Now here’s one Bobby just knows that the petrolkop purists are going to put on the Christmas list. Too bad it’s done, for now, but you get the picture.
Conceived as a sports car in its purest form, the cover has just been lifted on the all-new Toyota GR Supra, a car that is set to build on a heritage of houding that started in 1967 with the 2000GT sports car and has developed now into its 5th generation.
With its deep bonnet housing a front-mounted, straight six three-litre power bank driving 250kW to the rear wheels, it’s also the first global GR model produced by Toyota GAZOO Racing.
The new Supra made its debut at the North American Auto Show in Detroit this week, and it’s a driver’s dream. The combination of short wheelbase, wide track, lightweight, low centre of gravity and highly rigid body just screams go faster and around bends at that.
Talking about bends, apparently, the new Supra was born and honed on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, in the trusty hands of GAZOO Racing, and tested by none other than Toyota president Akio Toyoda in his role as master driver.
Mr Toyoda says: “Even though Toyota had no plans to make a new Supra I secretly wanted it to happen. I can honestly say that it is a car that is fun to drive and better than ever.” This from a man who developed his skill driving an old Supra around Nürburgring.
The engine gets extra oomph from a twin-scroll turbocharger and is coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Large amounts of torque are available across the range. Precision fuel injection and continuously variable valve control set the Supra up for top-notch torque performance from very low revs. The zero to hero dash (100km/h ) takes 4.3 seconds.
KLAS: Cabin is styled on single seat racer layout. Photo: Sebastien Mauroy and courtesy of Motorpress
KLAS: Cabin is styled on single seat racer layout. Photo: Sebastien Mauroy and courtesy of Motorpress
Road grip is well sorted out with an active differential that can adjust in a flash from zero to 100% lock. It is informed by an ECU monitoring a wide range of essential info like steering wheel, throttle and brakes, speed and yaw rate. This car will think you through the corners, but without taking too much of the control away. Think of the increased stability and acceleration.
The design ethos is definitely worth a mention. Called ‘Condensed Extreme’ by chief designer Nobuo Nakamura, condensed refers to the relationship between the large tyres, short wheelbase and overall length. Extreme refers to the car’s wide stance, tight cabin and wide track. All of which helps with awesome manoeuvrability and weight balance; it’s a wonder in the corners apparently. It’s built for rear-wheel drive drawing on classic yet romantic sports car styling, with some awesome curves in the rear.
ORIGINAL: It all started with the Toyota 2000GT. Photo: Sebastien Mauroy and courtesy of Motorpress
The driver’s cabin is influenced by single-seater racer layout, the epitome of the driver- centred designs. When you’re in that seat, it’s all about the driving, with the front view maximized by a low, slim dash and tightly grouped main controls. There are even knee pads on the door trim and centre console, lessons taken from racers.
The seats continue this theme with body-gripping side bolsters and integrated head support in the high back. Expect the Toyota GR Supra to land in the Mother City around mid-year. And you die-hard fans out there, sell some of the collection and/ or start saving.