McDonald’s and Toyota Gazoo Racing (GR) have once again joined forces to bring the thrill of motorsport to the palms of your hands. This time, the collaboration features the Toyota Corolla GR and GR86. These pint-sized racers, produced by Japanese toy company Tomica, will be found exclusively in Happy Meals, starting April 12th but unfortunately for enthusiasts this partnership is only to those in Japan.
What makes these tiny cars so special? Well, apart from being collectible items for tuners of all ages, they pay homage to two motorsport icons. The Toyota Corolla GR celebrates the achievements of Finnish rally driver Kalle Rovanperä, who etched his name in history as the youngest World Rally Championship winner. The GR86 tips its hat to the legendary Japanese drifter, Ken Gushi, known for his mesmerizing skills behind the wheel.
This collaboration isn’t unfamiliar territory for McDonald’s and Toyota GR. Four years ago, they teamed up to release a vibrant red Toyota Supra GR, paying tribute to motorsport icons Daigo Saito and Nobuteru Taniguchi. Alongside the Supra, the Happy Meal offerings included a GT-R Nismo 500 and a Japanese police vehicle, adding an extra layer of excitement for young enthusiasts.
For us tuners, these Happy Meal toys aren’t just playthings, they’re a gateway to a world of adrenaline pumping action and legendary racing heritage. While they might be small in size, their impact is anything but insignificant. They serve as a reminder of the passion and dedication that fuel motorsport enthusiasts worldwide. Plus who wouldn’t want to add these to your collection of diecast cars?
So, if you find yourself in Japan anytime soon, be sure to swing by McDonald’s and grab yourself a Happy Meal. Who knows, you might just get your hands on a piece of tuner history.