DETROIT, Jan. 14, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- In
July 2018, in view of tens of
thousands of spectators at England's world-renowned Goodwood Festival of
Speed, a low, long-hood sports car wearing full-body camouflage
with mysterious "A90" markings blasted up the narrow, curvy
hill-climb circuit. For Toyota enthusiasts, "A90" was the giveaway:
the A40, A60, A70 and A80 that came before were Supras.
The Toyota Supra was coming back!
In January 2019, the
fifth-generation GR Supra – the first global Toyota GAZOO Racing
model – makes its undisguised world debut at the North American
International Auto Show in Detroit, ending years of anticipation and
speculation among sports car enthusiasts around the world. Behind
the new Supra is a 50+ year lineage of unique Toyota sports and GT
cars. Ahead of it awaits the world's great driving roads, some of
which were used to develop this all-new expression of Toyota pure
sports car performance.
The 2020 Supra goes on sale in summer of 2019 and will be
available in two grades – 3.0 and 3.0 Premium, as well as a Launch
Edition which will be based on the 3.0 Premium grade. Driving
enthusiasts can look forward to an exhilarating blend of power,
precision and agility thanks to a rear-wheel drive design that
honors Toyota sports car heritage with its low center of gravity
and optimal weight balance. There is a strong connection to
Toyota's 1967 2000 GT and 1993-2002 Supra in both design and
mechanical configuration.
Yet, the 2020 Supra is a fully forward-looking sports car,
brimming with a cutting-edge powertrain, chassis and multimedia
technology. Like the pinnacle of the previous Supra series, the
2020 model will be powered by a turbocharged inline six-cylinder
engine. The new Supra's 3.0-liter twin-scroll turbo six will
produce 335 hp and 365 lb-ft of torque and will be teamed with a
quick-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.
Toyota projects 0-60 mph acceleration in 4.1 seconds,
which makes this the quickest Toyota-branded production
vehicle to date.
By defining specific performance and handling targets early in
development, Toyota GAZOO Racing in Japan, with much input from Toyota Motor North
America and Toyota Motor Europe, imbued the Supra with its own
driving characteristics. While posting the kind of performance
numbers that excite enthusiasts, the 2020 Supra will reward drivers
of all skill levels with a thrilling sports car feel, even in
everyday driving.
Toyota President and Master Driver Akio Toyoda tested the Supra
on the Nürburgring and other racing venues to give his personal
feedback as a Master Driver to ensure this new model would exceed
the expectations of Supra fans across the globe.
Supra devotees have waited a long time for the next-generation
model. They'll find the 2020 Supra worth the wait.
Shaped by Emotion … and Racing
The 2020 Supra embodies its rich lineage at first glance, with a
design that shows a particular kinship with the fourth-generation
Supra built from 1993-2002, as well as the landmark 1967 Toyota
2000 GT. The resemblance is more than skin deep: the new-generation
Supra also shares with those notable models the common traits of a
short wheelbase, sophisticated chassis, and high-performance
inline-six-cylinder engine.
Toyota offered a glimpse of the new Supra's design theme in 2014
with the dramatic FT-1 concept car that emerged from Toyota's Calty
design center in California.
Supra's striking exterior design was inspired by the FT-1's
expressive form.
Optimization of the FT-1 design onto the efficient,
high-performance packaging of Supra was achieved by condensing the
forms, reducing unnecessary elements and further enhancing the
dynamic and powerful character. It focuses on core Supra
attributes, such as its inline six-cylinder engine and rear drive
layout, while enhancing other features, such as stretching the hood
to highlight the engine, creating a taut, but spacious two-seat
cabin that helps accentuate an ultra-wide stance. The result is a
look unique to Supra internally referred to as "Condensed
Extreme."
Functional by Design
The Supra design delivers a 50:50 weight balance while
optimizing front-to-rear aerodynamic balance. Toyota sports car
heritage is evident throughout. The double-bubble roof design, for
example, recalls the Toyota 2000 GT and it reduces drag by shaving
the roof center to reduce the projected frontal area without
sacrificing occupant headroom.
The front fascia was inspired by the fourth-generation Supra,
yet is even more expressive, with a prominent central grille
section flanked by large air intakes. In the rear, the prominent,
arching rear integrated spoiler, which helps to suppress
aerodynamic lift, pays homage to the tall rear wing that was
available on the fourth-gen Supra Turbo. The trapezoidal rear
bumper shape conveys a dynamic sense of movement toward the
tires.
The six-lens LED headlights integrate both daytime running lamps
and turn signal functions to create a distinctive lighting
signature for the new Supra. The rear combination lamps feature a
simple structure with the turn, tail, and stop functions integrated
into the distinctive main ring shape. The backup lamps are LEDs
located in the center of the lower bumper.
Details Matter
Expressive colors accentuate the emotional connection drivers
feel with a high-performance sports car, which is why the 2020
Supra's paint palette will include bold Renaissance Red 2.0, Nitro
Yellow and Downshift Blue. The available Phantom Matte Gray adds a
sense of drama to the Supra's tautly curved surfaces by combining a
matte finish and a hint of blue to create a metal-like texture.
Other available colors include Absolute Zero White, Tungsten
Silver, Turbulence Gray and Nocturnal Black.
Fun fact: In the new version of the famous Supra logotype, the
"S" was inspired by a racetrack s-bend.
Cockpit Concept: Wrapping the Driver
The 2020 Supra cockpit deftly blends traditional GT elements
with ultra-modern functionality. The low, narrow-section dash gives
the driver expansive forward visibility, ideal for precisely
placing the car in corners.
A high-definition color display forms the instrument panel,
projecting a large-diameter, three-dimensional meter dial that
seems to float over it. The single-meter design consolidates
information necessary for performance driving, such as the
tachometer and shift-timing indicator, enabling the driver to
easily focus on critical control information through the
small-diameter steering wheel.
The display's easy-to-read layout puts multimedia information,
including audio and available navigation, on the right side. An
available full-color Head-Up Display projects vital driving and
navigation information ahead of the driver.
Toyota designers took a fresh approach to designing the center
console, giving it an asymmetrical shape that tightly envelops the
driver, with a padded pillar that serves as a right leg bolster.
The passenger's side of the console, meanwhile, is open for a roomy
feel, yet also features kneepads for bolstering in corners.
The center console tightly groups controls for sports driving.
The climate control panel protrudes from the center dash, easing
operation without averting eyes from the road.
Racing-Inspired Seats
Toyota designed the 2020 Supra to be both an everyday sports car
and an occasional track car. To that end, its sport seats,
featuring integrated head restraints, were inspired by racing. The
seats use a narrow main section combined with the shoulder bolsters
to firmly hold the driver and passenger. The 3.0 Premium grade will
feature heated, leather-trimmed seats, while the 3.0 will come with
Alcantara power seats with memory.
Supra's smartly trimmed luggage area, accessed via a lightweight
composite hatch, offers capacity for two people to pack for a
weekend getaway. The compartment is shaped to accommodate long
items, such as a track day toolkit.
The 2020 Supra Performance Story
The 2020 Supra will feature a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six
that will produce 335 hp and 365 lb-ft of torque. The torque comes
on strong from very low engine speeds, thanks to a combination of a
twin-scroll turbocharger, direct fuel injection and continuously
variable timing on both the intake and exhaust camshafts. Engine
response is further enhanced thanks to the inline six's variable
intake valve lift system that adjusts intake valve timing and
duration.
The 8-speed automatic transmission delivers quick up- and
downshifts and features paddle shifters for manual control when
desired. Short ratios for the lower gears and a Launch Control
function enable powerful acceleration with maximum traction. Toyota
estimates 0-60 mph acceleration in 4.1 seconds. Top track speed
will be electronically limited to 155 mph.
The 2020 Supra will offer two driving modes, Normal and Sport.
Sport Mode provides track-driving capability by reducing
intervention of the traction and stability control functions as
well as sharpening throttle response, increasing steering weight,
improving transmission shift crispness, more aggressive active
differential tuning and amplifying exhaust sound.
For performance driving enthusiasts, the Supra will have an
active differential that uses an electric motor and multi-plate
clutches to control lateral torque. The active differential
precisely controls torque distribution between the rear wheels,
with stepless variable locking from 0-100 percent. The differential
can control torque distribution between the rear wheels when
cornering under both acceleration and braking, enabling greater
momentum through a corner. The active differential is also
effective at ensuring neutral handling by reducing both understeer
and oversteer.
Chassis: Lessons from the Track
Toyota GAZOO Racing had a specific vision when developing Supra.
High structural rigidity, a low center of gravity and 50:50 weight
distribution were paramount to Toyota's goal of achieving neutral
cornering balance. For example, Toyota identified nine areas of the
vehicle's rear structure to be reinforced to increase rigidity.
Toyota also specified spring and shock absorber tuning for the
new double-joint spring strut front suspension and multi-link rear
suspension. Likewise, Toyota set specific parameters for the
Supra's stability control system performance.
The front suspension subframe and control arm mounting points
are extremely rigid to yield precise cornering characteristics.
Aluminum control arms reduce unsprung weight, resulting in superior
agility and efficiency. High-performance wheel hubs feature
increased stiffness and optimized kinematics. For precise handling,
Supra features a variable assist and variable ratio sport-tuned
electric power steering.
The multi-link rear suspension with a five-arm construction
consists of lightweight aluminum to reduce weight while steel is
employed in key areas for added strength and durability. The rigid
rear subframe, and the bracing that connects it to the body
structure, helps ensure extremely precise wheel control. Supra will
come standard with 19-inch forged alloy wheels. The rear wheels and
tires are wider than on the front (rear tires: 275/35R19; front
tires: 255/35R19) to enhance grip, and performance Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires are fitted.
Brakes are large at all four corners, highlighted by 13.7-in. front
rotors held by 4-piston Brembo calipers.
Standard on all Supras is Adaptive Variable Suspension. Adaptive
Variable Suspension system instantly adjusts damping force in
response to driver input and road conditions. Two settings for the
suspension are available - Normal and Sport.
Road and track development took place in France, Austria, Italy (including many winding roads through
the Alps), Germany (including the
Nürburgring track), Sweden (ice
and snow road testing), the U.K., Japan, Australia, and the U.S. A global citizen, the
new Supra will be assembled at Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria.
GT Comfort, Maximum Multimedia
Like its 1990s predecessor, the 2020 Supra will be equipped as a
premium GT, with a deft balance of function and premium comfort and
convenience features. Keyless Smart Entry, dual automatic climate
control, auto-dimming rearview mirrors, rear camera, rain sensor
windshield wipers, garage door opener, power folding mirrors, and a
leather-wrapped steering wheel will be standard.
Standard active safety features include forward collision
warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection,
lane departure warning with steering assist, automatic high beam
and road sign assist. Additional active safety and convenience
features available are adaptive full speed cruise control, blind
spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert and rear end collision
warning.
The new-generation Supra will of course deliver a
state-of-the-art multimedia and connectivity experience. The 3.0
grade features a 6.5-inch display that can be operated by the
rotary controller on the console, as well as Bluetooth and iPod
capability. The 3.0 Premium grade will get an 8.8-inch touchscreen
display with navigation, rotary touch controller, Supra Connect
telematics services, wireless Apple CarPlay, a premium 12-speaker
JBL audio system, and wireless phone charging. The JBL audio system
and navigation will be an available option on the 3.0 grade.
50+ Years of Toyota Sports Car Heritage
The 2020 Toyota Supra traces a 50+ year lineage to Toyota's
first sports car, the 1965 Sports 800. This sleek but tiny (140-in.
long) coupe offered a little over 40 horsepower from an air-cooled,
two-cylinder boxer engine. The Sports 800 weighed just 1,300 pounds
and could reach 100 mph in racing trim. It was successful in long
distance races where reliability and fuel economy worked to its
advantage. Here's one for car trivia buffs: The 800 Sports was the
first production sports car to have a lift-out aluminum roof
panel.
2000 GT
In 1967, Toyota stunned the sports car establishment with the
limited-production, hand-built 2000 GT. This six-cylinder, two-seat
coupe smashed three world records and set 13 new international
records for speed and endurance. Just 351 of the 2000 GTs were
made, about 60 of those left-hand-drive for export to the U.S.
Nevertheless, many Americans saw the 2000 GT when a specially
built roadster version was the automotive star in that year's
James Bond film, You Only Live
Twice. Today, 2000 GTs can approach $1
million in collector-car auctions.
Age of the Supra
In 1978, Toyota introduced the first Supra (A40) as a premium,
six-cylinder version of the popular Celica sports coupe. Four years
later, Toyota began to separate the Supra from the Celica, with the
second generation (A60) featuring a completely different front-end
design and a striking Performance model with wider wheels and
fender flares.
With the debut of the third-generation model for 1986 (A70), the
Supra became its own distinct car. The following year, the Mk. III,
as Supra aficionados call it, debuted a Turbo upgrade model with
230 horsepower.
Then came the icon: the fourth-generation Supra (A80, or "Mk.
IV" to Supra buffs) arrived in 1993 and upended the global sports
car / GT hierarchy. The Supra Turbo used twin sequential
turbochargers to extract 320 horsepower from its 3.0-liter inline
six. This utterly unique sports GT could accelerate from zero-to-60
mph in under 5 seconds, trouncing direct competitors, as well as
some European models costing 2-3 times as much.
The Mk. IV Supra left Toyota's U.S. lineup after 1998 but was
produced until 2002. It went on to become famous for new
generations in video games and in the Fast and Furious film
series, stoking an intensely loyal following that helped spur
Toyota to develop the all-new, fifth-generation Supra for 2020.
Toyota GAZOO Racing
The 2020 GR Supra is the first global model developed by Toyota
GAZOO Racing, the international umbrella for Toyota's global
motorsport program. In just the past year GR won the Le Mans 24
Hours race and the FIA World Rally Champions. Its work is based on
three pillars: developing people through taking part in motorsport;
creating fans through the excitement of motorsport and producing
fun-to-drive cars; and making ever-better cars by applying the
knowledge gained from motorsport competition.
This ethos has been fully embraced by both Kiichiro Toyoda, founder of Toyota, and
Akio Toyoda, Toyota Motor
Corporation president, for its goal of "making ever-better cars."
Starting with this Supra, Toyota GAZOO Racing will transfer
technical learnings from the race track or rally stage to the
development of not just new generations of Toyota's sports-focused
GR models, but also to its wider range of vehicles, driven by tens
of millions of people around the world.
With the 2020 Supra, Toyota is seeking to ignite automotive
enthusiasts with fond memories of the Supra, as well as spark a new
wave of sports car fans around the world.
2020 SUPRA PRELIMINARY
SPECIFICATIONS
|
Wheelbase
|
97.2 in.
|
Overall Length
|
172.5 in.
|
Overall Width
|
73.0 in.
|
Overall Height
|
50.9 in.
|
Track Width
Front
|
62.8 in.
|
Track Width
Rear
|
62.6 in.
|
Curb Weight
|
3,397 lbs.
|
0-60 mph
|
4.1 seconds
|
Media Contact:
Nancy Hubbell
469-292-4954
nancy.hubbell@toyota.com
Zachary Reed
469-292-3499
zachary.reed@toyota.com
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SOURCE Toyota Motor North America