Toyota Gazoo Racing (GR), the performance division of Toyota, is currently in the process of developing its first fully electric (EV) sports car. A report by Automotive News Europe suggests that Akio Toyoda, the Chairman of Toyota, is engaged in the development efforts.

The report highlighted that Toyota GR intends to prove that electric vehicles (EVs) can offer the same thrilling driving experience as fast, combustion engine cars.

Akio Toyoda personally tested a prototype of the car and noted that while it appears as a battery-electric vehicle (BEV) externally, it provides the driving sensations akin to combustion engine cars. The EV prototype features a manual transmission with a clutch.

“[When you drive it], you hear the engine noise inside the car and you have a manual transmission with a clutch - you truly do not notice you are driving an electric car, the only thing missing is the smell of gasoline,” Toyoda said during the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race on June 10.

This GR EV sports car could be the rumoured replacement for the Toyota GR Supra.

Earlier this year, Japan’s BestCarWeb reported that the next-generation Toyota Supra is expected to arrive in 2025, which could be an EV. The model will continue to be rear-wheel drive and its design is said to be reminiscent of a mid-engine sports car.

The Japanese publication also pointed out that the EV Supra could use the pseudo manual transmission that is being tested by Lexus on the prototype UX 300e, which has a rev counter, manual gear lever, and a clutch pedal.

Note that these are speculations for now. A final decision regarding the market release of the GR EV sports car has not been made yet.

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Also read: Scoop: Next-gen 2025 Toyota Supra to be fully electric, EV with manual transmission?