After several renders, teasers, image leaks and long years of waiting, here is the fifth generation of Toyota Supra . Featured today at the Detroit Motor Show, the new Toyota GR Supra remains faithful to the formula immortalized by its predecessors: In-line six-cylinder front engine and rear-wheel drive.
But inspiration from the past isn't just in the layout, with Toyota claiming that the long bonnet, compact body and double-bubble roof are influences of the late Toyota 2000GT. The rear wings and integrated spoiler arch are inspired by the fourth generation Supra.
The new Toyota GR Supra is also evident in the approach to the FT-1 concept, unveiled in 2014 at the Detroit Motor Show. According to Toyota, the new GR Supra was designed based on the “Condensed Extreme” concept which comprises three elements: a short wheelbase, large wheels and ample width.
The technique behind the Toyota GR Supra
But if the layout of the new Toyota GR Supra is in line with that of its ancestors, the platform and engine of the fifth generation of the Japanese sports car come from far away from Japan. More precisely from Germany, with Toyota sharing the platform with the BMW Z4, and along the way also brought the in-line six-cylinder turbo used by the German model.
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So animating the GR Supra is a 3.0 l inline six-cylinder engine equipped with a twin-scroll turbocharger, high-precision direct fuel injection and continuously variable valve control. It delivers 340 hp and 500 Nm of torque and is associated with an eight-speed automatic transmission (the driver can choose to use it in manual mode via the paddles on the steering wheel).
The Toyota GR Supra also offers two driving modes: Normal and Sport. When the second one is selected, it acts on the engine's sound and response, gearshifts, damping, steering and even the performance of the active differential (which will equip all GR Supra versions sold in Europe).
To help increase the performance of the new Toyota GR Supra, “Launch Control” is also available, which allows the sports car meet 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.3s and a “Track” mode that acts on the stability control and reduces the intervention of this system.
Electric power steering can be used in Comfort and Sport modes.
Inside the new GR Supra
In the cabin, Toyota wanted to focus completely on the driver. Thus, it is not surprising to choose to create an asymmetric center console that marks a clear division between the passenger and driver's compartment area.
The instrument panel, comprising an 8.8″ high-definition screen, has a 3D-effect tachometer and a gear indicator in the center, with the speed indicator on the left and the navigation information on the right of the tachometer. In addition to the instrument panel, the driver also has a head-up display.
Toyota GR Supra seats draw inspiration from the world of competition with an integrated headrest. These can be upholstered in leather or in a combination of leather support reinforcements with perforated Alcantara cover for the backrest and seat.
On the dashboard, the highlight goes to the horizontal, low and thin design and to the 8.8″ multimedia screen that can be used tactilely or via a rotary command (just like in… BMW). In fact, inside the new GR Supra, some components coming from BMW stand out, such as the gearbox lever or the steering column rods.
Two versions of equipment
The new Toyota GR Supra will be launched with two equipment levels: Active and Premium. The Active version offers equipment such as adaptive variable suspension, 19″ alloy wheels, bi-zone automatic air conditioning, adaptive cruise control, seats covered in electrically adjustable black Alcantara and even the Supra Safety + package, which includes equipment such as the blind spot monitor, lane departure warning, rear collision warning and more.
Toyota GR Supra A90 Edition
The Premium version adds equipment such as leather upholstery, 12-speaker JBL premium sound system, head-up display, wireless cell phone charger, among others. For now, it is not known which versions will be available on the national market.
Special series to start
To celebrate the return of the Supra, Toyota decided to create the special version Toyota GR Supra A90 Edition . Limited to 90 units, this version features the GR Supra in matte Storm Gray paint, fitted with matte black alloy wheels and a red leather-clad cabin.
This version will only be available to the first 90 European customers who pre-order through the specific reservation platforms in each country (it is not known how many units are destined for Portugal).
As for the remaining GR Supra, Toyota will only make 900 units available to Europe in the first year of sales. Thus, these first customers to book the sports car will enjoy various benefits, such as a program of experiences and rewards that cannot be purchased in the period before the car is delivered, from the end of summer 2019.
For now, it is not known how many of these 900 units will come to Portugal or the price of the new Toyota GR Supra in our market.