Toyota aims to share ‘fun of driving' through new racing kart

Asahi Shimbun

5 hours ago

A prototype of Toyota Motor Corp.'s GR go-kart on May 30 in Oyama, Shizuoka Prefecture. The company is holding test-drive events at racetracks to gather feedback and incorporate it into the design. (Kaname Ohira)
Toyota Motor Corp. is preparing to launch production and sales of compact go-karts designed for both children and adults in a strategic initiative aimed at cultivating a passion for cars from an early age and fostering interest in the automotive industry.
The company hopes offering a relatively affordable entry point to motorsports will lead to more car enthusiasts and introduce younger generations to "the fun of driving."
It unveiled a prototype of the lightweight, open-wheel kart currently being developed by Gazoo Racing (GR), Toyota's motorsports division, on May 30.
The model can be driven recreationally or competitively on dedicated karting tracks with the claim of easy handling that allows drivers to focus on having fun.
Although the launch date and final price has yet to be determined, the prototype can also run on carbon-neutral fuel derived from plant sources.
Toyota is also considering a future version powered by a hydrogen combustion engine that swaps gasoline or diesel for the greener fuel as part of the company's push toward sustainable mobility.
LOAD UP THE MINIVAN
Portability and accessibility for families was also prioritized during the design phase. The kart is slightly smaller than standard models at 1.8 meters long and 1.15 meters wide—compact enough to fit in the cargo space of Toyota's family minivans such as the Noah or Voxy.
It is uncommon for major automakers, both domestically and globally, to dip into the racing kart market.
In Japan's case, Yamaha Motor Co. previously manufactured and sold karts but ceased chassis production in the early 2000s. Today, no domestically produced karts are available.
European-made models now dominate the Japanese market and typically sell for 1.5 million yen ($10,503). Annual upkeep—including replacement parts and tires—can exceed 1 million yen, placing a significant financial burden on enthusiasts.
To keep its new kart financially viable for a wider audience, Toyota plans to use cost-effective pipe materials for the chassis and use existing welding robots from its production lines.
By minimizing manufacturing expenses, a Toyota official involved in the project said the company aims to sell the kart for approximately a fourth of what current European models cost.
It is also treating the kart as an opportunity to nurture future talent in the automotive field.
Rather than using the initiative to solely promote motorsports, Toyota intends to provide child-friendly tools so families can perform basic maintenance on karts together—turning the kart into a hands-on educational experience that fosters curiosity and mechanical understanding.
In preparation for the launch, Toyota is also collaborating with kart track operators to raise safety standards and ensure a safe and secure environment for drivers.