stated Toyota plans to sell this supercar through its Lexus dealer network, instead of Toyota dealerships, but it doesn’t sound like a decision has been made on this front here.
“Our hope is to bring the GR GT to New Zealand, and it is important that a vehicle with the highest level of technology can be ordered and delivered by GR GT specialists. We are still establishing a plan on what this will look like and will share details at a later date.”
If the GR GT did go on sale in New Zealand, it would be a first for Toyota New Zealand.
Just 13 of the 500 Lexus LFAs that were produced made it to Australia, with our country missing out on the V10-powered machine entirely.
