With a 50/50 weight distribution, a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0 litre inline six-cylinder engine that knocks out 0-100km/h in 4.3 seconds, teamed with high performance brakes and adaptive variable suspension, the new Toyota GR Supra (GAZOO Racing) is fun on wheels.
“Supra is more than a genuine sports car. It’s a symbol of the dramatic change the automotive industry will experience over the next decade, where the focus will shift to automotive and technology company partnerships,” says Neeraj Lala, Toyota NZ Chief Operating Officer.
“Toyota has always provided a balanced range of motor vehicles for our customers, and the Supra is another exciting addition,” says Mr Lala.
“The Toyota GR Supra has a heart and soul that comes from five decades of creating hugely enjoyable sports cars for everyday drivers.”
Dubbed “Condensed Extreme” the design style emphasises the short wheelbase, and with a long bonnet hosting the inline six-cylinder engine, high rear haunches and integrated spoiler tail, the Toyota GR Supra coupe exudes high performance rear-wheel drive sports car. It is a true two-seater, that is at home in town, on the open road or on the track.
The distinctive double bubble roof adds space inside while reducing aerodynamic drag on the outside. It is DNA that was sourced directly from the legendary 2000 GT Supra.
Design features on the body are done in grand sweeps with gaping air intakes in the front and slashes into the side body replicating this same design detail. While some of the intakes are covered on the production model, Supra’s Chief Engineer Tetsuya Tada expects tuners to make use of them for further turbo and brake cooling on the racetrack.
The Toyota GR Supra features 19-inch polished silver and black forged alloy wheels.
A wide colour choice will also be available to New Zealand buyers – from a cool Sub Zero White to a hot Renaissance Red and Nitro Yellow. In between are a selection of silver, grey, black and blue.
The Supra has a minimum kerb weight of only 1,495kg, with the 250kW inline six, running through a fast changing 8-speed automatic transmission. Maximum torque is 500 Nm which starts at an impressively low 1,600 RPM.
“As the halo model for Toyota sports cars, Supra points to a new generation of driver-focused cars that will offer dynamic styling and faithful handling, even at the limits of performance,” Mr Lala says.
While there is no manual transmission available, the automatic transmission with large steering wheel-mounted paddles means the driver can take control of the gear changes.
Using composites and aluminium, efforts were made to lower the centre of gravity, resulting in a lower centre of gravity than that of the 86 which features a horizontally-opposed engine.
Other standard items include an Active Differential, Variable Ratio Steering, Active Sound Control and a performance brake package with red callipers. The Toyota GR Supra has a comprehensive list of safety features including Front Collision Warning with Brake function, Attentiveness Assistant, Lane Departure Warning with Steering Intervention, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Speed Limit Info.
For commuting or long road trips, a 12-speaker premium JBL sound system, 20GB internal music storage and Satellite Navigation is accessed via an 8.8 inch touchscreen. A colour head-up display shows the car’s speed, speed limit for the road ahead and navigational directions.
Toyota’s President Akio Toyoda took personal interest in the development of the Supra. He has stated clearly that he wants Toyota to put the excitement back into its cars. From the ever-popular Corolla to the Toyota GR Supra, Toyota cars are fun to drive, again.
The fifth generation Toyota GR Supra has a Toyota Driveaway Price of $99,990.00.
The Toyota Drive-away pricing includes all on road costs; WOF, registration, a full tank of fuel, the Toyota Care Service Advantage fixed price servicing package, floor mats, and the three years or 100,000 kms warranty.
