Toyota GR Kart launch in Japan

Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division has launched the GR Kart in Japan, an entry-level racing vehicle designed to make motorsport more accessible to children, youths, and novice drivers. The project aims to lower barriers to entry regarding cost, maintenance, and logistics.

Technical specifications include a 215cc four-stroke engine and a belt-drive system intended to reduce oil mess. To simplify transport and storage, the kart is compact enough to fit inside a minivan, such as the Toyota Noah or Voxy, and is engineered to be stored upright without draining fuel or oil due to a specialized diaphragm carburetor and fuel system. The vehicle features adjustable components, such as the seat, pedals, and a tiltable steering wheel, to accommodate drivers ranging from approximately 134 cm to 186 cm in height.

Production is handled at the Gamagori GR Kart Workshop (also referred to as the Gamagori GR KART Office) in Aichi Prefecture. The kart is available through 36 karting circuits and seven GR Garage dealerships across Japan for a retail price of 385,000 yen. The vehicle is intended strictly for use on closed circuits and cannot be registered for road use.