The future of Toyota’s next-gen GT3 car in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) remains shrouded in mystery, leaving fans and teams alike on the edge of their seats. Will 2026 mark the debut of Toyota’s highly anticipated GT3 challenger, or will the trusty Lexus RC F GT3 continue its reign? ASP, the team behind the Lexus’s WEC campaign, is ready to roll with either option, but the lack of clarity from Toyota has sparked curiosity and debate in the racing world.
ASP, a seasoned team with a history of success in GT racing, partnered with Toyota at the dawn of the WEC’s LMGT3 era last year. They brought a heavily revised version of the Lexus RC F GT3 to the grid, a car that has been a stalwart in the series for years. But here’s where it gets intriguing: Toyota has been developing a replacement for the aging Lexus since 2023, promising a new model based on the GR Concept for GT3 competition in 2026. But will it arrive as scheduled?
Earlier this year, Toyota teased fans by showcasing the new car in both road and race configurations at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, with Formula 1 stars Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman putting it through its paces on the iconic hillclimb. Yet, since that thrilling display, Toyota has gone silent, leaving everyone guessing about the car’s competitive debut. Is the project on track, or are there delays behind the scenes?
ASP team boss Jerome Policand remains unfazed by the uncertainty. He’s confident in the Lexus RC F GT3’s capabilities, especially after its strong performance this season, including victories in the Sao Paulo 6 Hours and the Bahrain finale. ‘We’ve proven the Lexus is still competitive,’ Policand noted, adding that the team is comfortable extending its run into a third season if needed. But is sticking with the old reliable the best move, or should teams push for the new car’s potential?
Policand also highlighted that the Lexus isn’t as outdated as some might think. Toyota implemented significant updates ahead of the 2024 season to comply with LMGT3 regulations, redesigning the car’s front end, splitter, and sidepods. ‘It’s not just an old car,’ he emphasized. So, is the Lexus a viable contender for another year, or is it time for Toyota to unveil its next-gen masterpiece?
And this is the part most people miss: ASP’s success isn’t limited to the WEC. The team has its eyes on a return to the GT World Challenge Europe in 2027, though the WEC remains its primary focus for now. They’ll also maintain a presence in the GT4 arena in 2026, showcasing their versatility in the racing world.
What do you think? Should Toyota stick to its 2026 timeline for the new GT3 car, or is there value in giving the Lexus RC F GT3 another year to shine? Let us know in the comments below, and join the debate on whether the future of GT3 racing lies in innovation or proven reliability. The Motorsport.com Team wants to hear your thoughts!
