Toyota GR Supra

Fans had to wait a long time, a very long time indeed. In fact, from the last built copy of the fourth generation to today’s world premiere of the fifth model generation almost 17 full years passed. We are talking about the Toyota Supra. Once it emerged as the new top-of-the-line model of the Celica and consequently was named the ‘Celica Supra’ in the first two generations. From generation three, Toyota transformed the Supra into a stand-alone sports car above the Celica and installed turbochargers in the engine bay for the first time – while all Supra generations were only available with six-cylinder engines. The Supra Mk IV was launched in 1993, but was removed from European price lists in 1996 already. In Japan, production continued until the summer of 2002. Since then, the model name rested, although in recent years, the rumors of a new edition were consolidated and finally official announcements were made. With the FT-1 concept car, Toyota showed a first forerunner five years ago at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. At the same place they now debuted the all-new GR Supra.

Together with BMW, a new sports car platform with rear-wheel drive, perfect weight distribution between front and rear axle and a low center of gravity was developed under the acronym CLAR. While in Munich the two-seater Roadster Z4 builds on this basis, at Toyota it is a sporty two-seater Coupé with classic pattern. Like its predecessors, the new GR Supra 3.0 is equipped with a three-liter inline six-cylinder engine producing 340 hp and 500 newtonmeters of torque thanks to a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct injection. These drive the rear axle via an eight speed automatic transmission. From a standstill to 100 kph (62 mph) it takes 4.3 seconds according to factory information. Short wheelbase, wide track and low weight promise high agility on paper, which has been refined by the vehicle developers of Toyota Gazoo Racing (GR), for example at the Nürburgring Nordschleife.

With the long bonnet, the various curves and edges, the GR Supra deliberately cites the previous Supra Mk IV, which was visually highly controversial at its market launch. In the following years, however, it developed into an icon of Japanese design and today is revered by fans worldwide. A double-bubble roof provides enough headroom above the occupants’ heads, while it at the same time reduces the frontal area of the vehicle through the central recess. At the rear a curved spoiler and the diffuser help to more downforce. 19-inch black-painted alloy wheels with partially polished spokes are standard equipment in Europe.

The cockpit puts the driver into the spotlight and shows him all relevant information with digital instruments on a 8.8-inch display behind the three-spoke steering wheel and on an optional head-up display. With paddles behind the steering wheel, gear changes are possible in the manual mode. Another 8.8-inch display with touch function and a rotary switch on the middle tunnel provides access to all comfort and infotainment functions. The driver and co-driver are sitting on racing-inspired sports seats with integrated headrests, which are optionally upholstered in leather or in a leather-Alcantara combination.

European models of the GR Supra come ex works with adaptive suspension, active differential, high-performance brakes, two-zone air conditioning, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go function, keyless entry and start system, rain sensor, reversing camera and infotainment system including ten speakers, Bluetooth, USB input and navigation system. Optionally, the Premium Pack comes with black leather seats, a premium JBL sound system with 12 speakers, the head-up display and a wireless charging system for smartphones.

First deliveries of the new Toyota GR Supra will arrive at the dealers from late summer 2019, mainly in the exclusive special A90 Edition, which is limited to 90 copies. In Germany it costs 62,900 euros (incl. VAT) and includes in addition to the Premium Pack also exclusive grey metallic paintwork, matt black wheels and a red leather interior. Toyota decided to produce the new GR Supra at Magna Steyr in Graz/Austria.

Images: Toyota