All-New Toyota Supra, First in 17 Years, Announced | Toyota

Toyota GR Supra | Toyota Supra

All-New Toyota GR Supra Announced

Toyota has revived the Supra, which ceased production in 2002, and has begun sales after a 17-year hiatus. Prices start from ¥4.9 million.

Text & Photographs by Shunichi Uchida

The First Global Model Under the GR Banner

Since the debut of the first-generation Supra (Celica XX) in 1978, all generations have shared the common trait of being front-engine, rear-drive vehicles equipped with an inline-six engine. This heritage is carried forward in the new model. Furthermore, Toyota focused on three fundamental elements—wheelbase, tread, and center of gravity—to achieve handling performance befitting a pure sports car.

The new Supra is positioned as the first global model in TOYOTA GAZOO Racing's sports car series, "GR." Since its inaugural participation in the Nürburgring 24 Hours endurance race in 2007, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing has been dedicated to "making ever-better cars" by honing both people and vehicles through motorsports. The Supra has been reborn as a car that allows customers to truly enjoy driving, infused with the knowledge and expertise accumulated through these endeavors.

This new Supra is the first product of the comprehensive partnership with BMW and is manufactured at Magna Steyr's Graz plant in Austria. From there, it is shipped via Toyota Motor Corporation's Motomachi Plant to reach customers in Japan.

Two Engine Options: Six-Cylinder and Four-Cylinder

The powertrain lineup features two options: a 3-liter inline-six twin-scroll turbocharged engine (maximum output: 250 ps, maximum torque: 500 Nm), honoring tradition, and a 2-liter inline-four turbocharged engine for spirited yet accessible driving. The 2-liter engine is available in two variants: one with a maximum output of 190 ps and 400 Nm of torque, and another with 145 ps and 320 Nm. Both engines are paired with an 8-speed sport automatic transmission.

Due to an overwhelming number of reservations for the 3-liter turbo model, which far exceeded expectations when order reservations began in March, order acceptance was temporarily suspended. However, orders have now resumed concurrently with the official launch.

Toyota GR Supra | Toyota Supra

All-New Toyota GR Supra Announced (2)

Limited Edition Model Also Unveiled

To commemorate the launch of the new model and the Nürburgring 24 Hours endurance race in June, a limited edition of 24 units will be released. This special edition, based on the "RZ grade" with a six-cylinder engine, features Toyota's first-ever matte paint finish. Due to the complex painting process required, production is limited, and selection will be by lottery. Applications will be accepted via a dedicated web page for approximately one month starting May 17th. The 24 winners will be determined during the race weekend of June 22nd (Saturday) and 23rd (Sunday). The race will be broadcast on the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing website, and the lottery drawing will also be part of the race coverage.

GR Heritage Parts Project Begins with the Supra

Furthermore, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing has launched the "GR Heritage Parts Project." This initiative begins with the reproduction of parts for the 70 and 80 Series Supras. "While we cannot disclose specific part names, we are striving to meet the expectations of our owners as much as possible," commented Shigeki Tomoyama, President of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing.

Tomoya Otsuka, Executive Vice President of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, added, "We received numerous requests for heritage parts but struggled to fulfill them. We are currently selecting parts, but since production ceased long ago, the molds required for manufacturing have been discarded. This makes the cost of producing each part significant. Although some within the company questioned the inefficiency of this endeavor, we felt that if GR didn't take on this challenge, who would? The President also urged us to break down Toyota's barriers, and thus, we were able to make it a reality."

Tomoyama also noted, "There are unimaginable difficulties, such as painstakingly restoring rusted molds. Our company traditionally avoids such inefficient tasks, so there was considerable opposition. However, since the Supra's debut, the internal atmosphere has changed dramatically, with supporters emerging and a growing momentum to make this project happen."

He continued, "There's a growing perception that maintaining older cars is becoming increasingly challenging. However, by undertaking initiatives like this, we hope to foster a movement where owners and manufacturers collaborate to cherish and preserve classic sports cars."