As previously reported by Autocar, Toyota-owned Lexus is priming a new flagship sports car that is expected to compete in GT3 racing series from next year. It is most likely that Motomachi would host assembly of this model, given it previously housed its predecessor, the LFA supercar.
The GR division has also been working on an all-new Celica coupé and is thought to be considering replacements for the MR2 (discontinued in 2007) and Supra, plus a Mazda MX-5 rival.
Although the plan to boost GR Corolla production through the UK has not been informed by US president Donald Trump’s tariffs, given it pre-dates Trump’s presidency, the decision to export from the UK surely benefits the company on that front.
The US currently charges a tariff of 25% on all cars imported to the country from abroad, including Japan. However, the UK recently agreed to negotiate a deal that will cut the fee for its exports to 10%, within a national quota of 100,000 cars. Final details have yet to be confirmed but at present Toyota would have to pay a smaller fee on UK-built GR Corollas than on those from Japan.
The prospect of adding production in the UK also lends weight to the possibility that the GR Corolla – currently offered in only a handful of markets, including the US and Japan – could be set for a launch in Europe.
Prototypes were last year spotted testing at Germany’s Nürburgring, hinting at a launch. A spokesperson suggested it was standard procedure to test global products at the circuit but did not deny the prospect.
