Toyota GR KART brings track driving down to RM 11,500 – and it fits in a Noah

For many car and motorsport enthusiasts, a go-kart is where it all starts. It's a simple way to learn how a vehicle behaves at speed and, for some, the first step towards competitive racing.

Owning a proper kart, however, can be less straightforward. There's the cost of the kart itself, then the trailer or van needed to transport it, somewhere to store it and the regular maintenance that comes with running a track machine.

Toyota's performance arm GAZOO Racing (GR) has taken a rather different approach with the new GR KART, an entry-level kart designed to make ownership a little easier.

The project was pushed by Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda, better known in motorsport as Morizo. The idea is fairly simple: make a kart that is easy to buy, easy to transport and not too troublesome to maintain.

RM 11,500 gets you on track

The GR KART is priced at 385,000 yen (~RM 11,500), including consumption tax. That makes it easier to get into than many dedicated racing machines, while Toyota has also designed the kart with durability and simplified maintenance in mind.

The real trick, however, is what happens after you buy it.

It fits in a family MPV

One of the more useful features is its size. The GR KART can be loaded directly into a family MPV like Toyota Noah or Voxy without removing parts.

GR KART loaded into a Noah (securing fixtures sold separately)

For storage, the kart can also be kept upright with a dedicated storage cart. Toyota has fitted an oil spill-prevention tank and a floatless diaphragm carburettor so it can be stored vertically without petrol or engine oil leaking out.

Vertical storage cart (sold separately)

That means a trip to the circuit doesn't necessarily require a trailer or a dedicated transport vehicle.

One kart, different drivers

The GR KART is designed for both children and adults, with one-touch adjustment for the pedals and steering wheel.

GR KART with one-touch pedal adjustment

GR KART with one-touch steering tilt adjustment

The driving position can be adjusted for people between 135 cm and 185 cm tall, so the same kart can be shared by children, teenagers and adults. A weight box can also take up to 15 kg of ballast, allowing the kart's weight to be adjusted for competition use.

Less maintenance to worry about

The GR KART uses a belt drive rather than a conventional chain. The belt is fitted with an automatic tensioner, so there is no need to regularly adjust its tension. It also avoids the chain oil that can otherwise end up on the kart — or the driver.

The engine has a self-charging battery, while a newly developed diaphragm carburettor is designed to keep fuel delivery stable under the lateral G-forces generated through corners.

A primer pump is also fitted to make starting easier.

Designed with beginners in mind

Toyota has also added several details aimed at reducing the risk of damage during the inevitable bumps and scrapes that come with learning to drive a kart.

The rear axle is made from rust-resistant stainless steel, while metal fuel lines are used inside the fuel tank to reduce corrosion.

The rear bumper is shaped to stop another kart from riding up onto the rear tyres in a collision.

The rear hubs also have stopper pins to help prevent them from coming loose in rare cases.

There is also a steering-wheel hand guard, along with a throttle-cable layout designed to prevent the throttle from becoming stuck fully open.

Your licence is on an app

Toyota has developed a dedicated GR App for the GR KART.

Before buying the kart, users can watch instructional videos and take an online test through the app. They will then attend a practical driving course at a participating karting circuit or GR Garage.

Once completed, they receive a GR Kart Driver's Passport.

The digital passport allows them to drive the GR KART at participating circuits without having to obtain a separate racing licence.

GR KART specifications

The GR KART is for closed-course use only. It is not road legal and cannot be registered for use on public roads.

GR KART with decals applied (sold separately)

Tempted? At around RM11,500, the GR KART looks like a surprisingly easy way to get into track driving, especially when you can simply load it into a family MPV and take it to the circuit. Toyota has yet to say whether it will be offered outside Japan, though.