In this series, we have covered the basics of engines, boxer sound, rotary sound, and the angelic roar produced by the LFA, as well as efforts to craft the ideal engine sound and the meticulous attention given to sounds produced by BEVs.

We have learned that the sounds of engines and BEVs are essential to the experience of interacting with a vehicle, and that there is also a philosophy behind how such sounds are crafted.

Speaking of engine sounds, in January 2026 the GR-GT and GR-GT3, fresh from their world premiere, were featured in demonstration runs at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2026 outdoor venue.

The eyes of the eagerly awaiting audience lit up as the two cars pulled away and the sound of their V8 engines echoed throughout the venue.

When the drivers get on the throttle, the engines unleash a fierce and throaty cross-plane V8 rumble. Then, as the drivers let off the throttle, a rapid-fire burst of sharp popping erupts.

This burbling sound is produced by the anti-lag system, which keeps the turbocharger spinning to reduce turbo lag and triggers combustion in the exhaust manifold during throttle lift-off.

Readers who have been following this series may well feel a surge of excitement at this sound that embodies the relentless drive to force air into the cylinders and keep the power coming.

The developers of these vehicles collaborated with drivers who push cars to their limits—including master drivers, professional drivers, and gentleman drivers—to refine not only performance but also sound.

For this installment, we spoke with Masahiro Sasaki, who drives the hydrogen-powered GR Corolla and the mid-engine GR Yaris M Concept in the Super Taikyu Series, to explore what engine sound means to race car drivers who also take part in vehicle development.