New Toyota GR Supra: the myth is reborn with 340 CV and plenty of sportiness behind it

“Finally.” I think those are the two words that have crossed everyone’s mind on reading the news that, after a long wait, the new Toyota Supra has now been unveiled. The Japanese brand has invested considerable time in developing this iconic sports car, which comes 17 years after its last generation. Now with a fresh look and contemporary technology, the new Supra sets out on the market ready to once again mark a before and after, something that will be possible thanks to that unchanging formula it has had since its birth.

A new look and a new mechanical layout have been introduced on the Japanese sports car, but the engineers at Toyota have managed to keep the Supra DNA intact in this latest generation. In this way we find a vehicle ready to revolutionise the market and, above all, to sweeten the bitter war being fought in the sports car segment.

A current design with a certain touch of nostalgia

Over the last few years, Toyota has been hinting at the final design of the new Supra through a series of prototypes and, although some features have been faithfully represented, we must highlight important new features. Although the Supra essence remains present in this latest generation, the engineers at the Japanese brand have also drawn inspiration from another iconic model: the 2000GT.

This sports car, already considered a classic, has been honoured by the new Supra in several respects. First, we find a long, sharp bonnet that anticipates aerodynamics worthy of its segment; next, a double bubble on the roof; and finally, though no less important, a very short tail.

The front is dominated by two slim, sharp headlights that represent the current design language, and which anticipate an innovative, daring front bumper. Here we should highlight a prominent central air intake flanked by two side inlets before leading to the slim splitter that peeks out from beneath the bumper.

The side, dominated by 19-inch forged alloy wheels with a specific design, features wide wheel arches capable of generating even more presence on the asphalt. The rear of the new Toyota GR Supra abandons the iconic spoiler of previous generations in favour of a ducktail type that enhances its short but imposing tail. Finally, we should highlight the diffuser, which subtly and elegantly houses a twin exhaust outlet responsible for delivering that sweet melody we were able to hear almost a month ago.

An interior that is both elegant and sporty

The engineers at Toyota have placed special emphasis on offering an interior that brims with quality and sportiness, and that is also focused on the driver. First, we find a perfectly round steering wheel, an unusual design for today’s sports cars but one that conveys sportiness, next to the dashboard, an area dominated by a digital instrument cluster.

Alongside it, we can see a pop-up 8.8-inch screen that houses the infotainment system. This can be operated via touch technology or a rotary controller located on the centre console next to the gear selector and climate control. In this way we can see how the Japanese brand has chosen to offer a perfect balance between the latest technology and physical controls, which still have numerous advantages over minimalism.

The sport-style seats have been designed specifically for the new Supra, a vehicle that, due to its undeniable GT character, is also capable of offering high comfort for its occupants. They also promise excellent grip and support when we tackle the demanding bends of a winding road or when we visit our nearest circuit.

A six-cylinder engine ready to unleash its 340 CV

Toyota had already hinted that the synergies previously established with BMW would be reflected in the mechanical side of the new Supra, where a six-cylinder powerplant is responsible for bringing it to life. This turbocharged 3.0-litre heart is capable of delivering 340 CV of power and 500 Nm of torque, figures that are sent exclusively to the rear axle.

An 8-speed automatic gearbox will be responsible for managing the power generated by the new Toyota Supra, and which will allow it to reach 100 km/h in just 4.3 seconds thanks to the Launch Control function. At the same time, we should highlight the presence of an active differential, which comes into play both under acceleration and under deceleration, and can be adjusted from 0 to 100% lock.

However, the proper application of these capabilities would not be possible without a well-engineered chassis, an aspect that concerned the engineers at the Japanese brand from the very beginning. One of the key factors in achieving an optimal result is the relationship between wheelbase and track width. With this premise, Toyota has sought to achieve a ratio of between 1.5 and 1.6 between width and wheelbase so that the new Supra could offer the greatest possible dynamism.

Prices for the new Toyota Supra will be announced in mid-2019

The wait to meet the new Toyota GR Supra is over and, although we will be able to see many more details at the Geneva Motor Show, there are still several unknowns surrounding this admired model, such as its price and trim levels. The Japanese brand has confirmed that it will be mid-year when all information about its new sports car will be unveiled.

In this way we will learn the exact amount we will have to pay to get our hands on the new Toyota Supra, a model that could be announced at a price close to 50,000 euros. That figure will allow the Japanese sports car to compete head-to-head with other models such as the Alpine A110 or the Porsche 718 Cayman, two vehicles that will continue to keep that rivalry alive.