Toyota GR Supra GT4

The J29/DB Toyota Supra, mainly marketed as Toyota GR Supra, is the fifth-generation of the Supra, a sports car produced by Toyota since 2019. Sold under Gazoo Racing (GR) branding, it replaced the previous model, A80, which stopped production in 2002. The GR Supra was developed in collaboration with BMW and shares a platform with the G29 BMW Z4. Both cars are manufactured at the Magna Steyr plant in Graz, Austria.

The fifth-generation Supra uses BMW model code conventions, designated as a J29 series with DB model codes. However, Toyota used the "A90" and "A91" code for promotional and marketing materials for the fifth generation Supra to maintain continuity from previous Supra generations.

Development

''Motor Trend'' had reported that a possible Supra successor could be based on the FT-HS (Future Toyota-Hybrid Sport), which debuted at the 2007 North American International Auto Show. The publication also reported that the fifth generation of the Supra could be powered by a 3.5-litre V-6 hybrid system generating over . Toyota quoted that it was not rushing for the Supra successor but instead was waiting to see how the sales and interests of the GT86/FR-S went.

In 2010, Toyota applied for a trademark for the Supra name. The trademark had to be used within three years for it to be valid. In December 2011, ''Autoguide'' reported a possible Supra replacement that would sit above the GT86. Tetsuya Tada, the chief engineer of the Toyota 86/Scion FR-S told reporters in Germany in 2012 "the president (Akio Toyoda) has asked me to make a successor to the Supra as soon as possible."

In late 2013, ''AutoBlog'' reported a Supra successor concept would be making its debut the January 2014 North American International Auto Show. On 13 January, Toyota unveiled its new FT-1 concept car. Little is known about this new concept car; other than that it has a front engine and rear wheel drive layout. Toyota also stated that their new concept car draws inspiration from Toyota's past sports cars like the 2000GT, Supra, MR-2 and 2007 FT-HS concept car. Toyota did not state whether the FT-1 would use the Supra name, or if it was even bound for production. However, Toyota did state if the FT-1 is approved from production, a price tag of around was to be expected for each unit. Upon the car's reveal, chief designer—Nobuo Nakamura—confirmed that the FT-1's design was used for inspiration for the Supra but the two cars differ in many ways. The production Supra was smaller and more of a pure sports car design, as opposed to the FT-1 being a larger grand tourer.

On 10 February 2014, Toyota submitted an application to the United States Patent and Trademark Office to renew the Supra trademark.

In June 2016, a trademark application for the Supra nameplate was filed with the European Union Intellectual Property Office. According to '' Autocar'', the new Supra was set to debut in 2018. The publication reported that the car would likely feature rear wheel drive; four-cylinder engines were expected to be available, and it had been confirmed that the car would offer a turbocharged inline-6 engine. It was believed that these engines would be supplied by BMW. ''Kleine Zeitung'' reported that the new jointly developed Supra will be produced at a Magna Steyr facility near Graz, Austria, alongside the BMW Z4 (G29). Although the sports car's name was yet to be officially confirmed, Toyota global chief engineer Tetsuya Tada said that it will likely carry the nameplate ''Supra'', due to its name recognition and historical significance.

On 12 July 2018, a pre-production version of the Supra was unveiled with a camouflage at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Launch

The fifth-generation Supra was unveiled at the January 2019 North American International Auto Show. The car is a collaboration between Toyota and BMW with the new Z4. The first production model was auctioned at a price of at a Barrett-Jackson auction to Craig Jackson (chairman and CEO of the Barrett-Jackson auction house) in January 2019, with 100% of the money going to the American Heart Association and the Bob Woodruff Foundation. The auction car has a one-off matte grey exterior colour which is not offered on the standard Supra, as well as a red interior, metallic black five-bolt wheels, red wing mirrors, a signature from Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda on the dashboard and VIN 20201.

The Supra went on sale in Japan on 17 May 2019. In the United States, sales began on 22 July 2019 with a starting base price tag of . In Australia, sales began on 2 September 2019.

File:Toyota Supra GR Genf 2019 1Y7A5163.jpg, Toyota GR Supra A90 Edition
File:Toyota Supra Monrepos 2019 IMG 1899.jpg, Rear view
File:Toyota Supra GR Genf 2019 1Y7A5649.jpg, Interior

Engineering and specifications

Powertrains

The Supra is powered by two BMW-sourced engine options: a turbocharged '' B48'' 2.0-litre inline-four or a turbocharged '' B58'' 3.0-litre inline-six. The 2.0-litre engine was initially offered in Japan, select Asian countries and Europe; the United States received the engine in 2020 for the 2021 model year. The 2.0-litre engine has a power output of from 4,500 to 6,500 rpm or 5,000 to 6,500 rpm and of torque from 1,450 to 4,200 rpm or 1,550 to 4,400 rpm, while the 3.0-litre engine has a power output of from 5,000 to 6,500 rpm or 5,800 to 6,500 rpm and from 1,600 to 4,500 rpm or 1,800 to 5,000 rpm. The 2.0 L model can accelerate from in 5.2–6.5 seconds, while the 3.0 L model can accelerate from in 3.9–4.1 seconds, 0.7–0.5 seconds quicker than the turbocharged variant of the ''A80'' Supra and has an electronically limited top speed of .

Drivetrains

Power is sent to the rear wheels through a ZF '' 8HP'' 8-speed automatic transmission that was fully re-calibrated by Toyota, who added also their software to the gearbox for the Supra. Toyota initially considered to give the new Supra a dual-clutch automatic transmission, but went with the ZF 8HP for its smoothness, reliability, and weight savings. A manual transmission was initially not offered, due to the torque-converter automatic having quicker shifts, its ability to handle a lot of torque with self-awareness on its aftermarket potential, and wanting to differentiate it from the 86.

A specialized ZF '' S6-53'' (''GS6L50TZ)'' 6-speed manual transmission option was made available in 2022 for the 2023 model year for the six-cylinder engine only. Like the automatic, the manual transmission was built from a combination of ZF parts and custom Toyota parts, but receives a rev-matching function and a shorter final drive ratio compared to the automatic.

Performance

A test conducted by ''Car and Driver'' in December 2019 recorded the acceleration of the 3.0 L model from in 3.7 seconds (with 1-foot rollout), which is 0.3 seconds faster than the factory claimed. The time was also recorded in 12.2 seconds at . A test in August 2020 recorded the acceleration of the 2.0 L model from in 4.7 seconds and a time of 13.3 seconds at .

Power output testing by ''Car and Driver'' magazine in May 2019 and May 2020 showed that Toyota had significantly underrated the power output of both versions of the 3.0 L engine by at least 5-8 percent. The 2020 US model year B58 3.0 L engine was rated at and , yet in dynamometer testing by ''Car and Driver'' magazine, the 2020 model year Supra had a power output of and at the wheels. Similarly, the 2021 onwards model year engine was rated at and , yet test results showed and at the wheels. The power at the engine's crankshaft is the standardized calculation manufacturers use to rate engine power, therefore since a dynamometer measures these power outputs at the wheels, these figures are also typically 5-8 percent higher at the crankshaft on a modern performance car when accounting for driveline loss. Car and Driver's testing therefore revealed that the Supra was making, at the very least, more power and more torque at the crankshaft than the factory claimed for both versions of the 3.0 engine, so the later 3.0 model is likely producing over and over .

Engineering

Before production, Toyota wanted to develop and engineer a rear-wheel drive pure sports car that would compete against the Porsche Cayman and be a track and street weapon, all while avoiding supercar prices, while BMW wanted to build a roadster, which gave them the idea of co-developing an all-new platform that would handle both coupe and convertible variants with great rigidity and handling of torque. The platform takes few elements from BMW's M cars that were praised by both Toyota and BMW for their characteristics, such as the suspension design, forged control arms and electronic differential, all while being able to reduce costs for production and the final product. After co-developing the platform together, Toyota and BMW went to develop the rest of the two cars separately, such as chassis development, exterior and interior designs, and tuning of both drivetrain and suspension.

Markets

Japan

The Supra is offered in three trim levels, which are the SZ, SZ-R and RZ. The SZ model is powered by the 2.0-litre engine and is equipped with 17-inch single tone wheels, manual seats, black fabric upholstery, dark silver trim and a 4-speaker sound system. The SZ-R model is powered by the variation of the 2.0-litre engine and is equipped with 18-inch two tone wheels, eight-way powered seats, Alcantara/black leather upholstery, carbon fibre trim, 8.8-inch touchscreen multimedia system with 12-speaker JBL stereo sound system and a head-up display. The RZ model is powered by the 3.0-litre engine and is equipped with 19-inch two tone wheels. It also has the same interior equipments as the SZ-R model, with the difference being the use of Alcantara/red leather upholstery (black leather is available as an option) and sports pedals. A "Sport" mode and dual-zone climate control system, as well as the Toyota Supra Connect infotainment system is standard on all three trim levels. They are also equipped with Toyota Supra Safety suite, which features autonomous emergency braking, lane departure alert, blind spot monitor, adaptive cruise control and rear-cross traffic alert. GR Parts is also available, which includes the Toyota Gazoo Racing Recorder, which allows drivers to log their driving data to an SD card. This can be supplemented by using an optional dashcam, which synchronises the video with recorded information.

File:Toyota GR Supra SZ (3BA-DB82-ZSRW) right.jpg, Toyota Supra SZ (DB82, Japan)
File:Toyota GR Supra SZ-R (DB22) front.jpg, Toyota Supra SZ-R (DB22, Japan)
File:Toyota GR Supra RZ (DB42-ZRRW) front.jpg, Toyota Supra RZ (DB42, Japan)
File:Toyota GR Supra SZ (3BA-DB82-ZSRW) interior.jpg, Supra SZ interior (Japan)

United States

The GR Supra was originally offered in the US in two variants, the 3.0 and 3.0 Premium. The 3.0 variant has a 6.5-inch center touchscreen multimedia system with Bluetooth and standard Alcantara trimmed seats, while the 3.0 Premium has a larger touchscreen multimedia system (8.8-inches), standard navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, 12-speaker JBL stereo sound system, wireless phone charging, colour head-up display and heated leather seats. All variants have collision warning, automatic high beams, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning and a feature that recognizes road signs as standard.

For the 2021 model year, two new models, the A91 Edition and the 2.0, was introduced. For the 3.0, 3.0 Premium, and A91 Edition, the output of the 3-liter engine was increased to and of torque. This increase in power is due to revised engine tuning, 10.2:1 compression ratio, and a six-port cylinder head and six-port turbo manifold, as opposed to the 11:1 compression ratio, two-port version for 2020. Additionally for 2021, the rear suspension bushings were updated and chassis stiffening bars were added to the engine bay. The 2.0 will feature the same 2-liter engine used in the SZ and SZ-R models sold in Japan, and is rated at and of torque.

In 2022, for the 2023 model year, the Supra 3.0 and 3.0 Premium will be available with a 6-speed manual transmission.
File:2020 Toyota Supra front NYIAS 2019.jpg, US market Toyota Supra at NYIAS 2019
File:2020 Toyota Supra rear NYIAS 2019.jpg, US market Toyota Supra rear at NYIAS 2019

Special Editions

At launch in the US, Toyota announced they would release a special edition for each model year of the fifth-generation Supra's release cycle. To date, all special editions are based on the 3.0 Premium, and offer distinct details from standard models, while being produced in limited quantities.

For the 2020 model year, the first 1,500 cars produced for the US were released as special ''Launch Edition'' variants and are offered in three colours: Absolute Zero White, Nocturnal Black and Renaissance Red 2.0. Cars that have the white or black exterior colour have the same red interior as the auction car, which is only offered in the ''Launch Edition'', while the red cars have a black interior. All ''Launch Edition'' cars have red colored wing mirrors, all-black wheels, and an individually-numbered carbon fiber plaque with a replica of Akio Toyoda's signature fixed to the dashboard, mirroring the auction car.

For the 2021 model year, a new ''A91 Edition'' was released, marking the updated platform featuring the new higher output 3-liter engine, and was limited to 1,000 units. The A91 naming implies a new model from the A90, due to the updated engine, but the chassis code remains the same. The A91 Edition is offered in two colors: an exclusive Refraction Blue and Nocturnal Black, both featuring exclusive matte black stripes on the C-pillars and a carbon fiber rear lip spoiler. It features an exclusive black leather and Alcantara interior with blue stitching and accents. It also includes matte black wheels, carbon fiber mirror caps, and a custom stitched key cover matching the interior.

The ''A91-CF Edition'' was released for the 2022 model year, limited to only 600 units. The ''A91-CF Edition'' is named "CF" for the special carbon fiber body kit consisting of a front splitter, side skirts, rear spats, and a rear duckbill spoiler. Additionally, matte black wheels, and a red and black leather/Alcantara interior with special stitching is included. It was released in Absolute Zero White, Nitro Yellow, and matte Phantom Gray paint color options.

With the launch of a new 6-speed manual transmission offering in the Supra for the 2023 model year, a limited ''A91-MT Edition'' was released with a limited run of 500 units. In addition to the new manual transmission, it is offered in two exclusive colors, Matte White and CU Later Gray, and an exclusive Cognac tan leather interior. The ''A91-MT Edition'' also includes exclusive red badging, red GR engine bay strut brace, and Frozen Gunmetal Gray wheels.

United Kingdom

The Supra is sold in the United Kingdom in 3 variants, 2.0 Pro, 3.0, and 3.0 Pro. The 3.0 and 3.0 Pro are available in both automatic and manual versions from 2022 onwards.

Australia

The Supra is sold in Australia with two variants, including the ''GT'' and ''GTS''.

Mexico

The Supra went on sale in Mexico on 22 August 2019.

South Africa

The Supra is offered in standard and base ''Track'' variants.

South Korea

On 9 January 2020, Toyota Korea announced that the GR Supra was being released in South Korea on 21 January 2020.

Malaysia

The Malaysian market Supra was launched on 20 September 2019.

Philippines

The Philippine market Supra was launched on 9 July 2019.

Taiwan

The Taiwanese market Supra is offered in 2.0T, 2.0T Premium and 3.0T Premium trim levels.

Indonesia

The Indonesian market Supra was introduced at the 27th Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show in July 2019 and went on sale in October 2019.

Thailand

The Thai market Supra was introduced at the Bangkok International Motor Show in March 2019 and went on sale in November 2019.

Recalls

On 12 September 2019, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced a safety recall issued by BMW on the Supra for the seat belt guide loop mounts, which were welded improperly. Only seven units are affected by this recall notice. Of the seven, only one was in the hands of an owner.

On 27 September, the NHTSA also announced safety recalls towards several BMW models for their faulty backup cameras. Owners were able to glitch the cameras into not working when backing up. A software patch fixed the issue. The Supra was listed in the recall, as well as direct BMW models such as the X3, X5, 3 Series, 7 Series, 8 Series and more. Even Rolls-Royce (which is owned by BMW) was included in the recall for their Phantom and Cullinan.

Model codes

While Toyota used the "A90" and "A91" code for promotional and marketing materials for the fifth generation Supra, a reference to the A40–A80 model and chassis codes used for previous generation Supras, the fifth generation Supra uses BMW naming conventions. The fifth generation Supra is a J29 series with DB model codes.

'DB' Designates the Chassis, while the third digit represents the Powertrain, or Engine and Transmission pairing; The fourth digit represents the country or area of production, which corresponds with Driver Position. E.g. 'DB03': relates to the DB chassis. 3rd Digit '0' meaning B58H with Automatic Transmission. 4th Digit '3' meaning USA/Canada market, and therefore LHD.

Models

Motorsport

GR Supra Racing Concept

The GR Supra Racing Concept is a concept racing car that previews the racing version of the fifth generation Supra. It debuted at the March 2018 Geneva Motor Show. The design was inspired from the 2014 FT-1 concept. It features a lowered suspension with Toyota OEM parts, BBS center-lock racing wheels, Brembo racing calipers, a full roll cage and fire extinguisher system, a stripped out interior, Michelin track tires and a center exit racing exhaust. It also features carbon fibre for the hood, splitter, diffuser, mirror caps, side skirts, wing and bumpers. It is unknown what engine powered the concept.

File:Geneva International Motor Show 2018, Le Grand-Saconnex (1X7A1651).jpg, GR Supra Racing Concept at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show
File:Geneva International Motor Show 2018, Le Grand-Saconnex (1X7A1649).jpg, Rear view

GR Supra GT4

The GR Supra GT4 Concept is a concept racing car that was built as a racing study model for participating in the European GT4 racing series, as well as other GT4 class races around the world. It was first shown at the March 2019 Geneva Motor Show. Upgrades include reduced weight, upgraded brakes and suspension and the addition of a rear wing and roll cage.

Toyota later unveiled a production model in October 2019, with an engine rated at . It is primarily designed for customer racing, meaning it is able to be purchased and raced by teams that are not factory-backed. It has a seven-speed automatic, as opposed to the eight-speed unit on standard road going models, and an Akrapovič exhaust system. Inside, an FIA-standard racing seat is present featuring a six-point harness, along with a carbon fibre instrument cluster. A Magneti Marelli engine management system, motorsport ABS, data logger and fire extinguisher are standard, while an illuminated car number is optional. The GT4 is equipped with Brembo six-piston front and four-piston rear brake calipers and KW dampers. The GT4 is fitted with Pirelli P Zero racing tires and OZ wheels. The roll cage and rear wing are also carried over from the concept. Sales began in Europe in March 2020, followed by North America in August 2020 and Japan/Southeast Asia in October 2020.

Toyota released the updated GR Supra GT4 in October 2022, named the GR Supra GT4 EVO, with upgrades focused on engine performance, handling, and braking. The engine has been updated with increased power, an updated torque curve with maximum torque of up to 660 N⋅m (487 lb⋅ft), and improved cooling. Additionally, the brake system design has been improved, new ABS settings have been added, and the KW dampers and anti-roll bar specification have been updated for higher cornering speeds and improved handling. Owners of the previous GT4 will have the option to upgrade to the new GT4 EVO specification, if desired. The GT4 EVO will make its debut at the 2023 24 Hours of Daytona. Sales began October 2022 internationally, at a price of €186,000.

As of 2022, more than 50 GR Supra GT4 cars have been used in GT4 class races. They have earned victories in 11 national and international GT4 championships, and over 100 podium finishes. In August 2022, the GR Supra GT4 earned its 50th class win in a major championship, at the GT World Challenge Asia at Sportsland Sugo in Japan.

File:GIMS 2019, Le Grand-Saconnex (GIMS0529).jpg, Toyota GR Supra GT4
File:GIMS 2019, Le Grand-Saconnex (GIMS0533).jpg, Rear view

Super GT

Toyota announced the use of the Toyota Supra in the Japanese Super GT racing series from 2020 onward for Toyota Gazoo Racing. The GR Supra GT500 is used for the top class in the championship racing series, the GT500 class, alongside the GR Supra GT300 in the GT300 class. It has been used from the 2020 racing series onward for Toyota Gazoo Racing, replacing the Lexus LC500 GT500 and Toyota 86 MC (GT300). The GR Supra GT500 features a 2.0-litre Toyota RI4A turbo four-cylinder engine, while the GR Supra GT300 features the 5.4-litre 2UR-GSE V8 engine according to JAF-GT GT300 regulations. As of 2022, the GR Supra GT300 has won 6 races, and the GR Supra GT500 has won 8 races in their first 3 seasons in the Super GT Championship.

In the 2021 Super GT Series, the Toyota Supra GT500 raced by TGR Team au Tom's won the 2021 championship in the GT500 class, driven by Yuhi Sekiguchi and Sho Tsuboi. The team overcame a 16-point deficit in the final round of the season to win the championship.

File:No.36 au TOM'S GR Supra after 2022 Takanoko no Hotel Suzuka GT 300km (1).jpg, TGR Team au Tom's GR Supra GT500 (2021)
File:No.36 au TOM'S GR Supra after 2022 Takanoko no Hotel Suzuka GT 300km (2).jpg, Rear view

NASCAR

On 5 July 2018, Toyota Gazoo Racing announced that the Supra will race in the 2019 NASCAR Xfinity Series. The new Supra made its NASCAR debut in February 2019. On February 23, Christopher Bell of Joe Gibbs Racing scored the Supra's first NASCAR win at Atlanta. The Supra has since won six out of the first 11 races of the 2019 season, including three from part-time driver Kyle Busch. At the end of the 2021 season, Daniel Hemric drove his Supra to his first win at Phoenix to claim the championship.

File:2019 Toyota Supra NASCAR Xfinity Series Race Car front, NYIAS 2019.jpg, Toyota Supra NASCAR Xfinity Series stock car
File:2019 Toyota Supra NASCAR Xfinity Series Race Car rear, NYIAS 2019.jpg, Rear view

Awards

* Won the " Golden Steering Wheel" award by ''Auto Bild'' magazine in 2019 for Best New Sports Car.
* Won "Best Handling Car" of 2020 by ''Sport Auto'' magazine, over such competition as the McLaren 600 LT, Porsche 718 Cayman GT4, and BMW M8 Competition.
* Selected to be on ''Car and Driver'' magazine's 10Best list for 2020.
* ''Automobile'' magazine's 2020 Automobile All-Stars winner.
* 2020 Automotive News PACE Award given to Magna for the weight-saving innovation of the composite space frame liftgate reinforcement on the 2020 Toyota Supra.
* Awarded ''Car and Driver'' magazine's "Editor's Choice" award for 2020 in the Sports Car category.
* ''Motor Trend'' magazine's 2020 "Car of the Year" finalist.
* 2020 North American Car of the Year finalist.
* On ''Car and Driver'' magazine's 10Best list for 2021, for a second consecutive year.
* The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) awarded the fifth-generation Supra as the "Sport Compact of the Year" for 2021.
* Awarded ''Car and Driver'' magazine's "Editor's Choice" award for 2021 in the Sports Car category.
* The Texas Auto Writer's Association named it the "Performance Vehicle of Texas" for 2021.
* 2021 "Performance Coupe" category award from the Texas Auto Writer's Association.
* Awarded ''Car and Driver'' magazine's "Editor's Choice" award for 2022 in the Sports Car category, for a third consecutive year.
* Won the 2023 ALG Residual Value Award by J.D. Power.
* On ''Car and Driver'' magazine's 10Best list for 2023, for the third time.

References

External links

Official website
(Japan)

Official website
(US)

{{Toyota road cars timeline, 2010–present

Supra (J29/DB)
Cars introduced in 2019
2020s cars
Sports cars
Hatchbacks
Coupés
Rear-wheel-drive vehicles
Cars powered by longitudinal 4-cylinder engines