Enhancing Functionality: Toyota's GR GT Prioritizes Aerodynamics Above Everything Else

      Joel Feder

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      The Toyota GR GT stands out from typical cars, including most sports models. Its development prioritized aerodynamics before the design phase began, and the GT3 race car—pursued by Chairman Akio Toyoda to succeed on the racetrack—was derived from the street version.

      During the introduction of the Toyota GR GT at Toyota's Woven City near Fuji, Japan, Koichi Sugg, head of Lexus design, shared with The Drive that the GR GT was created using a "reverse engineering approach."

      Koichi, speaking through a translator, explained that unlike traditional car development, which starts with a blank slate for sketches, the team received specific aerodynamic parameters and dimensional data from the engineering team before commencing design work on the GR GT.

      The aerodynamics team provided a 3D model and scaled dimensions, dictating the limitations for the designers. The car's styling was subsequently drawn with the aerodynamic requirements already defined. Koichi noted that this process necessitated a "reverse engineered approach," which led the team to design lines that directed airflow efficiently around the vehicle. Additionally, proportions were influenced by the positioning of the engine behind the front axle and low in the chassis.

      “When we began, engineers already had the drag and downforce metrics, but they kept those details from the designers,” Koichi stated. The aerodynamics team aimed to allow test drivers to evaluate prototypes without preconceived targets.

      Koichi emphasized the challenge of properly directing airflow to the rear transaxle. The design team utilized feedback from the engineers to adjust the airflow for optimal cooling.

      Previously, the Toyota GR GT3 concept from 2022 featured a large rear wing. However, according to Koichi, this was eliminated for the current street-legal GR GT in favor of a lower profile. Although aerodynamics still required a spoiler, the team integrated a ducktail into the main body to achieve a compact appearance.

      It's possible that a larger spoiler may return or resemble that of the GR GT3 race car when a new version of the GR GT is released in the future.

      In addition to aerodynamics, the vehicle was engineered for a low stance, impacting how the occupants are positioned. The seating position is notably lower and more race-oriented than any other production Toyota to date. Even the digital gauge cluster is tailored for track use, with visibility and layout optimized for quick reference to readouts, such as temperature gauges.

      The development team's guiding principle? “Drive, break, and fix,” as stated by GR GT Project General Manager Takashi Doi.

      Toyota covered travel, accommodations, and provided raw fish, which I refrained from eating, to deliver this firsthand report.

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