Inheriting Inline-6 and FR

The fifth-generation new "Supra" marks its return after a 17-year hiatus since the previous model's production ended in 2002. Since the birth of the first Supra in 1978, all generations have shared the common trait of being FR models equipped with an inline-six engine, a legacy that the new model continues. Furthermore, by prioritizing three key factors—wheelbase, tread, and center of gravity height—the car achieves handling performance befitting a pure sports car.

It also positions itself as the first global model in TOYOTA GAZOO Racing's sports car series "GR." While there are differences in body style, such as coupe and open-top models, it is also a model jointly developed with the new "Z4" from Germany's BMW.

The new model's body dimensions are 4,380mm in length, 1,865mm in width, and 1,290mm (1,295mm for RZ) in height. The wheelbase, at 2,470mm, is 100mm shorter than the "86" due to its dedicated two-seater configuration, and the center of gravity is set lower than the 86's. The ratio of wheelbase to tread (front 1,594mm/rear 1,589mm) is a compact 1.55, placing it among the top-tier production sports cars. Combined with a 50:50 front-rear weight distribution, this contributes to excellent cornering performance, supported by a body rigidity 2.5 times that of the 86 and exceeding even the Lexus "LFA."



The design concept is "Condensed Extreme L6FR 'TOYOTA' Sport." True to its name, the exterior features a long-nose, short-deck silhouette characteristic of inline-six FR models. It incorporates the double-bubble roof (2000GT), a tradition of Toyota sports cars, and a design technique that emphasizes the fender's volume by moving the lamps inward (2000GT, 4th-gen Supra) to create a condensed body design.

The interior, with its tight cabin befitting a two-seater, presents a typical FR sports car space with a slim upper instrument panel and a high, wide console. The shift-by-wire shift lever, 8.8-inch TFT meter, and large full-color head-up display signify its status as a latest-generation sports car.

Equipped with a 3-liter Inline-6 and Two Types of 2-liter Inline-4 Engines

The model lineup consists of three grades: the "RZ" featuring the traditional 3-liter inline-six, and the "SZ-R" and "SZ" with 2-liter inline-four engines. The 2,998cc inline-six twin-scroll turbo engine in the RZ produces a maximum output of 250kW (340PS) at 5,000-6,000rpm and a maximum torque of 500Nm at 1,600-4,500rpm. The 1,998cc inline-four twin-scroll turbo comes in two tuning variations: 190kW (258PS) at 5,000-6,500rpm and 400Nm at 1,550-4,400rpm for the SZ-R, and 145kW (197PS) at 4,500-6,500rpm and 320Nm at 1,450-4,200rpm for the SZ.

All models are equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is officially stated as 4.3 seconds for the RZ, 5.2 seconds for the SZ-R, and 6.5 seconds for the SZ.



The suspension features double-joint spring strut type at the front and multi-link at the rear to reduce unsprung weight. The RZ and SZ-R grades are equipped with an adaptive variable suspension system that optimally controls damping force based on drive mode and road conditions, as well as an active differential that steplessly optimizes lockup between the rear wheels.

Testing was conducted on all types of roads worldwide, including racing speeds at Germany's Nürburgring, European country roads and autobahns, snowy roads in Northern Europe, US highways, and Japanese winding roads—aspects shared with the Z4. Chief Engineer Tetsuya Tada, who led the development, commented, "We pursued a pure sports car that maximizes the joy of driving. We focused not just on numbers like horsepower or circuit lap times, but on the sensory performance—how the driver can feel the joy of driving in unison with the vehicle."

The launch in Japan is scheduled for spring 2019, with pricing yet to be determined.