by Toyota and McDonald’s Introduce New GR GT3 Toy Model
Gazoo Racing and McDonald’s have once again joined forces in Japan to include the GR GT3 race car in Happy Meal kids’ sets. This campaign marks the car’s transition from a concept to a full-fledged participant in the global GT3 class and is accompanied by a contest for the best livery design.
Model Details and Digital Content
The scale model GR GT3 is manufactured by Tomica and features McDonald’s and Toyota Gazoo Racing decals. It is equipped with an aggressive aero kit and side exhaust pipes that distinguish the racing version from the future production supercar.
Model owners can also access digital content by scanning the QR code on the packaging, linking the toy to interactive web explorations.
Complete Tomica Toy Lineup in Happy Meal
In addition to the black GR GT3, which is the main attraction, the Tomica toy lineup for Happy Meal in 2026 includes a range of other vehicles. The first batch, available from April 10 to 23, consists of the Toyota Town Ace Hamburger truck, the Nissan Skyline police sedan, and a fire engine.
The second batch will be available from April 24 to May 7 and will include a Nissan Caravan ambulance, a Toyota Dyna tow truck, a double-decker bus, a Hino Profia Megalodon Transport Truck, and a mystery model. The latter resembles the GR GT3 but is likely to have a different livery. Starting May 8, all nine models will become available to Happy Meal customers.
Design Contest and Collaboration Traditions
In addition to the toys, the partnership includes a “GR GT3 Wrap Design Contest” held on the X platform. Japanese fans of all ages are invited to download a coloring template for the model and submit their own livery designs for a chance to win exclusive prizes.
The latest campaign continues the successful tradition of collaboration between Toyota Gazoo Racing and the fast-food chain. In 2020, the two brands teamed up to promote the GR Supra, and in 2024, they offered Tomica scale models of the Toyota GR Corolla and GR 86 in Happy Meals.
Similar marketing moves demonstrate how the automotive industry is increasingly using unconventional channels to reach new audiences, including younger generations. Including scale models of real race cars in kids’ meals not only popularizes the brand but can also foster an interest in motorsports from childhood. The success of past collaborations indicates the effectiveness of this approach in creating lasting emotional connections with future customers and fans.
