by Toyota and McDonald’s Together Again
Toyota Gazoo Racing’s motorsport division has once again joined forces with McDonald’s in Japan. The result of the collaboration is the appearance of a large-scale model of the GR GT3 race car as part of the popular Happy Meal children’s set. This campaign accompanies the car’s transition from the conceptual stage to a real participant in global GT3 competitions.
Model Features and Digital Content
The GR GT3 model is manufactured by Tomica and painted in the signature colors of McDonald’s and Toyota Gazoo Racing. It accurately reproduces the aggressive aerodynamic body kit and side exhaust pipes that distinguish the racing machine from the future production supercar. Owners of this model can also gain access to exclusive digital content by scanning the QR code on the packaging.
Complete Tomica Toy Collection
In addition to the black GR GT3, which is the main attraction, the 2026 Happy Meal Tomica collection includes eight more models. The first batch, available from April 10 to 23, contains the Toyota Town Ace truck as a burger-mobile, the Nissan Skyline police sedan, and a fire truck.
The second batch will go on sale from April 24 to May 7. It will include an ambulance based on the Nissan Caravan, a Toyota Dyna tow truck, a double-decker bus, a Hino Profia Megalodon Transport Truck, and one model that remains a secret for now.
Starting May 8, all nine models will be available to Happy Meal buyers. It is assumed that the last unrevealed model is another GR GT3, but in a different color scheme.
Design Contest and Collaboration Traditions
The partnership also includes the “GR GT3 Wrapping Design Contest,” held on the X platform. Japanese fans of any age can download a model template for coloring and submit their own unique livery designs. The authors of the best works will receive exclusive prizes.
This campaign continues the successful tradition of collaboration between Toyota Gazoo Racing and the fast-food chain. In 2020, the brands teamed up to promote the GR Supra, and in 2024, they offered large-scale models of the Toyota GR Corolla and GR 86 as part of Happy Meals.
Such marketing steps demonstrate how automotive brands seek to attract new generations of fans from childhood, turning technically complex racing machines into accessible and interesting collectibles. For McDonald’s, this is an opportunity to diversify the range of toys and increase their value in the eyes of not only children but also adult collectors. The success of past collaborations indicates that such a symbiosis of entertainment, food, and motorsport finds a warm response among the Japanese audience.
