Toyota is known for being the world's largest automaker and building reliable, practical cars. It's also known for building surprisingly strong sports cars like the Supra and GR86. However, many people don't know that Toyota's got its hands deep into motorsport, and it operates hubs in Germany and Finland to support its efforts.
To celebrate all things Toyota Gazoo Racing, the automaker is pulling back the curtain on the Toyota Collection for one day only. On June 4, Toyota will open its German facility to the public to show off various GR models from years past. Notably, Toyota says it will continue to hold community car meets in front of its exhibition hall at the location with catering services and snacks.
The first Toyota model with GR in its name was the GR Supra in 2019, but the line has expanded since then. The GR Yaris debuted in international markets, and the new GR86 landed in the US earlier this year. In 2023, we'll also get a GR Corolla with many of the same go-fast goodies that come in the Yaris.
Toyota says that Gazoo Racing engineers test all models on the Nurburgring and notes that two of its GR Supra GT4 cars will be present at the event. A GT86 CS Cup car will also be present, which is piloted by a volunteer racing team from GR Racing Europe.
Toyota Gazoo Racing Europe (TGR-E) is based in Cologne, Germany, and acts as the global motorsport hub for the Japanese automaker. The facility can custom build chassis and other components, and Toyota says it can handle everything from vehicle conversion projects to prototypes to full-on race builds. Though it typically focuses on deep engineering and fabrication of gas-powered cars, the site has also developed its own in-house electric powertrain and surrounding technologies.
If you're in Germany and want to get in on the action, Toyota opens its doors at 10 am local time, and the event runs until 2 pm. Admission is free, and Toyota says it will open its motorsport museum to people who signed up in advance, but it also notes that people who missed out will have an opportunity to take a guided tour on Saturday, July 2.