Toyota’s GR Kart brings Gazoo Racing thinking to the family kart track

I wasn’t expecting this

None of us were. When Toyota’s factory racing arm Gazoo Racing (better known as just GR these days) said it was launching a new performance product we expected another hot Yaris or Supra, but no, meet the GR Kart.

What’s special about a kart?

Intrinsically not much, which is why karting is still considered one of the purest forms of racing. And that’s the point with this project as GR and Toyota’s motor-sport nutty chairman Akio Toyoda wants to make karting more accessible to families because it’s the ideal starting point for racers old and young.

How is it accessible?

GR has put much thought into how to make karting easier and the GR Kart puts a lot of this into practice. For example, its dimensions allow it to simply fit into a family minivan for transport, so no need for extra trailers or trucks to get the thing to a circuit. The engine features a belt drive rather than chain drive, so no need for constant adjusting of the tension and cleaning of oily bits. The 215cc four-stroke engine is clever too, with a new diaphragm carburettor and no float chamber. There’s also an engine oil catch tank and special fuel filler that means the entire thing can be stored upright on a stand to save space without having to drain the engine fluids each time.

You’ll also find a built-in self-charging battery for easier starting. The steering tilts and the pedal box slides to allow drivers as small as 4ft 4in to as tall as 6ft 1in to fit, meaning kids and adults can share the same chassis.

It looks vaguely familiar

There’s definitely a dash of Supra GT4 in that front bumper with the GR family blunt nose. The rear bumpers have been designed to prevent other karts riding up the chassis during a rear impact and the rear-view mirrors are a nice touch.

OK, how much?

That’ll be ¥385,000 please. Or about £1850 before taxes and such. However, currently they’re only on offer through selected Toyota GR garages in Japan. There’s been no word of plans for a one-make series, but Toyota could have a hit on its hands if it does take off, so watch this space.