Toyota Gazoo Racing Renames, Strengthens Identity in Motorsport

KatadataOTO – Toyota has officially changed the name of its racing division Toyota Gazoo Racing to Gazoo Racing, a separate entity focused on developing high-performance vehicles.

This name change was made to strengthen Gazoo Racing's presence in prestigious racing events like the World Rally Championship (WRC) or other racing events that use production-based cars.

Gazoo Racing itself was born in 2007 when Akio Toyoda, then Vice President of Toyota Motor Corporation (now Chairman), competed in the Nurburgring 24 Hours endurance race.

At that time, participation in the race was not recognized by TMC as an official company activity. Therefore, the use of the Toyota name was not permitted.

Photo: Toyota

Despite successfully finishing the race, Toyoda faced pressure from many European rivals who used specially developed cars in the endurance race.

Therefore, he sought to match the level of his competitors through various development projects. Such as the Lexus LFA in 2010, and then the Toyota 86 which shares a platform with the Subaru BRZ.

It wasn't until 2015 that the name Toyota Gazoo Racing was used to bring several other divisions under one umbrella, such as Toyota Racing and Lexus Racing.

Toyota also developed their motorsport lineup using mass-produced car bases.

Slowly, Toyota began to change its strategy. They first independently designed a race-spec car and then adapted it for mass production, like the GR Yaris.

Toyota is committed to continuing similar developments under the Gazoo Racing division, presenting a line of high-performance vehicles with pure Toyota DNA for both track and consumer needs.

“Together with all stakeholders, TGR under the name Gazoo Racing aims to make ever-better cars from racing development and to nurture the talent of drivers, engineers, and mechanics,” read Toyota's official statement, quoted Thursday (08/01).

Photo: Toyota

In addition, starting January 7, 2026, Toyota's research and development center in Germany, formerly named Toyota Gazoo Racing Europe, will be renamed Toyota Racing.

Toyota Racing will focus on developing the latest technology for its line of cars for racing activities such as rallying.

Then, the transition of the logo or emblem change to follow the official name change will take effect next year.