At the SEMA Show in Las Vegas (November 4-7, 2025), Toyota will showcase its first battery-electric concept built specifically for performance with the new bZ Time Attack Concept. This build is designed not just for show, but to serve as a test bed for EV motorsports—specifically time attack circuits and hill climbs.
The Time Attack concept is built atop Toyota’s 26-model-year AWD bZ platform, which in stock form delivers 338 hp and a 0-60 mph time of 4.9 seconds. Toyota is also planning two new BEVs for 2026, the bZ Woodland and the C-HR, to broaden its all-electric offering.
According to Marty Schwerter (Lead Builder and Director of Operations at Toyota’s Motorsports Technical Center): “We wanted to push ourselves into unexplored territory… it’s a chance to explore, learn, and create something that shows just how much potential exists within Toyota’s BEV platforms.”
Engineering Highlights & Build Details
Some of the key engineering feats and modifications for the bZ Time Attack include:
- Powertrains & Performance: The concept uses Toyota R&D-tuned electric motors delivering over 300 kW (400+ hp) with bespoke ECU calibration.
- Chassis & Suspension: Lowered by six inches from stock ride height, with a six-inch wider track, TEIN coilovers and springs.
- Brakes: Alcon braking system with Hawk pads adapted from Toyota’s 86 Cup and Corolla TC race programs.
- Safety & Interior: FIA-spec 4130 chromoly roll cage, OMP HTE-R racing seats and harnesses.
- Wheels & Tires: 19×11-inch BBS Unlimited wheels with 305/30ZR19 XL Continental Extreme Contact Sport 02 tires.
- Aerodynamics & Fabrication: A widebody aero package including front splitter, side skirts, rear diffuser, and wing. Toyota used additive manufacturing (3D printing), laser scanning, CAD modelling and traditional build methods. Prototype fenders were digitally modelled and 3D printed then hand-finished. The work was done at Toyota’s Add Lab in Georgetown, Kentucky.
