A pure-bred sports car, with a front engine/rear-wheel drive configuration and dimensions that achieve the “golden ratio” for optimum handling, the GR Supra was the first global model to be developed by TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR), the umbrella organisation for Toyota’s global motorsport activities.

To express gratitude to current-generation Supra fans and celebrate its active participation in motorsport worldwide, TGR has created a limited edition intended to be the culmination of current generation: the GR Supra "A90 Final Edition”. This special edition boasts numerous upgraded driving-related elements, such as 95 DIN hp (70 kW) extra power and 70 Nm more torque, distinctive aerodynamic updates, a racing-inspired KW suspension system and larger diameter tyres.

Although the production of the current GR Supra is scheduled to end with the A90 Final Edition as the model’s culmination, TGR will continue to hone the GR Supra through motorsport activities going forward.

Meanwhile, the motorsport-inspired GR Supra Lightweight EVO gives the driver an even closer connection to the road. Improved handling provides a more direct feeling and even more precise handling, thanks to suspension and chassis upgrades, better braking, optimised tuning and refined aerodynamics.

Since its first generation, introduced as the Celica Supra in 1978, the Toyota Supra has delighted fans with its front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout powered by an in-line six-cylinder engine, a format faithfully retained ever since. Successive Supra generations have been enjoyed on public roads and racing circuits.

In 2019, driven by the strong desire of Chairman Akio Toyoda, aka Master Driver Morizo, the Supra stormed back after a 17-year absence. Upon its release, Chairman Toyoda said: “Back in the day, I spent countless hours driving an old Supra at Nürburgring to become a master driver. Supra is like an old friend that holds a special place in my heart. While other manufacturers were putting their beautiful new prototypes which they were going to introduce through the paces, I was driving an old Supra that was no longer in production. So even though Toyota had no plans to make a new Supra, just like a lot of other die-hard Supra fans around the world, I secretly wanted to make it happen. The new GR Supra was born through testing at Nürburgring, and I can honestly say that it is a car that is fun to drive and better than ever.”

The current Supra has continued to evolve since its 2019 launch. A year later, the introduction of a new 2.0-litre turbocharged engine – offered in addition to the established 3.0-litre, straight-six turbo unit – retained all GR Supra’s qualities as a sports car in its purest form alongside the dynamic benefits of a smaller, lighter power unit.

Toyota introduced a six-speed intelligent manual transmission (iMT) in Europe in 2022, engineered to delight drivers who love the control and rewards offered by precisely timed manual shifts. True to the GR Supra’s thoroughbred engineering quality, a new transmission, along with a new clutch, was crafted specifically to suit the power and torque characteristics of the 3.0-litre engine. At the same time, the GR Supra’s braking control systems and suspension were retuned for even better performance.

GR Supra A90 Final Edition

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing showcases its motorsport technology and know-how with the creation of the GR Supra A90 Final Edition. The result is a unique high-performance, high-specification GR Supra that has been optimally tuned in sync with the model’s natural evolution.

The ultimate version of the current generation is inspired by the participation of GR Supra cars in competitions such as drift competition, endurance and NASCAR, as well as customer motorsport where the GR Supra GT4 has won multiple championships.

The GR Supra A90 Final Edition, with three-litre engine and manual transmission, offers drivers an exhilarating blend of power, agility and precision, all enhanced by a variety of modifications intended to create even greater excitement. Sales will be limited to 300 worldwide.

Powertrain updates have increased output from 340 DIN hp (250 kW) to 435 DIN hp (320 kW) and torque from 500 Nm to 570 Nm for faster acceleration and response, while the vehicle gains an additional 20km/h to reach a maximum speed of 270km/h. This has been achieved by revising the intake air path, adapting the low-back-pressure catalyst for reduced pressure loss and optimising engine controls.

Drivers can push cornering performance to the limit with the A90 Final Edition thanks to a range of handling improvements. Damping-force-adjustable KW suspension – of the same brand as used by the GR Supra GT4 race car – features 16 rebound and 12 compression stages for agile road holding in a variety of conditions. Additional cornering improvements include adjusted camber angle of the front and rear wheels, which also increases grip, and optimisation of the active differential control to reduce understeer.

More direct steering comes via optimised electric power steering settings – exclusive to the A90 Final Edition – while the sensation of driving the GR Supra is also heightened by modifications to create an even closer connection between driver and road, for precise and confident driving dynamics. This is achieved through body reinforcement braces, including strengthened crossbar in the rear luggage space, the same rigid aluminium mount for the rear subframe as used on the GR Supra GT4 and strengthened front and rear stabilisers.

Higher grip and cornering stability are achieved thanks to 10mm wider tyres, while lightweight 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels – engraved with TGR logo – emphasise the famous handling prowess of the GR Supra. High-grip Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres further encourage limit-pushing performance.

Braking is enhanced too thanks to 19-inch Brembo front brakes with high friction coefficient brake pads, while drilled floating discs front and rear ensure excellent braking power even during sports driving. Additionally, stainless steel mesh brake hoses reduce pressure transmission loss due to hose expansion during braking, maximising the efficiency of the strengthened brake system.

To maintain peak performance alongside the improved cornering and higher engine output, a baffle plate has been added to the engine oil pan to prevent uneven oil distribution under higher g-forces, while cooling has been increased by strengthening the radiator cooling fan, adding a sub-radiator, and enlarging the differential gear cover cooling fins.

As well as a unique matt black colour, the exterior of the A90 Final Edition features striking aerodynamic changes, the result of an extensive wind tunnel testing programme carried out by TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Europe (TGR-E), which contributed its motorsport and GR Supra GT4 experience. Motorsport-inspired carbon-fibre front spoiler, front canards, and front centre flap combine with a GR Supra GT4-style carbon-fibre swan-neck rear wing to optimise front and rear aerodynamic balance, downforce, and drag, which improves road contact and driving dynamics. A new carbon-fibre duct on the bonnet features a removable inner element for extra cooling when removed. Also taking a cue from the GR Supra GT4, the A90 Final Edition features an Akrapovič titanium muffler which generates a more powerful engine sound.

Inside the cabin, the driver-focused interior features RECARO Podium CF full-bucket seats, with racy red colour and Alcantara seat pads, to maintain optimum driving position and comfort, even under higher g-forces. Red seat belts, exclusive carbon fibre scuff plates and extensive Alcantara trim, including the driver-focused steering wheel, emphasise the exclusivity of the limited-edition model.

GR Supra Lightweight Evo

Incorporating customer feedback, TGR has continued its mission to hone cars and people through participation in motorsport, expressed by the GR Supra Lightweight Evo which elevates the driving experience to a new level.

Confidence and precision are refined through an active differential control and exclusive control maps, which improve traction between the tyre and the road surface, reducing understeer through turns. Cornering grip is also increased thanks to a revised camber angle of the front and rear wheels which gives drivers improved cornering stability. Larger Brembo brake discs provide better braking control.

Suspension and chassis modifications enhance stability and strengthen the direct connection to the road. The characteristics of the situation-responsive electronically controlled shock absorbers have been revised and this combines with a strengthened front stabiliser to improve driving performance. A heightened sensation of suspension and body integration is achieved using strengthened rubber bushings for the front control arms and strengthened rubber mounts for the rear sub-frame while better grip and control also comes via a stronger under-body brace.

Handling is further enhanced by aerodynamic modifications which optimise front/rear aerodynamic balance and downforce. These consist of a ducktail carbon fibre rear spoiler, new front wheel arch flaps, and higher front tyre spats. Meanwhile, the optimised electric power steering delivers a more direct steering sensation and improved control.

The distinctive, bold exterior appearance of the GR Supra is complimented by new 19-inch matte black wheels. Inside the vehicle, the genuine leather driver’s seat is upholstered in Alcantara embroidered with GR logo, while striking red stitching, red highlight around the gear shift knob and red seatbelts accentuate the interior’s sporty feel.

The updated GR Supra Lightweight Evo and GR Supra A90 Final Edition will be available to order in Europe from January 2025*.

^{Note: The images displayed do not fully reflect European specifications.}

The limited edition track day car is launched to mark the delivery of the 100th GR Supra GT4 race car and just three examples will be built, making it one of the rarest Toyota vehicles ever launched. One car each is planned for Europe, North America and Asia.

The GR Supra GT4 “100 Edition” is delivered exclusively in Plasma Orange colour, matching the exterior of the parallel production special edition model, the GR Supra “GT4 100th Edition Tribute”, which goes on sales later this year in Europe.

The strictly limited “100 Edition” model is not GT4 homologated and therefore intended specifically for track day use. It is based on the 450PS GR Supra GT4 EVO, the extensively enhanced version which made its debut at the start of this season.

Compared with the competition version, the collector-focused “100 Edition” is distinguished not only by its unique Plasma Orange paint but also features such as a larger bonnet vent and new dive plane aerodynamic devices at the front to improve downforce.

A new exhaust system, without muffler, is fitted to amplify the satisfying, throaty roar of the 3.0-liter six-cylinder turbo charged engine. The Power Stick, which governs the power output of the engine, will also be delivered in the same Plasma Orange colour as the car itself.

Further bespoke details include carbon fibre wing mirrors, endurance LED headlights and a passenger seat. The car’s exclusive status is expressed through embroidered "100 Edition" logos on both seats and a unique badge on the dashboard, while this distinctive logo also adorns a car cover which protects the car from dust and dirt when in storage.

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing offers the GR Supra GT4 "100 Edition" at a price of 220,000 Euro euros (excluding taxes and delivery costs).

Since the start of the 2020 season, the GR Supra GT4 has been one of the most successful GT4 race cars worldwide in numerous national and international GT4 championships. The car achieved victories in the European, French, British and Scandinavian GT4 championships, the DTM Trophy, and in Japanese Super Taikyu Series, as well as the North American IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge and Pirelli GT4 America. To maintain that high level of performance, earlier this year TOYOTA GAZOO Racing introduced the updated GR Supra GT4 EVO. Since the beginning of the season, the GR Supra GT4 cars have participated in more than 300 races, achieving 43 class wins and 125 podium finishes.

- With the GR Supra GT4 and the GR Supra GT4 EVO, we have worked with our customers to develop a race car that teams around the world can use to achieve success. Thanks to the trust and enthusiasm of our customers, we have reached this milestone of 100 vehicles in just three years, which is very positive, explains Hendrik Schietzel, Manager Customer Racing at TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Europe in Cologne, Germany. 
- At the same time, we have taken this opportunity to create a very special and rare model. The three examples of the GR Supra GT4 “100 Edition” are made for collectors and friends of Toyota, who will have the chance to have a lot of fun on track with this extraordinary vehicle.

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For further information on the GR Supra GT4 and the special “100 Edition” model, please contact the regional TOYOTA GAZOO Racing centres:

Europe (TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Europe)
tgrcms@tgr-europe.com

North America (TRD U.S.A., INC.)
trdusa.gt4@toyota.com

Japan/Asia (TOYOTA CUSTOMIZING & DEVELOPMENT Co.,Ltd.)
info_supragt4@toyota-cd.co.jp

A pure-bred sports car, with a front engine/rear-wheel drive configuration and dimensions that achieve the “golden ratio” for optimum handling, the GR Supra was the first global model to be developed by TOYOTA GAZOO Racing. The new “GT4 100th Edition Tribute” features distinctive updates inside and out to emphasise those motorsport connections.

The new Plasma Orange colour is available exclusively on the new limited series GR Supra and its striking appearance is complimented by new 19-inch lightweight matte black alloy wheels. GR-branded black brake callipers reinforce the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing identity, while an optional rear spoiler evokes a visual similarity to the GR Supra GT4.

Inside the cabin, the driver-focussed interior features black suede-like seat coverings for durability and a premium feel. They combine with suede gear knob for a satisfying and tactile shifting experience. Orange stitching on the trunk mat matches the car’s exterior paintwork and completes the aesthetic update.

The limited series status is highlighted by a carbon insert on the dash, which also features a “GT4 100th Edition Tribute” graphic. A panel on the driver’s side of the dash, visible when the door is open, further emphasises the limited series distinction.

The GR Supra “GT4 100th Edition Tribute” is based on the 3.0-litre GR Supra Lightweight featuring a six-speed manual transmission engineered specifically for the power and torque characteristics of the coupe’s straight-six 340 DIN hp (250 kW) engine.

The transmission uses an intelligent control system to prioritise sporty performance. When upshifting, the software parameters are tuned to optimise engine torque upon clutch engagement and release, while on downshifts it is fine-tuned for consistent performance. For responsive acceleration, the final drive ratio is shorter, from 3.15 in the automatic GR Supra to 3.46.

In addition to weight saving via the manual transmission, further specification changes to simplify the audio system and seat features, mean the vehicle is 38.3 kg lighter in total than the original 3.0-litre GR Supra automatic version. These adjustments deliver enhanced agility and handling prowess.

As with the manual GR Supra Lightweight, the GR Supra “GT4 100th Edition Tribute” benefits from retuned suspension, designed to optimise performance with a manual transmission. This includes more rigid vulcanised rubber in the front and rear anti-roll bar bushes and re-tuned shock absorbers, as well as adjustment of components and operating parameters in the electric power steering.

ACCESSIBLE MOTORSPORT WITH GR SUPRA GT4

Since its launch in 2019, the GR Supra has put smiles on the faces of drivers and earned praise from automotive media around the world for its thoroughbred sportscar performance and pure driving experience. As part of a global TOYOTA GAZOO Racing project, motorsport competitors have also become part of the Supra family, courtesy of the GR Supra GT4 race car.

Developed in Cologne, Germany by TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Europe, home of Toyota’s five-time Le Mans 24 Hours-winning motorsport team, the GR Supra GT4 was launched in March 2020. It is sold to private customers for competition within the popular GT4 category of racing for vehicles based on roadgoing counterparts, with modifications permitted for safety and performance.

As a more accessible level of motorsport, GT4 racing allows professional and amateur drivers alike to compete on the world’s most famous racetracks, perfectly aligning with the ethos of the Supra as a sportscar for all driving enthusiasts.

Since its launch, GR Supra GT4 customers have won races and championships on three continents in competitions such as the GT4 European Series, GT4 America and Super Taikyu in Japan, as well as legendary events like the Nürburgring 24 Hours. A cumulative 625 entries in 317 races worldwide as of the end of 2022 resulted in 79 class victories, 20 overall wins and 207 podium finishes. In 2023, 27 GR Supra GT4 vehicles are competing in Europe, 20 in North America and 12 in Asia, including Japan.

Production of the GR Supra GT4 reached a milestone of 100 units earlier this year, a landmark commemorated now by the new limited series GR Supra “GT4 100th Edition Tribute” of which, fittingly, 100 units of the roadgoing model will be available in Europe. The new limited series GR Supra goes on sale at the same time as the new MY24 GR Supra later this year, with specific launch dates varying according to individual markets in Europe.

Since launch, the GR Supra has been offered with a straight-six 340 DIN hp/250 kW 3.0-litre engine matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission. A year later, a new 258 DIN hp/190 kW 2.0-litre engine was added to the range, again with auto transmission as standard.

While the car and its performance have received high praise worldwide from media and fans alike, perhaps inevitably the question of whether a manual gearbox would be available persisted.

#SAVETHEMANUAL

Toyota has listened to sports car fans and customers, and can confirm that a new GR Supra with six-speed intelligent manual transmission (iMT) will be introduced in Europe soon, engineered to delight drivers who love the control and rewards offered by precisely timed manual shifts. Its addition to the line-up means Toyota will offer all three of its GR models available in Europe with manual transmission and three pedals either as standard (GR Yaris) or as an option (GR Supra, GR86).

True to the GR Supra’s thoroughbred engineering quality, this development has not been simply a matter of using an off-the-shelf solution. A new transmission, along with a new clutch has been engineered specifically to suit the power and torque characteristics of the GR Supra 3.0-litre engine.

At the same time, the GR Supra’s braking control systems and suspension have been retuned for even better performance – changes that are being introduced throughout the model range.

The new-look range also features a special new 3.0-litre Lightweight model. In addition to the lighter weight of the manual transmission, this benefits from further specification changes to cut the car’s kerb weight by almost 40 kg, adding to the car’s handling agility.

NEW SIX-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION

The manual transmission installed in the GR Supra has been engineered and tuned specifically for use with the coupe’s straight-six engine.

The engineering team were able to modify existing transmission housing, driveshaft and gear set and remove elements that were not required, such as the acoustic package, which further reduced weight.

At the heart of the transmission is a newly-engineered clutch with a larger diameter and reinforced diaphragm spring. With a larger friction area and a stronger spring, this new component has the high performance capability appropriate for use with the GR Supra’s high-torque engine.

INTELLIGENT OPERATION

The iMT transmission uses an intelligent control system programmed with new software that prioritise sporty performance. When upshifting, the parameters are tuned to optimise engine torque at the moment of clutch engagement and release; on downshifts, the software has been fine-tuned for consistent performance.

The iMT is set as the default, but can be switched off in Sport mode if the driver prefers.

Final drive ratio

To avoid a sluggish take-off and a low in-gear acceleration feel, the final drive ratio has been shortened, from 3.15 (in the GR Supra automatic) to 3.46. The result is sport response and gearing appropriate for sports car performance.

SUSPENSION AND STEERING TUNING

All GR Supra versions benefit from retuned suspension, introduced to optimise performance with the new manual transmission.

The measures include more rigid vulcanised rubber in the front and rear anti-roll bar bushes and re-tuned shock absorbers. The mechanical components in the electric power steering and the system’s operating parameters have also been re-tuned.

REVISED CENTRE CONSOLE AND GEAR SHIFT

The changes to accommodate the new manual transmission in the GR Supra were not confined to the powertrain. Close attention was also paid how the new system could be accommodated in the driver’s cockpit.

This was not simply a matter of changing one shift lever for another; consideration had to be given to ensuring the gear knob was optimally placed for precise, rapid and rewarding gear changes.

The existing centre console design allowed insufficient clearance between the shift lever and the air conditioning control panel. To achieve the perfect ergonomics, the console unit and the control for drive mode selection have been redesigned. In addition the lever ratio has been changed and the effort required to make shifts and engage reverse gear has been adjusted.

The revised layout provides a comfortable 42 mm clearance between the shift knob and air conditioning panel.

The feel of the gear shift in the hand and the weight of operation are part of the human sensory connection with the car, so attention has been paid to the weight and shape of the gear knob and the quality of shift engagement. As a result, Toyota adjusted the effort level to engage reverse and opted for a heavier gear knob (200 g) for a more pleasing inertia effect when used.

TRACTION CONTROL

The GR Supra’s traction and braking have been optimised for operation with manual transmission.

With an automatic, it’s possible to use second gear when pulling away uphill when opposite wheels are on surfaces with different grip levels – for example, when the car is parked partly on an icy road margin. Progress is smooth with no rolling back or wheel slip. With a manual gearbox, first gear has to be used and releasing the clutch brings a greater risk of wheel spin. To address the issue, Toyota engineers have tuned the car’s traction control (TRC) to achieve smooth operation like that experienced with the automatic. The system is also optimised for the GR Supra’s characteristic high engine torque, wide tyres and rear-wheel drive.

BRAKING AGILITY AND STABILITY

The car’s behaviour when accelerating out of a corner is a key element in the “Fun to Drive” quality Toyota has developed for the GR Supra. For the new manual version, the traction control has again been the focus of measure to ensure an ideal balance of agility and stability when exiting a corner on the throttle. TRC intervention has been calibrated to maintain stability – the car keeping faithfully to the driver’s intended line – while allowing the right amount of power for a sporty feeling.

NEW HAIRPIN+ FUNCTION

The ambition to make the GR Supra fun to drive in the most demanding scenarios has helped inspire the introduction of a new Hairpin+ function. This is designed to allow more freedom and reward specifically when taking tight bends on an uphill gradient (more than 5%) with a high-friction road surface, like those found on European mountain routes.

More “free” wheel spin can make such routes more enjoyable to drive, so Toyota has optimised engine torque control to allow a greater difference in the degree of wheel spin on the left and right-side tyres.

ANTI-ROLL PROGRAMME

A highly agile vehicle with high peak friction tyres may be sensitive to sudden “snap-off” oversteer – something that is hard to control with the car’s vehicle stability control (VSC) alone. To counter this behaviour, an anti-roll programme (ARP) has been adopted for both the manual and automatic versions of the GR Supra. This intervenes at an earlier point with the VSC to cover any sudden loss of grip when the car’s high-response suspension setting it used.

In addition, the Track mode has been tuned to allow for easy drifting with freedom of throttle control. The vehicle remains agile, but the there is less risk of spinning thanks to specific engine and torque control.

NEW GR SUPRA LIVE LIGHTWEIGHT

Toyota has taken the opportunity of the weight saving achieved with the new manual transmission to add a new Lightweight model to the GR Supra line-up.

The 3.0-litre GR Supra Lightweight benefits from further weight-saving measures to achieve a total reduction of 38.3 kg, compared to the kerb weight of the current 3.0-litre automatic model.

Fitting the new manual gearbox and new 19-inch alloy wheels saves 21.8 kg; the Lightweight cuts a further 16.5 kg by replacing the audio system and deleting the seats’ leather upholstery, power adjustment and lumbar support. This reduction enhances the car’s handling agility.

REVISED MODEL RANGE

The new GR Supra range retains the 2.0-litre Live automatic as the entry model, available with Premium, Connect and Sport option packs, and the 3.0-litre Active automatic, with a Premium pack option.

The 3.0-litre Live Lightweight manual is expected to be the most popular GR Supra version, with the 3.0-litre Premium manual positioned at the top of the line-up.

NEW EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR COLOURS

The new GR Supra range also benefits from new paintwork options with the addition of Moareki Grey and Dawn Blue. A Matte Moonstone White  has also been introduced, exclusively for the new range-topping 3.0-litre Premium manual model.

In the cabin the previous red leather has been replaced with a new tan upholstery option.

Customers can add to the sporting character of their manual transmission car with a new Alcantara Pack which uses the tactile material for gear knob and gaiter.

Identified by the new red-coloured "Supra" badge, the upcoming manual transmission addition to the sports car line-up of GAZOO Racing is unmistakably a Toyota GR Supra, while also bringing a desirable feature that it is something pure, unique and special.

Watch this space for more information in the coming weeks.

#savethemanual

It offers unique styling elements and a high specification, adding to the GR Supra’s fundamental appeal as a sports car in its purest form. Production is limited to just 90 cars for European customers – following the precedent set by previous GR Supra special editions and referencing the coupe’s A90 codename.

The new model goes on sale in Europe from March 2021, with specific launch dates varying according to individual national markets.

Taking its name from the famous Spanish circuit where the GR Supra was first driven by the world’s media – to great acclaim – the Jarama Racetrack Edition is powered by the coupe’s original, 340 DIN hp 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six unit. Its special Toyota “GR” designation denotes the direct involvement of Toyota Gazoo Racing the car’s development.

It is visually distinguished by its unique Horizon Blue paintwork, contrasting with a matt black finish for its 19-inch forged alloy wheels and visible red-painted brake callipers. In the cabin the car’s special status is signified by a carbon fibre dashboard insert specifying its number in the production run and featuring an outline map of the Jarama circuit, plus the Toyota GR Supra logo. The interior is upholstered in black Alcantara with blue stitching and the seats are power-adjustable and have a memory setting and integrated heating.

The sports performance and handling are every bit as rewarding as the regular GR Supra, founded on the car’s finely balanced chassis and the ideal “golden ratio” between the wide track and short wheelbase. A low centre of gravity, a lightweight and highly rigid body and aerodynamically efficient styling all add to the car’s agility and stability. These qualities are optimised by performance-enhancing features including adaptive variable suspension (with NORMAL and SPORT settings), active differential, sports-tuned steering and powerful Brembo sports brakes with four-pot aluminium front callipers and 348 mm vented front discs.

The turbo engine is matched to a rapid-shift eight-speed sports automatic transmission. When using the car’s launch control system, 0-100 km/h acceleration takes just 4.3 seconds. The driving experience is made all the more engaging by the peak 500 Nm of torque being delivered all the way from 1.600 to 4,500 rpm.

The equipment specification for the Jarama Racetrack Edition includes satellite navigation with 3D-mapping, smartphone integration (via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), Supra Connect access to connected services and a 10-speaker audio system. Multimedia functions are controlled using an 8.8-inch TFT touchscreen, or (for certain functions) voice recognition.

The Supra Safety + Package provides a comprehensive range of active safety features, including a Pre-Collision System with a pedestrian detection function and the ability to recognise cyclists during daytime driving; Lane Departure Alert with steering assist; Adaptive Cruise Control with stop-and-go function; Adaptive High-beam System; Adaptive Front-light System, which adjust the headlight illumination in line with the car’s steering angle; and Road Sign Assist.

• New 2.0-litre engine option for the Toyota GR Supra
• Retaining all GR Supra’s qualities as a sports car in its purest form
• Dynamic benefits gained from using a more compact, lighter power unit – saving of up to 100 kg in vehicle kerb weight

THE TOYOTA GR SUPRA has made a remarkable impact in its first year on sale, affirming its status as a sports car in its purest form, designed and engineered for the joy of driving. As the first global model to be developed by TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, it has drawn on Toyota’s sports car heritage while exploring new horizons of handling and performance.

Now the range is being extended in Europe for the first time with the established 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbocharged engine being joined by a new 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo unit.

The new 2.0-litre engine widens GR Supra’s market appeal and, being lighter and more compact than the 3.0-litre unit, improves the car’s inertia characteristics and chassis balance for even sharper handling.

Where weight is concerned, the entry-level GR Supra 2.0 weighs 100 kg less than its 3.0-litre equivalent, a saving that further strengthens the car’s dynamic performance. The engine’s shorter length means its mass is located closer to the centre of the car, supporting an ideal front/rear balance and better inertia characteristics.

Although power is less – 258 DIN hp/190 kW – the engine’s performance is rewarding, supported by a muscular 400 Nm of torque available across a wide range of engine speeds, harnessed through an eight-speed, rapid-shifting ZF automatic transmission. Nought to 100 km/h can be accomplished in just 5.2 seconds with GR Supra’s launch control system, and top speed matches the 3.0-litre model at an electronically governed 250 km/h.

Production of the Toyota GR Supra 2.0 began in January with first deliveries to European customers from March.

GR SUPRA: A SPORTS CAR IN ITS PUREST FORM

The Toyota GR Supra has been conceived as a sports car in its purest form, with a front engine/rear-wheel drive configuration, compact, two-seater design and dimensions that achieve the “golden ratio” for optimum handling. Chief Engineer Tetsuya Tada adhered to the classic form of a front-mounted engine driving the rear wheels, building on the heritage of Toyota’s past Supra generations and original 2000GT sports car.

Toyota GR Supra Chief Designer Nobuo Nakamura gave his team a simple brief, so that they were free to express their vision of a pure and individual sports car in a truly original design. The key words he used were “Condensed Extreme”. This refers directly to the vehicle’s packaging, comprising three principal elements: a short wheelbase, large wheels and a wide stance; a taut, two-seat cabin; and a long bonnet with a compact body, reflecting the drivetrain combination of a front engine and rear-wheel drive.

In the finished design, the ‘Condensed’ theme is evident in the relationship between the GR Supra’s large-diameter tyres, short wheelbase and overall length. ‘Extreme’ is interpreted in the car’s wide stance, with tight cabin proportions and a broad tread, contributing to a high level of manœuvrability and stability.

The only external design elements that distinguish the 2.0-litre GR Supra from the 3.0-litre model are the 18-inch wheels and a 90 mm diameter bright chrome finisher for the exhaust tailpipe (in place of the 100 mm brushed stainless steel finisher on the more powerful model).

In the cabin, the driver’s cockpit neatly combines sports car elements with ultra-modern functionality. Designed to help the driver focus entirely on the business of driving, it is directly influenced by the layout found in single-seater race cars.

The low, slim horizontal dashboard maximises the forward view through the windscreen, helping the driver place the car with precision in high-speed driving, while the principal controls are tightly grouped for quick and easy operation. The instrument panel, centre console and door trim are combined in a seamless design that gives the cockpit a strong, unified feel.

The GR Supra’s seats have a racing-influenced design that ensures comfort at all times and excellent support, in particular if the car is being used on-track. Body-holding side bolsters are featured on the cushion and high back, and there is an integrated head restraint.

Driving enthusiasts enjoy an exhilarating blend of power, agility and precision handling, delivered by the car’s combination of a short wheelbase and wide track, light weight, low centre of gravity and highly rigid body. To be certain that the car delivered on its promise, Toyota President Akio Toyoda put it to the test himself at the Nürburgring in his role as a Master Driver before giving it the final green light.

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing was instrumental in honing the new sports car’s performance, working on the famous Nürburgring Nordschleife and surrounding roads in Germany to achieve the most agile, stable and rewarding handling possible. Further extensive testing was carried out on roads around the world.

PERFORMANCE

• High-performance 2.0-litre engine with twin-scroll turbocharger
• 258 DIN hp/190 kW and 400 Nm of torque
• Eight-speed ZF automatic transmission with ultra-fast shifting
• Launch control system enables 0-100 km/h acceleration in 5.2 seconds
• Active differential available in optional Sport Pack

2.0-LITRE TURBO ENGINE

The engine deployed in the GR Supra 2.0 is a 1,998 cc in-line four-cylinder DOHC 16-valve petrol unit with a twin-scroll turbocharger. It is engineered for agile, powerful acceleration, perfectly suited to the GR Supra’s character as a sports car in its purest form.

Maximum power is 258 DIN hp/190 kW at 5,000-6,000 rpm, while peak torque of 400 Nm is available across an impressive span of revs, from 1,550 to 4,000 rpm. This enables 0-100 km/h acceleration in 5.2 seconds (with launch control function, see below); top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.

A motor-actuated variable valve-timing system provides precise control of the opening and closing of both the inlet and exhaust valves in line with the driving situation to achieve high torque across all engine speeds and high output at high engine revs. In addition, the variable valve lift on the intake side reduces pumping losses, improvingthe engine’s efficiency.

The direct fuel injection system operates at high pressure – 35 MPa – to provide spray atomisation and finely calibrated control to gain high combustion efficiency.

The path from the exhaust to the twin-scroll turbocharger is split into two parts to suppress exhaust gas interference between the cylinders. This allows the turbo to operate from lower engine rpm, givingdirect response to the driver’s use of the throttle. Boost pressure is minutely controlled in line with the required torque by means of an electric wastegate valve. This gives excellent boost response for powerful driving performance.

To reduce vibration and enhance smooth, quiet running, the engine is equipped with two balancer shafts.

Sports car performance does not come at a high cost in terms of fuel consumption and emissions: the 2.0-litre turbo achieves 5.9 to 6.3 l/100 km and 135 to 143 g/km CO₂emissions (NEDC correlated figures).

TRANSMISSION

The engine is matched to an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission that provides lightning-fast up and downshifts, with short ratios used for the lower gears. The driver can take control of gear changes using paddle shifts on the steering wheel; they can also select Normal or Sport driving modes to suit their preference and the conditions (details below).

A Launch Control function enables powerful acceleration from standstill with maximum traction, helping the car move from rest to 100 km/h in just 5.2 seconds (this operates when SPORT drive mode is selected).

ACTIVE DIFFERENTIAL

An Active Differential is provided as part of the optional Sport Pack for the GR Supra 2.0, in place of the standard, open differential. It operates both when accelerating and decelerating and can seamlessly adjust from zero to full, 100% lock, with instant response.

A dedicated ECU monitors a wide range of inputs, including steering wheel, throttle and brake pressure, engine and wheel speed and yaw rate, for appropriate triggering of the actuator. The torque difference between the left and right wheels is controlled flexibly and seamlessly depending on the driving situation.

This delivers huge benefits in stability and efficiency when the tyres are reaching their performance limit. The effect is felt in all phases of cornering, with increased stability during the braking and cornering phases and then maximum grip as the driver accelerates out of the bend. Operation is adjusted when Sport mode is selected to give more efficient cornering in high-speed driving, for example when using the Toyota GR Supra on a circuit.

CHASSIS

• Compact and lightweight 2.0-litre engine yields dynamic benefits that give the GR Supra 2.0 its own distinct character
• More compact engine means mass is located closer to the centre of the car, improving inertia characteristics and making ideal 50:50 front/rear weight balance easier to achieve
• Up to 100 kg weight saving compared to GR Supra 3.0

DYNAMIC BENEFITS

The smaller size and reduced weight of the new engine bring specific dynamic benefits to the GR Supra.

Where the 2.0-litre model is concerned, the car tips the scales 100 kg lighter than its 3.0-litre counterpart. And because the engine is more compact, its mass is located closer to the centre of the vehicle, making it easier to secure an ideal 50:50 front-rear weight balance and improving its inertia characteristics. This contributes to the car’s responsiveness, agility and confidence-inspiring handling.

“To achieve agile steering and stable cornering, we worked very hard to reduce the new car’s weight, while aiming for a 50:50 weight balance,” said GR Supra Chief Engineer Tetsuya Tada. “This presented us with huge challenges, but we did not want to compromise on our targets.”

IDEAL CHASSIS BALANCE

A car’s wheelbase and track dimensions are the first thing to consider when starting the design process with a clean sheet of paper. Where the Toyota GR Supra is concerned, these were defined in order to prioritise the car’s agility and handling.

The key calculation is the ratio between the wheelbase length and the track. It is widely recognised that the best balance of agility and stability is obtained with a ratio of between 1.5 and 1.6; achieving the 1.55 “golden ratio” was thus the starting point for the GR Supra development team, the key building block on which everything else has been optimised. (For reference: wheelbase = 2,470 mm; rear track = 1,589 mm).

SUSPENSION

The high body rigidity allowed for more precise and detailed refinements to the suspension geometry and tuning of the shock absorbers. The suspension design comprises double-joint-type MacPherson struts at the front and a five-link system at the rear.

The front suspension subframe and control arm mounting points have been made extremely rigid to yield precise cornering characteristics, while the use of aluminium for the control arms and swivel bearings reduces the car’s unsprung weight, giving superior agility and efficiency. There are also high-performance wheel hubs with an increased camber and optimised kinematics.

The rear suspension benefits from a similarly lightweight design for the rigid subframe and the bracing that connects it to the body, helping ensure extremely precise wheel control. The multi-arm design enables excellent tyre-ground contact to achieve direct steering response and excellent handling and stability.

ADAPTIVE VARIABLE SUSPENSION

The Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), available as part of the optional Sport Pack, enhances performance with instant response to changes in the road surface, adjusting the shock absorber force at each wheel to maintain a flat vehicle posture, excellent steering response and supple ride comfort. Sensors constantly monitor the way the car is being driven and the road conditions, controlling the damping force accordingly.

The driver can choose between two AVS modes – NORMAL and SPORT – to suit their mood or the driving conditions. NORMAL mode strikes a high balance between vehicle stability and ride comfort, enabling a sporty drive without sacrificing comfort. SPORT mode delivers a flat vehicle posture, reduced body roll and a more agile steering response.

STEERING

The electric power steering is rack-assisted and sports tuned. Its characteristics are automatically adjusted in accordance with vehicle speed, reducing the level of effort needed at lower speeds and gradually weighting up to offer greater control and stability at higher speeds. When driving in SPORT mode, steering effort is increased, in line with the changes to the chassis and powertrain.

Steering control and responsiveness are supported by a small-diameter, leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel with a cross-section shaped to provide the best grip in different driving situations. Contributing to a more engaging drive, paddle shifts are mounted on the steering wheel, and for convenience and minimal driver distraction, there are controls for the audio, hands-free phone operation and cruise control.

WHEELS AND TYRES

The GR Supra 2.0 is fitted as standard with 18-inch forged alloy wheels with a bright machined finish. To optimise the balance of front and rear grip, larger wheels and tyres are used at the rear. The specific Michelin Pilot Sport tyres are 255/40 ZR18 front and 275/40 ZR18 rear.

BRAKING SYSTEMS

The standard braking system for the GR Supra 2.0 is a lightweight, aluminium system that provides stable stopping performance and excellent controllability. It features floating, single-pot callipers and ventilated discs front and rear. An electronic parking brake is fitted as standard.

A sports braking system is available as part of the optional Sport Pack. This equips the car with red aluminium Brembo callipers emblazoned with the Supra logo – opposed four-piston units at the front and floating single-piston at the rear. The larger ventilated discs measure 348 x 36 mm at the front and 345 x 24 mm at the rear.

The brakes are equipped with standby, drying and anti-fade functions: the drying function applies the brakes at pre-determined intervals when the car’s windscreen wipers are operating to dry the discs; fade prevention automatically increases brake pressure when the discs become hot.

ABS, Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, and Hill-start Assist Control are also featured as standard, together with Active Cornering Assist, which creates additional yaw movements by independent braking intervention to improve agility and line-tracing.

SELECTABLE DRIVE MODES

The driver can choose between two drive modes – NORMAL and SPORT – to adjust the car’s response and performance to suit the conditions, their personal preference.

Selecting SPORT mode sharpens throttle response, increases the exhaust note and adds weight to the steering. Transmission shifts are adjusted so that high revs are held slightly longer. Where Adaptive Variable Suspension is fitted, damping force is increased. The optional limited-slip differential also adapts for more efficient cornering, to suit circuit driving, for example.

In addition, there is also a TRACTION mode for the Vehicle Stability Control. This allows for a degree of tyre slip, even when the VSC is active.

INTERVIEW: HERWIG DAENENS, TOYOTA MASTER DRIVER

HERWIG DAENENS WAS THE TOYOTA MASTER DRIVER for the development of the GR Supra – both the 3.0 and 2.0-litre models, which were developed side-by-side in an extensive programme that took place on circuits and a wide variety of different roads around the world. Here he gives a first-hand insight to the detailed work carried out to ensure the Supra 2.0 achieved its handling performance goals.

What were the targets for the GR Supra 2.0 in terms of the driving experience?

They were similar to those for the 3.0 model, in that we set ourselves the target of matching the dynamic performance of one its key competitors.

What are the principal differences when it comes to handling, agility and responsiveness, compared to the 3.0-litre model?

It is not a question of one version being better than the other – they are both great cars in their own way. With the 3.0-litre you have tremendous power and silky-smooth performance of the six-cylinder engine, while the lighter, 2.0-litre combines a decent level of engine performance with even sharper handling DNA.

How significant were the size, weight and location of the engine in defining the Supra 2.0’s performance?

The location of the engine is part of the vehicle’s basic architecture. With Supra we have made a huge engineering effort to push the powertrain as far back in the car and position it as low as possible. Of course, engine size is an important factor, and actually determines its location. And, as in any sports car, you want to keep the weight of the engine, and indeed all components, as low as possible. Because of the shorter length of the 2.0-litre unit, we had the opportunity to move the engine mass even closer to the centre of the car.

Have other chassis modifications been necessary to achieve the desired ride and handling?

Yes, of course we had to modify the chassis set-up for the four-cylinder engine. With less mass, you have to correct the spring rates and adjust the load heights to achieve the desired ride height and natural frequency – the eigen frequency. As a result, the dampers had to be re-tuned as well. The Adaptive Variable Suspension, the limited-slip differential and the electric power steering also required specific tuning of their operating parameters.

The architectural characteristics of the car gave us a decent base to work on, but nevertheless we spent a lot of time fine-tuning as we set ourselves high targets for the car.

How long was the testing process and where did it take place?

The total testing for GR Supra from early mechanical prototype to production version was spread over five years. During that time we took Supra all over Europe and made frequent visits to the USA and Japan as well. As it is sports car, we spent quite some time on tracks – including the Nordschleife at the Nürburgring – but we also tuned our set-up on public roads. Both versions were developed simultaneously from the second development stage. The earliest prototypes (for the first development stage) were all equipped with the 3.0-litre engine. The major learnings we gained from those were carried over to the 2.0-litre.

Were there any surprises during that process?

During the final sign-off drives of the pre-production models, we found that after extended circuit driving in dry conditions, the right-hand front wing and door were always dirty with sand and dust. After investigation, we traced this to a design issue with the filler cap on the washer fluid tank (common to both 3.0 and 2.0 models), which led to fluid being spilled under extreme lateral acceleration. This hadn’t been noticeable when using camouflaged cars. Even though the design had been fixed for a long time, a change was still made to address the issue.

What will be the key rewards in terms of driving experience for customers who chose the GR Supra 2.0?

I can assure them they will be pleasantly surprised by the performance of the “little brother” in all aspects – even if they choose not to add the Sport Pack.

EQUIPMENT GRADES

Entry-level Live specification includes 18-inch alloy wheels, 8.8-inch multimedia display and Alcantara seat upholstery

Connect, Premium and Sport packs to enhance equipment, styling, connectivity and handling

Special Fuji Speedway limited edition model available at launch – production for Europe limited to 200 examples

AT ENTRY LEVEL, the new 2.0-litre GR Supra is offered in Live specification,with standard features including 18-inch alloy wheels, a four-speaker 100 W audio system with 8.8-inch touchscreen display and sports seats upholstered in black Alcantara.

Toyota Supra Safety is also be provided, equipping the car with a Pre-Crash Safety system with Braking Function, Pedestrian and Cyclist detection with Braking Function, Lane Keep Assist (LKA) with Active Steering, Road Sign Assist and an Intelligent Speed Assist.

Customers can build on this specification to suit their preferences for style, performance and connectivity with a series of option packs.

The Connect pack adds a navigation system and connectivity for links to useful on-line services.

The Premium pack provides high-quality comfort and convenience features, including a 12-speaker 425W JBL premium sound system, head-up display, wireless smartphone charger, black leather upholstery and power seat adjustment with memory setting. It also takes in the elements of the Connect pack, plus additional storage and interior lighting features.

The Sport pack focuses on handling and performance, equipping the car with Adaptive Variable Suspension, an Active Differential and sport braking system. More detailed information on these features is given in the Performance and Chassis and Handling chapters above.

MULTIMEDIA SYSTEM

The standard multimedia system for the GR Supra 2.0 is controlled via a centrally mounted 8.8-inch high-resolution TFT touchscreen display. This can also be operated using a controller on the centre console which has an intuitive touchpad control on its upper surface. It is designed for fingertip control so the driver doesn’t have to change their position at the wheel to operate it.

The package includes a four-speaker audio system with DAB radio reception, Bluetooth, a USB port and wireless smartphone integration using Apple CarPlay. Customers opting for the Connect pack further benefit from navigation with 3D mapping, voice recognition and access to connected online services to help with journey information such as traffic and weather conditions, parking and fuel availability.

FUJI SPEEDWAY LIMITED EDITION

At launch the new 2.0-litre GR Supra will be offered in an exclusive, limited edition Fuji Speedway version. This stands out with a unique white metallic paint finish for the bodywork with contrasting 19-inch matt back alloy wheels and red door mirror housings. In the cabin there are carbon fibre dashboard trim inserts and striking red and black Alcantara upholstery. The colour choices evoke those of the official TOYOTA GAZOO Racing livery.

Where equipment specifications are concerned, the Fuji Speedway also comes with all the features of the Connect and Sport packs (detailed above).

This special edition model has been created specifically for the launch of the 2.0-litre model, with production limited to just 200 examples in Europe.

THE TOYOTA SUPRA GT4

• Competition version of the GR Supra, developed to international GT4 specifications by Toyota Motorsport GmbH (TMG)
• 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder turbocharged engine tuned to produce 430 DIN hp*
• Development expresses TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s commitment to helping people become actively involved in motorsport
• Available to customer teams worldwide

GR SUPRA GT4 AVAILABLE TO CUSTOMER RACING TEAMS IN 2020

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing has launched sales of a GR Supra GT4 race car to customer teams. The new competition model is initially available in Europe and will be introduced in North America and Japan/Asia before the end of 2020.

The GR Supra GT4 is based on the road-going GR Supra 3.0 and has been developed and produced by Toyota Motorsport GmbH (TMG).

The 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder turbo engine has been tuned to 430 DIN hp* and is matched to a seven-speed sports automatic transmission with paddle shifts. The car also uses a mechanical limited-slip differential. The performance elements include an Akrapovič exhaust system, and first-fill lubricants are supplied by Ravenol.

The car’s front splitter and rear wing are made of a natural fibre composite, contributing to an overall vehicle weight of 1,350 kg*. Following the specification of the GR Supra road car, the suspension system features front MacPherson struts and a multilink arrangement at the rear. Adjustable KW performance dampers are used both front and rear.

The braking system is uprated with dedicated Brembo racing callipers – six-pot at the front and four-pot at the rear – and the OZ five-hole 11×18-inch wheels are shod with 305/660 Pirelli tyres.

Safety provisions include a high-strength roll cage for the lightweight steel body and an FIA-standard racing seat with six-point harness. The interior is fitted with a carbon fibre instrument panel with a display and steering wheel designed specifically for GT4 competition.

The contact companies for regional sales and customer support, including spare parts and access to engineers, are: TMG for Europe; TRD USA for North America; and Toyota Customizing and Development for Japan/Asia. The price of the GR Supra GT4 is €175,000, excluding any taxes, customs fees and logistics and other costs.

*The figure can vary according to the Balance of Performance (BOP)

Development of the GR Supra GT4 at TOYOTA Motorsport GmbH (TMG) began in early 2019 and included an exhaustive test programme, covering more than 12,000km at circuits around Europe. With lead test driver Stéphane Ortelli contributing his experience, as well as drivers from a range of backgrounds, GR Supra GT4 cars were optimised in a variety of conditions.

Designed to appeal to drivers of all levels, the GR Supra GT4 benefits from its unique Intelligent GT4 Racing System which, through user-friendly electronics and automatic functionality, minimises distractions to allow the driver to focus fully on racing the car.

Performance comes via a three-litre in-line six-cylinder engine with single twin-scroll turbo charger which has been tuned to 430hp, combined with a 7-speed sports automatic transmission driving the rear wheels. Ravenol provides lubricant technology to ensure reliability and high performance.

With GT4 homologation secured, the first GR Supra GT4 race cars will be delivered to customers immediately, ready to participate in a range of different series around Europe.

Ring Racing, located near the Nürburgring, has purchased two cars and will enter one car in the ADAC GT4 Germany championship, which features six events this year, and another car at the nine-round Nürburgring Langstrecken Serie, formerly known as VLN. Ring Racing will additionally operate one of their cars in the Nürburgring 24 Hours on behalf of Novel Racing.

France-based CMR will also compete with two GR Supra GT4 cars this year, with one car taking on the challenge of the European GT4 Series and a second car participating in the six-round French GT4 Series.

In the United Kingdom, Speedworks Motorsport, already participating in the British Touring Car Championship with a Toyota Corolla, will enter one GR Supra GT4 for Sam Smelt and James Kell in the seven-round British GT series where GT3 and GT4 cars compete in the same races.

High customer demand for the GR Supra GT4 meant the first units were sold out quickly, and orders have already been taken for the next batch of cars to be produced, with deliveries planned for early summer.

High-resolution, copyright-free photography is available at www.tgr-dam.com.

GR Supra GT4 Technical Specifications

Offered in addition to the established 3.0-litre, straight-six turbo unit, this new powerplant will deliver dynamic benefits as well as bringing GR Supra to a wider customer base.

The GR Supra, the first global model to be developed by TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, is a pure-bred sports car, with a front engine/rear-wheel drive configuration, compact, two-seater design and dimensions that achieve the “golden ratio” for optimum handling. The new 2.0-litre engine widens its market appeal and, being lighter and more compact than the 3.0-litre unit, improves the car’s inertia characteristics and chassis balance for even sharper handling.

Production of the new 2.0-litre GR Supra is due to commence shortly, ahead of its European sales launch in March.

New 2.0-litre turbo engine

The new 2.0-litre engine is an in-line, four-cylinder unit fitted with a single twin-scroll turbocharger and coupled to an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. It delivers genuine sports car performance and a rewarding experience for the driver: maximum power is 258 DIN hp/190 kW and peak torque output is a muscular 400 Nm, enabling acceleration from standstill to 100 km/h in just 5.2 seconds and a maximum (governed) speed of 250 km/h.

Exhaust CO₂ emissions are 135 to 144 g/km (NEDC correlated figures), 156 to 172 g/km (WLTP data).

Dynamic benefits

The smaller size and reduced weight of the new engine bring specific dynamic benefits to the GR Supra. Where the entry-level model is concerned, the car tips the scales 100 kg lighter than its 3.0-litre counterpart. And because the engine is more compact, it is positioned closer to the centre of the vehicle, helping secure an ideal 50:50 front-rear weight balance.

This contributes to the car’s responsiveness, agility and confidence-inspiring handling.

“To achieve agile steering and stable cornering, we worked very hard to reduce the new car’s weight, while aiming for a 50:50 weight balance,” said GR Supra Chief Engineer Tetsuya Tada. “This presented us with huge challenges, but we did not want to compromise on our targets.”

Notably, the new 2.0-litre GR Supra achieves the same “golden ratio” for optimum handling performance, a quality defined by the ratio between the car’s wheelbase and track dimensions. For all GR Supra models, this ratio is 1.55, within the ideal range.

Equipment features and option packs

At entry level, the new 2.0-litre GR Supra will be offered in Live specification, with standard features including 18-inch alloy wheels, a four-speaker audio system with 8.8-inch display and sports seats upholstered in black Alcantara.

Toyota Supra Safety will also be provided, equipping the car with a Pre-Crash Safety with Braking Function, Pedestrian and Cyclist detection with Braking Function, Lane Keep Assist [LKA] with Active Steering, Road Sign Assist and an Intelligent Speed Assist.

Customers can build on this specification to suit their preferences for style, performance and connectivity with a series option packs.

The Connect pack adds a navigation system and connectivity for links to useful on-line services, while the Sport pack introduces an active differential, adaptive variable suspension and sports-quality brakes to increase the car’s performance driving potential.

The Premium pack provides high-quality comfort and convenience features, including a 12-speaker JBL premium sound system, head-up display, wireless smartphone charger, black leather upholstery and power seat adjustment with memory setting. It also takes in the elements of the Connect pack, plus additional storage and lighting features.

Fuji Speedway limited edition

At launch the new 2.0-litre GR Supra will be offered in an exclusive, limited edition Fuji Speedway version. This stands out with a unique white metallic paint finish for the bodywork with contrasting 19-inch matt back alloy wheels and red door mirror housings. In the cabin there are carbon fibre dashboard trim inserts and striking red and black Alcantara upholstery. The colour choices evoke those of the official TOYOTA GAZOO Racing livery.

Where equipment specifications are concerned, the Fuji Speedway also comes with all the features of the Connect and Sport packs (detailed above). This Fuji Speedway edition is built for the launch of the 2 litre with production strictly limited to just 200 examples in Europe.

GR Supra sales performance

The launch of the Toyota GR Supra, marking the return of its legendary sports car name to the range in an all-new fifth generation model, was one of the most keenly anticipated and successful new model introductions of 2019.

Following the production car’s world debut in Detroit, advance reservations were accepted from March ahead of the first cars being delivered to customers from May. Response from European customers was exceptional, with 1,150 cars sold by the end of the year, with the great majority – 95% – being the higher-specification version.

Golden Steering Wheel

The Toyota GR Supra collected numerous awards during its debut year, including a Goldenes Lenkrad – Golden Steering Wheel – one of Europe’s most prestigious motoring honours, presented by Bild am Sonntag, Germany’s most popular Sunday newspaper, and the leading car magazine, Auto Bild.

It received the award as the year’s best new sports car, repeating the feat of the second generation Supra which was a Gold Steering Wheel winner in 1982. In taking top spot in 2019, it outperformed both the new Porsche 911 and BMW 8 Series in the judges’ final assessment.

The GR Supra^*2 has a following on the Gran Turismo Sport^*3, published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, with approximately 430,000 players^*4 having purchased the car. The GR Supra GT Cup, an e-Motor Sports tournament that started in April, has also proved popular, receiving approximately 26,000 entries^*5.

The top three drivers at the finals are scheduled to be invited to the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing FESTIVAL, which will take place at Fuji Speedway in early December.

As co-events of the finals of the GR Supra GT Cup at the 46th Tokyo Motor Show 2019, two e-Motor Sports events will also be held: the fifth World Tour live event of the ‘FIA Gran Turismo World Championship’ 2019 Series and E-motorsports All-Japan U18 Inter-Prefectural Championship.

Overview of the GR Supra GT Cup Finals

*6 Drivers aged 18 years or younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian*

In addition, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing will host a GR Supra GT Cup Exhibition Match on June 21, from 12:30 to 14:00 (CEST), held at the special stage during the 24 Hours of Nürburgring Endurance Race. The event will be broadcasted at the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing official website detailed below:

URL: https://toyotagazooracing.com/e-motorsports/movie/2019/

[Event Overview]Trackside Talk 2

GR Supra GT Cup Exhibition Match

Press release

URL: https://toyotagazooracing.com/release/2019/

• The fifth generation of Toyota’s legendary sports car

• The first global GR model from TOYOTA GAZOO Racing

• Conceived as a sports car in its purest form, with no compromise

The all-new Toyota GR Supra is the fifth generation of Toyota’s legendary sports car and the first global GR model from TOYOTA GAZOO Racing.

The new Toyota GR Supra has been conceived as a sports car in its purest form, with no compromise that might diminish the pleasure of the driving experience. Chief Engineer Tetsuya Tada has adhered to the classic form of a front-mounted, straight-six engine driving the rear wheels building on the heritage of Toyota’s past Supra generations and original 2000GT sports car.

Driving enthusiasts can expect an exhilarating blend of power, agility and precision handling, delivered by the car’s combination of a short wheelbase and wide track, light weight, low centre of gravity and highly rigid body.

The 3.0-litre engine is fitted with a single twin-scroll turbocharger and produces 340 DIN hp and 500 Nm of torque. Coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission, it is characterised by smooth and powerful acceleration, with large amounts of torque available across the full spectrum of engine speeds.

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing was instrumental in honing the new sports car’s performance, working extensively on the famous Nürburgring Nordschleife and surrounding roads in Germany to achieve the most agile, stable and rewarding handling possible. Further extensive testing was carried out on roads around the world.

To be certain that the car delivered on its promise, Toyota President Akio Toyoda put it to the test himself at the Nürburgring in his role as a Master Driver before giving it the final green light.

New Toyota GR Supra customer deliveries will start from summer 2019. All cars will be manufactured in Graz, Austria.

The Toyota GR Supra: a first for TOYOTA GAZOO Racing

The Toyota GR Supra is the first GR model to be produced by TOYOTA GAZOO Racing for the global market.

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing is the umbrella organisation for Toyota’s global motorsports programme and in the past year it has achieved top level success in winning the Le Mans 24 Hours in the FIA World Endurance Championship, the Manufacturers’ Championship in the FIA World Rally Championship and the 2019 Dakar rally.

Its work is based on three pillars: developing people through participation in motorsport; creating fans through the excitement of motorsport; and applying the knowledge gained from motorsport to make ever-better cars for the road that are fun to drive.

This ethos was fully embraced by Kiichiro Toyoda, the founder of Toyota’s car-making business, and is shared today by Akio Toyoda, Toyota Motor Corporation President, to support the company’s commitment to make ever-better cars.

Starting with the Toyota GR Supra, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing will transfer the technical learnings it gains from the racetrack and rally stage to the development of new generations of Toyota’s sports-focused GR models and also its wider range of vehicles, driven by tens of millions of people around the world.

MESSAGE FROM TETSUYA TADA, CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE NEW TOYOTA GR SUPRA

• Single-minded approach to create a “fun-to-drive” sports car

• Achievement of the “golden ratio” determined the overall package and dimensions

• Pure antithesis of toda y’s industry trends

Tetsuya Tada, Chief Engineer of the Toyota GR Supra, gives his personal insight into the project and what he aimed to achieve with the new car.

The Supra legacy

Being asked to make a sports car that offers the ultimate, pure driving pleasure felt like a mandate from heaven, telling me to “make a Supra!” The GT86 helped broaden the scope and appeal of Toyota’s sports cars. Next, I needed to deliver a car that offers a seemingly limitless sense of control, a car that will meet expectations and delight even hardcore fans.

In making Supra, I insisted on visiting enthusiasts’ clubs around the world to talk to owners of previous models. I asked them what they thought the minimum requirements should be and the response was always “a straight-six turbo and front engine/rear-wheel drive confi-guration”. It was pretty clear and I had more or less anticipated this. The key point was to keep that combination intact.

The new Supra is not simply a revival, though; only those core engine and rear-wheel drive elements have been carried over. As the name Supra suggests, I was determined to deliver a “supreme fun-to-drive” car that could only be made in the modern era.

A deep dive into driving pleasure

I repeatedly told the development team that I wanted them to hone any aspects of the car that stimulate the driver’s senses or instincts. I said that it wasn’t necessary to achieve perfect scores for every aspect, we just need to make sure the car is fun to drive. Anything that goes against that can be disregarded.

It was a key factor to make the car a two-seater. Driving quality is 90 per cent dictated by a car’s basic packaging – the tread and wheelbase are particularly important. In fact, it’s the golden ratio between these two dimensions that delivers the best driving quality, and I was determined not to sacrifice this. But the only way to achieve the golden ratio was to make Supra a two-seater. Even though I was warned not providing four seats would reduce the number of cars we might sell, I politely but firmly stood my ground. For me, it was all about delivering a pure sports car with the ultimate driving pleasure.

The front engine/rear-wheel drive package

With the new Supra we did everything that could be done with front engine/rear-wheel drive packaging. For example, the speed through a slalom course is about 20 per cent faster than our original target time. And it’s not just a fast car, it’s exhilarating.

The antithesis of simple transportation

The auto industry is said to be undergoing a ‘once-in-a-hundred-years’ revolution. Technological innovations such as EV electric power, autonomous driving and Artificial Intelligence are turning the car into a high-tech ‘mode of transport’. With that being the case, cars might no longer need to be fun to drive. But I am not sure we should just accept the impact this is having on the role of the car. In that sense, Supra might be the antithesis of society’s current car-related trends.

Of course, an EV can also be developed as a sports car, and we already have racing categories such as Formula E. Electric motors may in fact offer faster acceleration than petrol engines, but that’s just a matter of specifications. Surely acceleration won’t be exhilarating if you disregard the feeling and resonance with the driver’s senses.

When it comes to feeling, I can confidently declare that the acceleration from the Supra’s straight-six turbo feels truly exhilarating. I am sure people who have never known, or have forgotten about the pleasure of driving a car will enjoy an amazing experience and realise that cars really should be fun to drive.

CONCEPT AND DESIGN

• A modern representation of Toyota’s sports car heritage

• “Condensed Extreme” – compact and powerful

• Interior design puts the driver at the centre of the action

Even at first glance, it’s clear to see how Toyota’s sports car heritage is referenced in the design of the Toyota GR supra. The influence of the landmark 2000GT is particularly in evidence in the long bonnet, compact body and double-bubble roof, while the distinctive look of the fourth generation Supra is captured in both the front and rear styling, notably in the muscular rear wings and the arc of the integratedspoiler. The resemblance is more than skin-deep, though, as the Toyota GR Supra has the same classic sports car format of a powerful, front-mounted six-cylinder engine and rear-wheel drive as its celebrated predecessors.

The Toyota GR Supra’s design theme was first previewed in the dramatic FT-1 concept car, styled at Toyota’s CALTY studio in California and revealed in 2014 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Toyota GR Supra Chief Designer Nobuo Nakamura gave his team a simple brief purposely avoiding any emotive words so that they were free to express their vision of a pure and individual sports car in a truly original design.

“With Chief Engineer Tada pursuing driving pleasure, I knew that my mission was to create a design that would be visually and physically exciting to sports car fans,” he said. “By using a straight-six front engine/rear-wheel drive layout – something rarely seen in cars today –I was able to reach something beyond Toyota’s boundaries.”

The key words Nakamura-san used to guide his team were “Condensed Extreme”. This refers directly to the vehicle’s packaging, comprising three principal elements:

1. A short wheelbase, large wheels and a wide stance

2. A taut, two-seat cabin

3. A long bonnet with a compact body, reflecting the drivetrain combination of in-line six engine and rear-wheel drive.

Nakamura envisioned a car that is indisputably modern in design, yet evokes the romance of classic sports car styling. The result approached the limits of what can be manufactured in higher volume, in particular with the powerful curves of the rear wings.

In the finished design, the ‘Condensed’ theme is evident in the relationship between the Toyota GR Supra’s large-diameter tyres, short wheelbase and overall length. It’s notable that the wheelbase is in fact shorter than in the GT86 coupe and that the tyres are larger. ‘Extreme’ is interpreted in the car’s wide stance, with tight cabin proportions and a broad tread, contributing to a high level of manoeuvrability and stability.

The design was optimal for achieving both the best possible drag and lift characteristics, and an ideal front/rear weight balance. For example, the double-bubble roof is not simply a heritage-inspired feature, it is effective in reducing drag by reducing the car’s frontal area, without sacrificing headroom in the cabin.

The frontal design was inspired by the fourth generation Supra, but has an even more expressive look with a low stance emphasised by a prominent central grille flanked by large air intakes. Again, these intakes are not simple design cues, but are essential for engine cooling. The distinctive headlight units have a six-lens LED arrangement and incorporate both the turn indicators and daytime running lights.Positioning the lights closer in towards the car’s nose adds further visual volume and power to the shell-like front wings.

In side view, the low bonnet generates a dynamic line that flows rearwards from the car’s low nose, while the back edge of the bonnet and the rear spoiler are set almost at the same height, linked by a low belt line. The underbody has a slight forward angle, while the cabin has a strong rearward slant; the blacked-out A-pillars and character lines on the side of the the roof emphasise the taut, compact cabin. Sharp-looking, robust sills express the car’s high rigidity.

In Europe, the Toyota GR Supra is fitted as standard with lightweight but highly rigid 19-inch forged alloy wheels with alternating black and polished slim spokes.

At the rear, the arching spoiler has been optimised to suppress lift, while the bumper’s trapezoid shape generates a sense of movement down and out towards the tyres. The combination lights have a simple internal ring arrangement, while the distinctive fog lights and rever-sing lights are formed by dot-LEDs grouped in the centre of the lower bumper.

The Toyota GR Supra’s evocative styling is shown to its best effect with a choice of seven different paintwork colours, including strong new Prominence Red, Lightning Yellow and Deep Blue Metallic. An additional new Matt Storm Grey is featured on the Toyota GR Supra A90 Edition, an exclusive launch model reserved for the first 90 European customers (further details below). This adds extra visual drama and metal-like texture to the car’s curved surfaces with a matt finish and a hint of blue.

Cockpit concept: putting the driver at the centre of the action

The driver’s cockpit in the new Toyota GR Supra neatly combines sports car elements with ultra-modern functionality. Designed to help the driver focus entirely on the business of driving, it is directly influenced by the layout found in single-seater race cars. The low, slim horizontal dashboard maximises the forward view through the windscreen, helping the driver place the car with precision in high-speed driving, while the principal controls are tightly grouped for quick and easy operation. The instrument panel, centre console and door trim are combined in a seamless design that gives the cockpit a strong, unified feel.

The line of the cockpit flows down into soft, supportive knee pads in the door trim and on the side of the centre console, their shape defined with the benefit of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s circuit racing experience.

The head-up display, meters and paddle shifts all sit directly in front of the driver, with additional switches located on the three-spoke steering wheel. The wheel itself is contoured for excellent grip and is wrapped in leather. The 8.8-inch high-definition driver’s instrument display is clearly visible through the steering wheel, with the 3D-effect tachometer and shift indicator positioned in the centre; a digital speed read-out to the left; and infotainment and navigation information to the right.

An asymmetric centre console marks a clear division between the enveloping driver’s cockpit and the more open passenger side of the cabin. Knee pads are provided for the passenger, too. The air conditioning control panel sits proud of the console with memory-touch switches for easy operation; an 8.8-inch central multimedia display is mounted above the console, operated using a touchscreen or a rotary controller.

The boot space is large enough for two people’s luggage for a weekend away and can be extended with a removable panel, creating room for a golf bag or all the personal kit needed for a track day.

Racing-inspired seats

The new Toyota GR Supra’s seats have a racing-influenced design that ensures comfort at all times and excellent support, in particular if the car is being used on-track. Body-holding side bolsters are featured on the cushion and high back, and there is an integrated head restraint. The upholstery options include full leather and a combination of leather bolsters with a perforated Alcantara covering for the seat back and cushion that provides a degree of air ventilation and additional body-holding performance.

POWERTRAIN AND PERFORMANCE

• 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder, turbocharged engine, 340DIN hp, 500 Nm of torque

• A chassis designed for optimum balance and performance

• Active differential, Adaptive Variable Suspension and sports braking system

The performance heart of the new Toyota GR Supra is its 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder engine, producing 340 DIN hp and 500 Nm of torque. It is fitted with a single twin-scroll turbocharger, high-precision direct fuel injection and continuously variable valve control that secure segment-leading torque performance from very low revs. The unit is powerful, well-balanced, smooth and free-revving, with an exhilarating acceleration feel and minimal vibration.

It makes use of a motor-actuated variable valve-timing system that gives precise control of the opening and closing of the intake and exhaust valves, in line with the driving conditions and driver’s inputs. The result is linear delivery of high torque at all engine speeds and high output at high rpm. Intake valve lift is controlled according to the driving situation, reducing pumping losses and realising high output.

The engine uses direct injection with a 35 MPa high-pressure system that provides spray atomisation and precise injection control for high combustion efficiency.

The design of the twin-scroll turbocharger divides the path from the exhaust manifold to the turbine into two parts. This suppresses exhaust gas interference between the cylinders, allowing the turbine to operate from lower engine rpm and giving direct response to the driver’s use of the accelerator.

The engine is matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission that provides lightning-fast up and downshifts, with short ratios used for the lower gears. The driver can take control of gear changes using paddle shifts on the steering wheel; they can also select Normal or Sport driving modes to suit their preference and the conditions.

A Launch Control function enables powerful acceleration from standstill with maximum traction, helping the car move from rest to 100 km/h in just 4.3 seconds. Engine sound and response, shift pattern, damping, steering and active differential performance are adjusted when the driver selects Sport mode. The Vehicle Stability Control has a special, selectable “track” setting that reduces the level of system intervention, giving the driver greater control of the vehicle’s dynamic performance.

Active differential

The Toyota GR Supra sold in Europe is fitted with an active differential that operates both when accelerating and decelerating and can seamlessly adjust from zero to full, 100% lock, with instant response.

A dedicated ECU monitors a wide range of inputs, including steering wheel, throttle and brake pressure, engine and wheel speed and yaw rate, for appropriate triggering of the actuator. The torque difference between the left and right wheels is controlled flexibly and seamlessly depending on the driving situation.

This delivers huge benefits in stability and efficiency when the tyres are reaching their performance limit. The effect is felt in all phases of cornering, with increased stability during the braking and cornering phases and then maximum grip as the driver accelerates out of the bend. Operation is adjusted when Sport mode is selected, to give more efficient cornering in high-speed driving, for example when using the Toyota GR Supra on a circuit.

Chassis designed for optimum balance

A car’s wheelbase and track dimensions are the first thing to consider when starting the design process with a clean sheet of paper. Where the Toyota GR Supra is concerned, these were defined in order to prioritise the car’s agility and handling. The key calculation is the ratio between the wheelbase length and the track. It is widely recognised that the best balance of agility and stability is obtained with a ratio of between 1.5 and 1.6; achieving the 1.55 ‘golden ratio’ was thus the starting point for the Toyota GR Supra development team, the key building block on which everything else has been optimised.

(For reference: wheelbase = 2,470 mm; rear track = 1,589 mm).

Intensive handling development programme

High targets were set for the handling performance and these were achieved in a development programme led by TOYOTA GAZOO Racing that included extensive testing on a wide variety of challenging roads worldwide. The on-road testing was complemented by sessions on race tracks, including the Nürburgring Nordschleife.

High structural rigidity (greater even than the Lexus LFA supercar), a centre of gravity lower than the GT86 coupe and ideal 50:50 front/rear weight distribution were fundamental to achieving the car’s dynamic goals, but they required bold engineering decisions. For example, the desired weight balance was gained by moving the engine as far as possible rearwards, which itself introduced new production challenges.

The high body rigidity allowed for more precise and detailed refinements to the suspension geometry and tuning of the shock absorbers. The suspension design comprises double-joint spring MacPherson struts at the front and a five-link system at the rear. The front suspension subframe and control arm mounting points have been made extremely rigid to yield precise cornering characteristics, while the use of aluminium for the control arms and swivel bearings reduces the car’s unsprung weight, giving superior agility and efficiency. The new GR Supra also features high-performance wheel hubs with an increased camber and optimised kinematics.

The rear suspension benefits from a similarly lightweight design for the rigid subframe and the bracing that connects it to the body, helping ensure extremely precise wheel control. The 19-inch forged alloy wheels are fitted with high grip Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres. These are slightly wider at the rear than the front.

The Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) enhances performance with instant response to changes in the road surface, adjusting the shock absorber force at each wheel to maintain a flat vehicle posture, excellent steering response and supple ride comfort. Sensors constantly monitor the way the car is being driven and the road conditions, controlling the damping force accordingly.

The driver can choose between two AVS modes – NORMAL and SPORT – to suit their mood or the driving conditions. NORMAL mode strikes a high balance between vehicle stability and ride comfort, enabling a sporty drive without sacrificing comfort. SPORT mode delivers a flat vehicle posture, reduced body roll and a more agile steering response.

The electric power steering is rack-assisted and sports tuned. Its characteristics are automatically adjusted in accordance with vehicle speed, reducing the level of effort needed at lower speeds and gradually weighting up to offer greater control and stability at higher speeds. When driving in SPORT mode, steering effort is increased, in line with the changes to the chassis and powertrain.

The system features a steering rack with the motor and reduction gear mounted separately. This gives greater flexibility for the engine mounting system and also contributes to the lowering of the Toyota GR Supra’s centre of gravity.

A sports braking system is fitted as standard with red aluminium Brembo callipers – opposed four-piston at the front and floating single-piston at the rear. The ventilated discs measure 348 x 36 mm at the front and 345 x 24 mm at the rear. The parking brake is electric.

The brakes are equipped with standby, drying and anti-fade functions. The drying function applies the brakes at pre-determined intervals when the car’s windscreen wipers are operating to dry the discs; fade prevention automatically increases brake pressure when the discs become hot.

ABS, Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, and Hill-start Assist Control are also featured as standard, together with Active Cornering Assist, which creates additional yaw movements by independent braking intervention to improve agility and line-tracing.

EQUIPMENT AND CONNECTIVITY

• Two high-performance grades: Active and Premium

• Equipped with Supra Connect and Apple CarPlay

• Supra Safety+ Package as standard

At launch, the Toyota GR Supra range will feature two high-performance grades: Active and Premium.

The Toyota GR Supra Active benefits from an all-inclusive specification that extends to high-performance features and systems to help the driver enjoy the car’s full dynamic potential. These include an active differential, Adaptive Variable Suspension and 19-inch forged alloy wheels.

The Active grade also includes a dual-zone automatic air conditioning system, Adaptive Cruise Control with stop and go, smart entry and push-button start, steering wheel with leather trim and auxiliary switches and a digital combimeter in the driver’s instrument display. LED technology is used for the adaptive headlights, rear lights and daytime running lights, and the mirrors (door mirrors and rear-view mirror) are all auto-dimming. Further convenience is provided by rain-sensing wipers and a rear-view camera.

The sports seats are upholstered in black Alcantara and are power-adjustable (including lumbar support), with integrated heating and memory functions. The infotainment specifications feature a 10-speaker audio system, a multimedia system with 8.8-inch high-definition display, navigation with Supra Connect (in applicable markets), Bluetooth and USB port.

The multimedia system provides smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay, allowing dedicated iPhone applications to be accessed using the display. A number of connected services can be accessed, including real time traffic information, map updates and a concierge service.

Safety features include Supra the Safety+ package, which provides a comprehensive range of active safety features. These include a Pre-Collision System with a pedestrian detection function and the ability to recognise cyclists during daytime driving; Lane Departure Alert with steering assist; Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic High Beam/Adaptive High-beam System; Adaptive Front -light System, which adjust the headlight illumination in line with the car’s steering angle; and Road Sign Assist.

In addition, the car is also equipped with Blind Spot Monitor with Lane Change Departure Alert, Rear-Cross Traffic Alert, Rear-end Collision Alert, and intelligent parking sensors with automatic braking to help prevent collisions with objects or vehicles approaching from either side when reversing out of a parking space or driveway. All Toyota GR Supra versions are fitted with an alarm, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System and an eCall function that will send an automatic location alert to the emergency services in the event of a serious collision.

The Premium grade builds on the Active grade with black leather upholstery, a 12-speaker JBL premium sound system, a driver’s head-up display, a wireless mobile phone charger and storage and lighting packs. The phone charging tray is located in the centre console tray and can accommodate devices compatible with global Qi wireless charging standards. The charging status is shown on the centre display and if the owner forgets to remove their phone from the tray when leaving the car, a warning message is shown.

Toyota GR Supra A90 Edition

To celebrate the Supra heritage and the introduction of the fifth generation code number, an exclusive Toyota GR Supra A90 Edition model was built for the launch, with production strictly limited to just 90 examples in Europe. The A90 Edition is finished in a dramatic Storm Grey matt paint finish, and has matt black alloy wheels and a driver’s cockpit upholstered in red leather. In other aspects, its equipment specification matches the Premium grade.

The Toyota GR Supra A90 Edition was offered exclusively to the first 90 European customers who placed a pre-order for their car through the country-specific reservation platforms and was an instant sell-out.

GR Supra GT Cup

WHO IS THE FASTEST GR SUPRA DRIVER?

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing enters the world of e-motorsports with the launch of the GR Supra GT Cup, the first-ever global one-make race series in Gran Turismo Sport for PlayStation® 4 (PS4®)*¹, starting in April 2019.

Furthermore, as announced in March 2019, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing is an official manufacturer partner of the FIA-Certified Gran Turismo Championships, an online championship series for the Gran Turismo real driving simulator that is hosted in partnership with the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile).

With the inclusion of e-motorsports as one of the key motorsport activities for TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, the company is working actively to make motorsport and sports cars more accessible to more people everywhere. In the coming years, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing aims to gather feedback and evaluation from Gran Turismo drivers which can be used to enhance the Toyota GR Supra in real life.

*² Under the laws of the participating countries, even if participants are in the top qualifying rounds online, those who are under the age of 13 years may not be able to participate in the final (real event).

*Schedule and course are subject to change.

Detailed information including the circuits to be used in each round will be published in due course on the GR Supra GT Cup section of the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing website.

Rd.4, Rd.5 and Rd.13 will be start 30 minutes before the above times.

Start time is subject to change.

Entries for each race will open 15 minutes before the start in Gran Turismo Sport’s “sports mode”.

*¹ PlayStation” is a registered trademark of Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.

“PS4” is a trademark of the same company.

© 2019 Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc. Developed by Polyphony Digital Inc. ”Gran Turismo” logos are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.

From this year, by involving e-motorsports as one of the pillars of TGR motorsports activities, we are actively working to make motorsports and sport cars more accessible and enjoyable across generations and around the world. We hope that many more Gran Turismo drivers will experience the GR Supra^*2 and that we can obtain their feedback and evaluation of the GR Supra, to enhance the real Supra in the coming years.

^*1 ”PlayStation” is a registered trademark of Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc. “PS4” is a trademark of the same company.

© 2019 Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc. Developed by Polyphony Digital Inc. ”Gran Turismo” logos are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.

^*2 Name used for marketing and other promotional communications.

GR Supra GT Cup Outline

^*3 Under the laws of the participating countries, even if participants are in the top qualifying rounds online, those who are under the age of 13 years may not be able to participate in the final (real event).

Schedule

*Schedule and course are subject to change.

Detailed information including the circuits to be used in each round will be published in due course on the GR Supra GT Cup section of the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing website.

URL: https://toyotagazooracing.com/e-motorsports/

Start time (differs according to the five regions below)

※Rd.4, Rd.5 and Rd.13 will be start 30 minutes before the above times. Start time is subject to change.

Also, entries for each race will open 15 minutes before the start of each race at “sports mode” of the Gran Turismo SPORT.

Pictures

URL: https://www.tgr-dam.com

From this year, by involving e-motor sports as one of the pillars of TGR motorsports activities, we are actively working to make motor sports and sports cars more accessible, and enjoyable across generations and around the world. Then, we hope to connect various findings obtained through e-motor sports to ”making ever-better cars” in the future.

Supra GT Cup Overview

Detailed information including the circuits to be used in each round will be published in due course on the GR Supra GT Cup section of the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing website.URL: https://toyotagazooracing.com/e-motorsports/

The FIA Gran Turismo Championship World Tour 1, the opening event of the Gran Turismo Sport world series, will be held in Paris on March 16. At the event, we will announce the GR Supra GT Cup at a panel session*2 with Mr. Yamauchi (President of Polyphony Digital Inc.) and Tetsuya Tada (Chief Engineer of GR Supra). It will be broadcast live on GRAN TURISMO TV, the official Gran Turismo YouTube channel.URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrAPfIQ66W4

*1　”PlayStation” is a registered trademark of Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc. “PS4” is a trademark of the same company.© 2019 Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc. Developed by Polyphony Digital Inc. ”Gran Turismo” logos are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.

*2　It Will start at 3:30 pm（Central European Time）on March 16. The event contents and speakers are subject to change without notice.

*3　Name used for marketing and other promotional communications.

- GR Supra - The legend returns (assets here)

- GR Supra GT4 Concept - Developed for potential motorsport role (assets here)

- Corolla TREK - Designed for active lifestyles and outdoor pursuits (assets here)

- Corolla GR TREK - The second model to join Toyota's European GR SPORT range (assets here)

- New 2019 Prius with AWD-i - A fresh face and intelligent all wheel drive (assets here)

- New AYGO x-style and x-cite - Standing out from the crowd (assets here)

The 3.0-litre engine benefits from a single twin-scroll turbocharger and produces 340 DIN hp and 500 Nm of torque. Coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission, it is characterised by smooth and powerful acceleration, with large amounts of torque available across the full spectrum of engine speeds.

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing was instrumental in honing the new sportscar’s performance, working extensively on the famous Nürburgring Nordschleife and surrounding roads in Germany in order to achieve the most agile, stable and rewarding handling. Further extensive testing was carried out on roads around the world.

To be certain that the car delivered on its promise, Toyota President Akio Toyoda put it to the test at the Nürburgring in his role as a Master Driver before giving it the final green light.

New Toyota GR Supra customer deliveries will start from late summer 2019. All vehicles will be manufactured in Graz, Austria.

Pure sports car design

Even at first glance, it’s clear to see how Toyota’s great sports car heritage is referenced in the design of the new Toyota GR Supra. The landmark 2000GT’s influence in particular is evident in the long bonnet, compact body and double-bubble roof, while the distinctive look of the fourth generation Supra is captured in both the front and  rear styling, in particular in the muscular rear wings and the arc of the integrated spoiler. The resemblance is more than skin-deep, though, as the new Toyota GR Supra shares the same classic sports car format of a powerful front-mounted six-cylinder engine and rear-wheel drive as its celebrated predecessors.

The Toyota Supra’s design theme was first previewed by Toyota in the dramatic FT-1 concept car, styled by its CALTY studio in California and revealed in 2014 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Toyota Supra Chief Designer Nobuo Nakamura gave his team a simple brief around the concept of ‘Condensed Extreme,’ purposely avoiding any emotive words so that they were free to express their vision of a pure and individual sports car in a truly original design.

“With Chief Engineer Tada pursuing driving pleasure, I knew that my mission was to create a design that would be visually and physically exciting to sports car fans,” he said. “By using a straight-six front engine, rear-wheel drive layout – something rarely seen in today’s cars – I was able to reach something beyond Toyota’s boundaries.”

‘Condensed Extreme’ refers directly the vehicle’s packaging, comprising three principal elements: a short wheelbase, large wheels and wide stance; a taut, two-seat cabin; and a long bonnet with a compact body that reflects the drivetrain combination of in-line six engine and rear-wheel drive.

Nakamura envisioned a car that is indisputably modern in design, yet evokes the romance of classic sports car styling. The result approached the limits of what could be manufactured in higher volume, in particular the powerful curves of the rear wings.

In the finished design, the ‘Condensed’ theme is evident in the relationship between the Toyota GR Supra’s large-diameter tyres, short wheelbase and overall length. It’s notable that the wheelbase is in fact shorter than in the GT86 coupe, and the tyres are larger. ‘Extreme’ is interpreted in the car’s wide stance, with tight cabin proportions and a broad tread, contributing to a high level of manoeuvrability and stability.

The design was precisely calculated to achieve both optimum drag and lift characteristics, and an ideal front/rear weight balance. For example, the double-bubble roof is not simply a heritage-inspired styling feature, it is effective in reducing drag by reducing the car’s frontal area, without sacrificing headroom in the cabin.

The frontal design was inspired by the fourth generation Supra but has an even more expressive look with a low stance emphasised by a prominent central grille flanked by large air intakes that are essential for engine cooling. The distinctive headlight units have a six-lens LED arrangement incorporating the turn indicators and daytime running lights. Positioning the lamp units closer in towards the nose adds further visual volume and power to the shell-like front wings.

In side view, the low bonnet generates a dynamic line that flows rearwards from the car’s low nose, while the back edge of the bonnet and the rear spoiler are set at almost the same height, linked by a low belt line. The underbody has a slight forward angle while the cabin has a strong rearward slant, with blacked-out front pillars and character lines on the side of the roof emphasising the taut, compact cabin. Sharp-looking, sturdy sills express the car’s high rigidity. In Europe, the Toyota GR Supra will be fitted as standard with lightweight but highly rigid 19-inch forged alloy wheels with alternating black and polished-finish slim spokes.

At the rear, the arching lip spoiler has been optimised to suppress lift, while a trapezoidal shape to the rear bumper generates a sense of movement down and out towards the tyres. The rear combination lights have a simple internal ring arrangement, while the distinctive rear fog lights and reversing lights are formed by dot-LEDs grouped in the centre of the the lower bumper.

The Toyota Supra’s evocative styling will be shown to its best effect by a range of eight different colour choices for the paintwork, including strong red, yellow and blue shades. A new Matt Storm Grey finish will be available for a special edition model, adding extra visual drama and metal-like texture to the car’s curved surfaces with a matt finish and a hint of blue.

Cockpit concept: putting the driver at the centre of the action

The driver’s cockpit in the new Toyota GR Supra neatly combines traditional GT elements with ultra-modern functionality. Designed to help the driver focus entirely on the business of driving, it is directly influenced by the lay-out found in single-seater race cars. The low, slim horizontal dashboard maximises the forward view through the windscreen, helping the driver place the car with precision in high-speed driving, while the principal controls are tightly grouped for quick and easy operation. The instrument panel, centre console and door trim combine in a seamless design that gives the cockpit a strong, unified feel.

The shape of the cockpit flows down into soft, supportive knee pads in the door trim and on the side of the centre console, their shape calculated with the benefit of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s circuit racing experience.

The head-up display, meters and paddle shifts all sit directly in front of the driver, with additional switches located on the three-spoke steering wheel. The wheel itself contoured for excellent grip and is wrapped in leather. The 8.8-inch high-definition driver’s instrument display is clearly visible through the steering wheel, with the 3D-effect tachometer and shift indicator positioned in the centre; a digital speed read-out to the left and infotainment and navigation information to the right.

An asymmetric centre console marks a clear division between the enveloping driver’s cockpit and the more open passenger side of the Toyota GR Supra’s cabin. Knee pads are provided here, too. The air conditioning control panel sits proud of the console, with memory-touch switches for easy operation, and an 8.8-inch central multimedia display is mounted above the console. This display can be operated as a touch screen, or by using a rotary controller.

The boot space is large enough for two people’s luggage for a weekend away and can be extended with a removable panel, creating enough space for a golf bag or all the personal kit needed for a track day.

Racing-inspired seats

The new Toyota GR Supra’s seats have a racing-influenced design that ensures comfort at all times and excellent support, in particular if the car is being used on-track. Body-holding side bolsters are featured on the cushion and the high back and there is an integrated head restraint. The upholstery options include leather and a combination of leather bolsters with perforated Alcantara covering for the seat back and cushion that provides a degree of air ventilation and additional body holding performance.

Engine performance

The performance heart of the new Toyota GR Supra is its 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder engine, producing up to 340 DIN hp and 500 Nm of torque. It is fitted with a single twin-scroll turbocharger, high-precision direct fuel injection and continuously variable valve control that secure segment-leading torque performance from very low revs. The unit is powerful, well-balanced, smooth and light revving, with an exhilarating acceleration feel.

It is matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission that provides lightning-fast up and downshifts, with short ratios selected for the lower gears; the driver can take control of gear changes using paddle shifts on the steering wheel and can select Normal or Sport driving modes to suit their preference and the conditions. A Launch Control function enables powerful acceleration from standstill with maximum traction, helping the car move from rest to 100 km/h in just 4.3 seconds. Engine sound and response, shift pattern, damping, steering and active differential performance are adjusted when the driver selects Sport mode. The Vehicle Stability Control has a special “track” setting that can be selected, reducing the level of system intervention so the driver has greater control of the vehicle’s dynamic performance.

Active differential

All versions of the Toyota GR Supra sold in Europe will be fitted with an active differential that operates both when accelerating and decelerating and can seamlessly adjust from zero to full, 100% lock, with instant response. A dedicated ECU monitors a wide range of inputs, including steering wheel, throttle and brake pedal operation, engine speed and yaw rate, for appropriate triggering of the actuator.

It delivers huge benefits in stability and efficiency when the tyres are reaching their performance limit. The effect is felt in all phases of cornering, with increased stability during the braking and cornering phases and then maximum grip as the driver accelerates out of the bend.

Chassis designed for optimum balance

A car’s exterior dimensions are the first task to consider when starting with a clean sheet of paper. Where the Toyota GR Supra is concerned, these were defined in order to prioritise the car’s agility and handling. The key calculation is the ratio between the wheelbase length and the tread width. The best balance of great agility and superior stability is achieved with a ratio of between 1.5 and 1.6; achieving the 1.55 “golden ratio” was thus the starting point for the Toyota GR Supra development team the key building block on which everything else has been optimised.

Intensive handling development programme

High targets were set for the handling performance and these were achieved in a development programme led by TOYOTA GAZOO Racing that included extensive testing on a wide variety of challenging roads worldwide. The on-road testing also included sessions on race tracks, including the Nürburgring Nordschleife. High structural rigidity (greater even than the Lexus LFA supercar), a centre of gravity lower than the GT86 coupe and ideal 50:50 front/rear weight distribution were fundamental to achieving the dynamic goals, but required bold engineering decisions. For example, the desired weight balance was gained by moving the engine as far as possible rearwards, which introduced new production challenges.

The high body rigidity allowed for more precise and detailed refinements to the suspension geometry and tuning of the shock absorbers. The new suspension design comprises double-joint spring MacPherson struts at the front and a five-link system at the rear. The front suspension subframe and control arm mounting points have been made extremely rigid to yield precise cornering characteristics, while the use of aluminium for the control arms and swivel bearings reduces the car’s unsprung weight, giving superior agility and efficiency. The new GR Supra also features high-performance wheel hubs with an increased camber and optimised kinematics. The electric power steering is sports-tuned and can be adjusted in Comfort and Sport steering modes.

The rear suspension benefits from a similarly lightweight design for the rigid subframe and the bracing that connects it to the body, helping ensure extremely precise wheel control. The 19-inch forged alloy wheels are fitted with high grip Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres. These are slightly wider at the rear than the front. The suitably powerful brakes are fitted with four-pot Brembo callipers.

The Toyota GR Supra is the first GR model to be produced by TOYOTA GAZOO Racing for the global market.

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing is the umbrella organisation for Toyota’s global motorsports programme and in the past year has won both the Le Mans 24 Hours in the FIA World Endurance Championship, the Manufacturers’ Championship in the FIA World Rally Championship and the 2019 Dakar with Hilux. Its work is based on three pillars: developing people through participation in motorsport; creating fans through the excitement of motorsport; and applying the knowledge gained from motorsport to make ever-better cars for the road that are fun-to-drive.

This ethos was fully embraced by Kiichiro Toyoda, the founder of Toyota’s car-making business, and is shared today by Akio Toyoda, Toyota Motor Corporation President, to support the company’s commitment to building ever-better cars.

Starting with the Toyota GR Supra, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing will transfer the technical learnings it gains from the racetrack or rally stage to the development of not just new generations of Toyota’s sports-focused GR models, but also to its wider range of vehicles, driven by tens of millions of people around the world.

Supra 900

There will be 900 new Toyota GR Supra owners in Europe during the first year of the car’s launch and, as the first to reserve this pure new sports car, they will enjoy a number of special benefits. In recognition of their enthusiasm for the return of the Supra name, they will be given access to an exclusive experience programme and money-can’t-buy rewards in the lead-up to the delivery of their car, from late summer 2019.

Launch model range with Active and Premium grades

The Toyota GR Supra 2019 line-up will be introduced with two 3.0L, high-performance grades: Active and Premium.

At the entry point to the new model range, the Toyota GR Supra Active benefits from an all-inclusive specification that extends to high-performance features and systems to help the driver enjoy the car’s full dynamic potential. These include an active differential, Adaptive Variable Suspension, and 19-inch forged alloy wheels with a high-performance brake package.

Other Active grade features include dual-zone automatic air conditioning, Adaptive Cruise Control with stop and go, smart entry and push-button start, steering wheel with leather trim and auxiliary switches and a digital combimeter in the driver’s instrument display. LED technology is used for the adaptive headlights, rear lights and daytime running lights, and the mirrors (door mirrors and rear-view mirror) are all auto-dimming. Further convenience is provided by rain-sensing wipers and a rear-view camera.

The sports seats are upholstered in black Alcantara and are power-adjustable (including lumbar support), with integrated heating and memory functions. The infotainment specifications feature a 10-speaker audio system with 8.8-inch display, navigation system with Supra Connect (in applicable markets), Bluetooth and USB port.

Safety features include Supra Safety + Package, which comprises Blind Spot Monitor and Lane Change Departure Alert, Rear-Cross Traffic Alert, Rear-end Collision Alert, and Intelligent parking sensors with automatic braking. In addition, there is an E-Call function that will send an automatic location alert to the emergency services in the event of a serious collision and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System. All Toyota GR Supra models are fitted with an alarm.

The Premium grade builds on the Active specification with black leather upholstery, 12-speaker JBL premium sound system, driver’s Head-Up Display, wireless mobile phone charger and storage and lighting packs.

Toyota GR Supra A90 Edition

The Toyota Supra prototype made an impressive international debut when it appeared in front of the crowds of the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the summer of 2018.

Clothed in a head-turning black, red and white camouflage inspired by the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing colours, its cameo appearance echoed the heritage of the Supra’s famous ‘A’ chassis code with a new “A90” reference.

To celebrate the Supra heritage and the introduction of the fifth generation code number, an exclusive Toyota GR Supra A90 Edition model has been built at launch, with production strictly limited to just 90 examples. The A90 Edition is finished in a dramatic new Storm Grey matt paint finish, equipped with matt black alloy wheels and a driver’s cockpit upholstered in red leather. In other aspects, its equipment specification matches the Premium grade.

The Toyota GR Supra A90 Edition has been offered exclusively to the very first 90 European customers who placed a pre-order for their car through the country-specific reservation platforms.

After a 17-year absence from the market and due to an overwhelming appetite from enthusiasts for a sports car that delivers a pure driving experience, high demand for the Toyota GR Supra has led to a waiting list that runs into the thousands, ensuring reservations will shortly re-open for 2020 deliveries.

To celebrate the Supra’s legendary heritage and introduction of the fifth-generation chassis code number, an exclusive Toyota GR Supra A90 Edition model will be built. Finished in dramatic, matt Storm Grey, equipped with 19” matt black alloy wheels and featuring a stunning red leather driver-centric cockpit, all 90 examples of the A90 Edition have been reserved.

Finally, to recognise the enthusiasm they’ve shown for the return of the Supra name, the 900 Toyota GR Supra owners in Europe during the first year of the car’s launch will enjoy a number of special benefits. As members of the Supra 900 and in the lead-up to the delivery of their car from summer 2019, they will be given access to exclusive experience programmes and a number of money-can’t-buy rewards.

Chief Engineer of the Toyota GR Supra, Tetsuya Tada, commented: “I’d like to thank the first 900 customers for their reservations, securing their priority order access to the new Toyota GR Supra ahead of its official European premiere at 2019 Geneva Motor Show. As Chief Engineer, I cannot wait until the moment they get behind the wheel, I believe that we will reignite the passion and put the fun back into driving for as many people as possible.”

The road-going Toyota GR Supra has essential qualities that make it an attractive proposition for GT4 racing, with its perfectly balanced chassis, two-seater cabin, highly rigid and light weight body, rear-wheel drive and very low centre of gravity. The combination of the short wheelbase and wide track gives it an ideal 1.55 “golden ratio” for excellent stability and agility, which are valuable assets in a series where the regulations use a balance of performance calculation (adjusting weight according to engine power) to ensure even competition across the field.

The concept model, developed by TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, is instantly recognisable as a Supra and maintains the road car’s low, muscular shape, but with increased length and lowered height. A specially-designed front diffuser and rear wing have been added to the GR Supra GT4 Concept to improve airflow around the chassis, reducing drag and optimising downforce. Both items are constructed using composites made from natural fibres such as hemp and flax, replacing the traditional carbon fibre in order to reduce the impact on the environment. Original alloy wheels have been replaced by five-hole OZ 11 x 18in racing wheels.

The MacPherson strut front and multilink rear suspension design is carried over, but with the addition of competition springs, shock absorbers and anti-roll bars. The high-power deceleration required for racing is provided by high-performance Brembo brakes.

Under the bonnet, the GR Supra GT4 Concept retains the 3.0-litre straight-six-cylinder petrol engine with single twin scroll turbocharger, coupled to an automatic transmission. Performance is increased with help from a motorsport-grade ECU and bespoke wiring looms. There are also motorsport-specification drive shafts and limited slip differential.

The stripped-out cabin is fitted with a high-strength roll cage and FIA-standard fire extinguisher and OMP racing seat. The concept car is also equipped with a motorsport-specific fuel tank and a fast refuelling system.

GT4 is one of the world’s fastest-growing motorsports categories, with national and regional competitions in Europe, North America, Asia and Oceania. Established since 2006 and sanctioned by the FIA, it is designed to be a value-for-money series for both professional and amateur racers, and a potential stepping-stone to GT3 competition.

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing will evaluate the interest shown by potential customers in the Supra GT4 Concept before deciding on future development of the vehicle.

Toyota GR Supra GT4 Concept technical specifications

The new Toyota GR Supra has been conceived as a sports car in its purest form, with no compromise that would diminish the pleasure of the driving experience. Chief Engineer Tetsuya Tada has adhered to the classic form of a front-mounted, straight-six engine driving the rear wheels, building on the heritage of Toyota’s past Supra generations and original 2000GT sports car. Driving enthusiasts can look forward to an exhilarating blend of power, agility and precision handling, achieved thanks to the car’s combination of a short wheelbase and wide track, light weight, low centre of gravity and highly rigid body.

The 3.0-litre engine benefits from a twin-scroll turbocharger and produces 340 DIN hp and 500 Nm of torque. Coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission, it is characterised by smooth and powerful acceleration, with large amounts of torque available across the full spectrum of engine speeds.

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing was instrumental in honing the new sportscar’s performance, working extensively on the famous Nürburgring Nordschleife and surrounding roads in Germany in order to achieve the most agile, stable and rewarding handling. Further extensive testing was carried out on roads around the world.

To be certain that the car delivered on its promise, Toyota President Akio Toyoda put it to the test at the Nürburgring in his role as a Master Driver before giving it the final green light.

New Toyota GR Supra customer deliveries will start from late summer 2019. All vehicles will be manufactured in Graz, Austria.

Pure sports car design

Even at first glance, it’s clear to see how Toyota’s great sports car heritage is referenced in the design of the new Toyota GR Supra. The landmark 2000GT’s influence in particular is evident in the long bonnet, compact body and double-bubble roof, while the distinctive look of the fourth generation Supra is captured in both the front and rear styling, in particular in the muscular rear wings and the arc of the integrated spoiler. The resemblance is more than skin-deep, though, as the new Toyota GR Supra shares the same classic sports car format of a powerful front-mounted six-cylinder engine and rear-wheel drive as its celebrated predecessors.

The Toyota Supra’s design theme was first previewed by Toyota in the dramatic FT-1 concept car, styled by its CALTY studio in California and revealed in 2014 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Toyota Supra Chief Designer Nobuo Nakamura gave his team a simple brief around the concept of ‘Condensed Extreme,’ purposely avoiding any emotive words so that they were free to express their vision of a pure and individual sports car in a truly original design.

“With Chief Engineer Tada pursuing driving pleasure, I knew that my mission was to create a design that would be visually and physically exciting to sports car fans,” he said. “By using a straight-six front engine, rear-wheel drive layout – something rarely seen in today’s cars – I was able to reach something beyond Toyota’s boundaries.”

‘Condensed Extreme’ refers directly the vehicle’s packaging, comprising three principal elements: a short wheelbase, large wheels and wide stance; a taut, two-seat cabin; and a long bonnet with a compact body that reflects the drivetrain combination of in-line six engine and rear-wheel drive.

Nakamura envisioned a car that is indisputably modern in design, yet evokes the romance of classic sports car styling. The result approached the limits of what could be manufactured in higher volume, in particular the powerful curves of the rear wings.

In the finished design, the ‘Condensed’ theme is evident in the relationship between the Toyota GR Supra’s large-diameter tyres, short wheelbase and overall length. It’s notable that the wheelbase is in fact shorter than in the GT86 coupe, and the tyres are larger. ‘Extreme’ is interpreted in the car’s wide stance, with tight cabin proportions and a broad tread, contributing to a high level of manoeuvrability and stability.

The design was precisely calculated to achieve both optimum drag and lift characteristics, and an ideal front/rear weight balance. For example, the double-bubble roof is not simply a heritage-inspired styling feature, it is effective in reducing drag by reducing the car’s frontal area, without sacrificing headroom in the cabin.

The frontal design was inspired by the fourth generation Supra but has an even more expressive look with a low stance emphasised by a prominent central grille flanked by large air intakes that are essential for engine cooling. The distinctive headlight units have a six-lens LED arrangement incorporating the turn indicators and daytime running lights. Positioning the lamp units closer in towards the nose adds further visual volume and power to the shell-like front wings.

In side view, the low bonnet generates a dynamic line that flows rearwards from the car’s low nose, while the back edge of the bonnet and the rear spoiler are set at almost the same height, linked by a low belt line. The underbody has a slight forward angle while the cabin has a strong rearward slant, with blacked-out front pillars and character lines on the side of the roof emphasising the taut, compact cabin. Sharp-looking, sturdy sills express the car’s high rigidity. In Europe, the Toyota GR Supra will be fitted as standard with lightweight but highly rigid 19-inch forged alloy wheels with alternating black and polished-finish slim spokes.

At the rear, the arching lip spoiler has been optimised to suppress lift, while a trapezoidal shape to the rear bumper generates a sense of movement down and out towards the tyres. The rear combination lights have a simple internal ring arrangement, while the distinctive rear fog lights and reversing lights are formed by dot-LEDs grouped in the centre of the the lower bumper.

The Toyota Supra’s evocative styling will be shown to its best effect by a range of eight different colour choices for the paintwork, including strong red, yellow and blue shades. A new Matt Storm Grey finish will be available for a special edition model, adding extra visual drama and metal-like texture to the car’s curved surfaces with a matt finish and a hint of blue.

Cockpit concept: putting the driver at the centre of the action

The driver’s cockpit in the new Toyota GR Supra neatly combines traditional GT elements with ultra-modern functionality. Designed to help the driver focus entirely on the business of driving, it is directly influenced by the lay-out found in single-seater race cars. The low, slim horizontal dashboard maximises the forward view through the windscreen, helping the driver place the car with precision in high-speed driving, while the principal controls are tightly grouped for quick and easy operation. The instrument panel, centre console and door trim combine in a seamless design that gives the cockpit a strong, unified feel.

The shape of the cockpit flows down into soft, supportive knee pads in the door trim and on the side of the centre console, their shape calculated with the benefit of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s circuit racing experience.

The head-up display, meters and paddle shifts all sit directly in front of the driver, with additional switches located on the three-spoke steering wheel. The wheel itself contoured for excellent grip and is wrapped in leather. The 8.8-inch high-definition driver’s instrument display is clearly visible through the steering wheel, with the 3D-effect tachometer and shift indicator positioned in the centre; a digital speed read-out is the left and infotainment and navigation information to the right.

An asymmetric centre console marks a clear division between the enveloping driver’s cockpit and the more open passenger side of the Toyota GR Supra’s cabin. Knee pads are provided here, too. The air conditioning control panel sits proud of the console, with memory-touch switches for easy operation, and an 8.8-inch central multimedia display is mounted above the console. This display can be operated as a touch screen, or by using a rotary controller.

The boot space is large enough for two people’s luggage for a weekend away and can be extended with a removable panel at the back of the cabin, creating enough space for a golf bag or all the personal kit needed for a track day.

Racing-inspired seats

The new Toyota GR Supra’s seats have a racing-influenced design that ensures comfort at all times and excellent support, in particular if the car is being used on-track. Body-holding side bolsters are featured on the cushion and the high back and there is an integrated head restraint. The upholstery options include leather and a combination of leather bolsters with perforated Alcantara covering for the seat back and cushion that provides a degree of air ventilation and additional body holding performance.

Engine performance

The performance heart of the new Toyota GR Supra is its 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder engine, producing up to 340 DIN hp and 500 Nm of torque. It is fitted with a twin-scroll turbocharger, high-precision direct fuel injection and continuously variable valve control that secure segment-leading torque performance from very low revs. The unit is powerful, well-balanced, smooth and light revving, with an exhilarating acceleration feel.

It is matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission that provides lightning-fast up and downshifts, with short ratios selected for the lower gears; the driver can take control of gear changes using paddle shifts on the steering wheel and can select Normal or Sport driving modes to suit their preference and the conditions. A Launch Control function enables powerful acceleration from standstill with maximum traction, helping the car move from rest to 100 km/h in just 4.3 seconds. Engine sound and response, shift pattern, damping, steering and active differential performance are adjusted when the driver selects Sport mode. The Vehicle Stability Control has a special “track” setting that can be selected, reducing the level of system intervention so the driver has greater control of the vehicle’s dynamic performance.

Active differential

All versions of the Toyota GR Supra sold in Europe will be fitted with an active differential that operates both when accelerating and decelerating and can seamlessly adjust from zero to full, 100% lock, with instant response. A dedicated ECU monitors a wide range of inputs, including steering wheel, throttle and brake pedal operation, engine speed and yaw rate, for appropriate triggering of the actuator.

It delivers huge benefits in stability and efficiency when the tyres are reaching their performance limit. The effect is felt in all phases of cornering, with increased stability during the braking and cornering phases and then maximum grip as the driver accelerates out of the bend.

Chassis designed for optimum balance

A car’s exterior dimensions are the first task to consider when starting with a clean sheet of paper. Where the Toyota GR Supra is concerned, these were defined in order to prioritise the car’s agility and handling. The key calculation is the ratio between the wheelbase length and the tread width. The best balance of great agility and superior stability is achieved with a ratio of between 1.5 and 1.6; achieving the 1.55 “golden ratio” was thus the starting point for the Toyota GR Supra development team the key building block on which everything else has been optimised.

Intensive handling development programme

High targets were set for the handling performance and these were achieved in a development programme led by TOYOTA GAZOO Racing that included extensive testing on a wide variety of challenging roads worldwide. The on-road testing also included sessions on race tracks, including the Nürburgring Nordschleife. High structural rigidity (greater even than the Lexus LFA supercar), a centre of gravity lower than the GT86 coupe and ideal 50:50 front/rear weight distribution were fundamental to achieving the dynamic goals, but required bold engineering decisions. For example, the desired weight balance was gained by moving the engine as far as possible rearwards, which introduced new production challenges.

The high body rigidity allowed for more precise and detailed refinements to the suspension geometry and tuning of the shock absorbers. The new suspension design comprises double-joint spring MacPherson struts at the front and a five-link system at the rear. The front suspension subframe and control arm mounting points have been made extremely rigid to yield precise cornering characteristics, while the use of aluminium for the control arms and swivel bearings reduces the car’s unsprung weight, giving superior agility and efficiency. The new GR Supra also features high-performance wheel hubs with an increased camber and optimised kinematics. The electric power steering is sports-tuned and can be adjusted in Comfort and Sport steering modes.

The rear suspension benefits from a similarly lightweight design for the rigid subframe and the bracing that connects it to the body, helping ensure extremely precise wheel control. The 19-inch forged alloy wheels are fitted with high grip Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres. These are slightly wider at the rear than the front. The suitably powerful brakes are fitted with four-pot Brembo callipers.

The Toyota GR Supra is the first GR model to be produced by TOYOTA GAZOO Racing for the global market.

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing is the umbrella organisation for Toyota’s global motorsports programme and in the past year has won both the Le Mans 24 Hours in the FIA World Endurance Championship and Manufacturers’ Championship in the FIA World Rally Championship. Its work is based on three pillars: developing people through participation in motorsport; creating fans through the excitement of motorsport; and applying the knowledge gained from motorsport to make ever-better cars for the road that are fun-to-drive.

This ethos was fully embraced by Kiichiro Toyoda, the founder of Toyota’s car-making business, and is shared today by Akio Toyoda, Toyota Motor Corporation President, to support the company’s commitment to building ever-better cars.

Starting with the Toyota GR Supra, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing will transfer the technical learnings it gains from the racetrack or rally stage to the development of not just new generations of Toyota’s sports-focused GR models, but also to its wider range of vehicles, driven by tens of millions of people around the world.

Supra 900

There will be 900 new Toyota GR Supra owners in Europe during the first year of the car’s launch and, as the first to reserve this pure new sports car, they will enjoy a number of special benefits. In recognition of their enthusiasm for the return of the Supra name, they will be given access to an exclusive experience programme and money-can’t-buy rewards in the lead-up to the delivery of their car, from late summer 2019.

Launch model range with Active and Premium grades

The Toyota GR Supra 2019 line-up will be introduced with two 3.0L, high-performance grades: Active and Premium.

At the entry point to the new model range, the Toyota GR Supra Active benefits from an all-inclusive specification that extends to high-performance features and systems to help the driver enjoy the car’s full dynamic potential. These include an active differential, Adaptive Variable Suspension, and 19-inch forged alloy wheels with a high-performance brake package.

Other Active grade features include dual-zone automatic air conditioning, Adaptive Cruise Control with stop and go, smart entry and push-button start, steering wheel with leather trim and auxiliary switches and a digital combimeter in the driver’s instrument display. LED technology is used for the adaptive headlights, rear lights and daytime running lights, and the mirrors (door mirrors and rear-view mirror) are all auto-dimming. Further convenience is provided by rain-sensing wipers and a rear-view camera.

The sports seats are upholstered in black Alcantara and are power-adjustable (including lumbar support), with integrated heating and memory functions. The infotainment specifications feature a 10-speaker audio system with 8.8-inch display, navigation system with Supra Connect (in applicable markets), Bluetooth and USB port.

Safety features include Supra Safety + Package, which comprises Blind Spot Monitor and Lane Change Departure Alert, Rear-Cross Traffic Alert, Rear-end Collision Alert, and Intelligent parking sensors with automatic braking. In addition, there is an E-Call function that will send an automatic location alert to the emergency services in the event of a serious collision and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System. All Toyota GR Supra models are fitted with an alarm.

The Premium grade builds on the Active specification with black leather upholstery, 12-speaker JBL premium sound system, driver’s Head-Up Display, wireless mobile phone charger and storage and lighting packs.

Detailed specifications and prices will be announced on the dedicated Toyota GR Supra websites across Europe from January 14th 2019.

Toyota GR Supra A90 Edition

The Toyota Supra prototype made an impressive international debut when it appeared in front of the crowds of the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the summer of 2018.

Clothed in a head-turning black, red and white camouflage inspired by the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing colours, its cameo appearance echoed the heritage of the Supra’s famous ‘A’ chassis code with a new “A90” reference.

To celebrate the Supra heritage and the introduction of the fifth generation code number, an exclusive Toyota GR Supra A90 Edition model will be built at launch, with production strictly limited to just 90 examples. The A90 Edition will be finished in a dramatic new Storm Grey matt paint finish, equipped with matt black alloy wheels and a driver’s cockpit upholstered in red leather. In other aspects, its equipment specification will match the Premium grade.

The Toyota GR Supra A90 Edition will be offered exclusively to the very first 90 European customers who placed a pre-order for their car through the country-specific reservation platforms.

 Faithful to its distinguished heritage as a pure, sports car, the thoroughbred fifth generation Toyota Supra features a front-mounted, 3.0 litre straight six-cylinder petrol engine with rear-wheel drive and active differential. The new two-seater package promises exhilarating driving performance, ensured by its perfectly balanced 50:50 weight distribution. 

Production of the new Toyota Supra is due to commence next year with the first 900 European customers due to receive their cars after the summer. This privileged group of owners will not only have Toyota’s pure sports car at their fingertips, they’ll also be joining the Supra 900 Club. As members, they will have access to exclusive content, rewards and experiences in the build-up to delivery.