- TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Announces GR Supra, GR86, and GR
Corolla Special Editions for Model Year 2024 Lineup
- GR Supra 45th Anniversary Edition Pays Tribute to
Custom MkIV Supra
- Available in Mikan Blast or Absolute Zero and Limited to
900 Units for U.S. Market
- Aggressive Style with Oversized, Manually Adjustable Rear
Spoiler
- Matte-Black Finished Wheels, Black GR Brake Calipers, and
Black Supra Side Graphic
- Choice of Paddle Shifted 8-Speed Automatic or 6-Speed Manual
Transmission
PLANO,
Texas, June 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- For over
four decades the Toyota Supra has earned a reputation as an icon
among sports car enthusiasts. From its first-generation roots as
the Celica Supra in 1979 to its current fifth-generation form as
the GR Supra, the model has captured drivers' hearts over the years
with a blend of power, handling, tech, and style. For 2024, Toyota
pays tribute to that history with an eye-popping 45th
Anniversary Edition.
As an ode to the 1990's models, the GR Supra 45th
Anniversary edition will be available in a deep orange Mikan Blast
("mikan" means orange in Japanese) or ice cold Absolute Zero. Built
on the 3.0 Premium Grade, this GR Supra's low-slung, condensed
extreme design is complemented by a large, manually adjustable rear
spoiler. Rising about three inches above the rear decklid, the
spoiler has an adjustment screw that allows drivers to change its
angle and influence the amount of downforce being applied to rear
wheels.
The 45th Anniversary Edition also features matte-black finished
19-inch aluminum wheels and black painted opposite mounted brake
calipers that wear a GR logo up front. A black side panel graphic
with a cutout Supra logo sweeps upward along the side, accentuating
the vehicle's contours. Altogether, the special edition brings a
touch of nostalgia and flair to the 2024 Supra lineup with a look
reminiscent of the MkIV model of big screen fame. The
45th Anniversary Edition will be limited to 900 units,
split evenly between Mikan Blast and Absolute Zero. The engine will
be flanked by exclusive 45th Anniversary Edition Mikan
Blast strut tower braces that bear the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing logo. It
will be available in both manual and automatic transmission options
and will be powered by the same B58 inline six-cylinder
3.0-liter turbocharged engine on all 3.0 Supra models,
outputting 382-hp and 368 lb.-ft. of torque.
The GR Supra 45th Anniversary Edition sticks with the
nameplate's playbook of offering unique versions since its
relaunch. Since the model returned to the market in 2019, Toyota
has rolled out Launch, A91, A91 Carbon Fiber, and A91MT editions.
Additionally, the GR Supra has continued to evolve over the past
four model years, with changes like increased horsepower and torque
on the 3.0 models, updates to handling dynamics, the addition of a
2.0-L 4-cylinder model, and the addition of a Manual Transmission
option. In 2020 Toyota GAZOO Racing also started producing a GR
Supra GT4 model for racing.
GR Supra 45th Anniversary models are expected to
arrive at Toyota dealerships in the fall of 2023. Pricing for the
special edition model and details for the complete 2024 GR Supra
lineup will be shared at a later date.
Blast From the Past
First on sale in 1979 and originally named the Toyota Celica
Supra in the U.S., the first-generation Mark I (MkI) Supra was
positioned as a luxury, rear-wheel drive sports model in the Toyota
lineup. Known by some as the A40, which referred to its chassis
code, it went through enough changes in its short time to
ultimately be referred to as the A50 Celica Supra by Toyota
engineers.
Initially, it featured a 2.6-liter inline-six engine that
produced 110 horsepower and was available in both manual and
automatic transmissions. In 1980, the model changed from a fixed
axle rear suspension to a semi-trailing arm and coil spring system,
and the 2.6-liter engine was replaced with a 2.8-liter unit.
Although only produced for a brief time, and in limited volume, the
first generation Supra marked the beginning of a new era for Toyota
sports cars.
In 1982 the second-generation A60 Celica (MkII) Supra arrived.
This model used a 2.8-liter 5M-GE
twin-cam straight-six engine. The sheet metal was radically
redesigned from its predecessor and featured an aerodynamic look
with a longer wheelbase and stretched front-end. It also included
retractable headlights, a more aggressive flare on the wheel arches
and an independent rear suspension.
Notable equipment on selected grades of the second generation
Supra were a digital instrument panel and the "Navicom," a
forerunner of today's car navigation systems that used a
microchip-based device that calculated the direction and distance
to a desired destination and displayed the information in real
time.
A Legend All Its Own
In 1986 Toyota introduced the third generation A70 Supra (MkIII)
and dropped the Celica name, positioning it as an independent
high-performance, high-grade sports car. It was completely
redesigned and featured a sleek, aerodynamic body with a 0.33
coefficient of drag. When it was introduced, it featured a 24
valve, 3.0-liter six-cylinder 7M-GE
powerplant with an output of 200-hp at 6000 rpm and produced 196
lb.-ft. of torque.
Later a 7M-GTE engine was made
available with an intercooled sequential twin turbocharger. This
boosted the 24-valve engine's output to 230-hp and increased torque
by 33 percent to 254 lb.-ft. A small, fast-spinning, low-boost
turbo engaged very responsively just above idle speed; as RPM built
and load increased a larger high-boost turbo would gradually spin
up, providing significant boost in the upper ranges of engine
performance.
Anti-lock braking (ABS) and four-wheel disc brakes, which were
ventilated up front, was another new addition to Supra in 1986,
with the system being optional on naturally aspirated models and
standard on the Turbo-equipped model. Another modern feature was an
electronically moderated suspension with two modes – normal and
sport – that was built with a double-wishbone construction for all
four wheels. This was the first time Toyota had mass produced this
type of race-inspired suspension on one of its vehicles.
Other features included eight-way adjustable sport seats, side
window defrosters, and one touch power windows. And just to make us
all jealous, there was even an optional detachable sport roof.
In 1993 the A80 Supra (MkIV) arrived. It featured two choices of
inline-six engines, the naturally aspirated 220-hp 2JZ-GE with 209
lb.-ft. of torque or the twin-turbocharged 2JZ-GTE, capable of
320-hp and 315 lb.-ft. of torque. Both engine models offered a
choice of automatic or manual transmission. AT models offered
normal and manual shift modes and MT models with the 2JZ-GTE engine
featured Toyota's first six-speed gearbox.
The MkIV Supra was also known for its advanced suspension
system, which was electronically controlled and could adjust ride
height and stiffness on the fly. At the time, the car quickly
gained a reputation as competing with cars far above its class and
Road & Track said, "The Supra Turbo performs at Ferrari
Testarossa and Porsche 911 Turbo levels…it easily outgrips the
European pair, is more stable in abrupt maneuvers and digs to a
halt with near-identical determination."
Exterior designer Kunihiro Uchida
referred to its looks as reminiscent of a "wild animal racing
across a field" with its large, round front end and rear ducktail
spoiler, smooth aerodynamic side profile with door mounted mirrors,
and new sleek, projection headlamp system. And the Supra was about
more than looks and power, as it was Toyota's first vehicle to
include both driver- and passenger-side air bags as standard
equipment. The Supra ended its run in the U.S. with the 1998 model
year.
Power for the Present
As the years passed, many enthusiasts and Toyota fans longed for
the return of the Supra. The call would be answered by then Toyota
President, Akio Toyoda, who
championed the revival of the sports car model. Upon its return it
would be dubbed the GR Supra and serve as TOYOTA GAZOO Racing's
(GR) first globally badged model.
The new GR brand had a straightforward goal: Develop cars
aimed at the pure joy of driving. Through a process that started on
the track, cars would be rigorously tested until a series of master
drivers approved their performance. Subsequently, the introduction
of models, like the GR86 coupe and GR Corolla hot hatch expanded
the driver-centered lineup, with each GR sports car undergoing the
same intensive track testing process before receiving its GR
badge.
The fifth generation A90 GR Supra (MkV) model was revealed in
2019 after undergoing its GR approval process. The design took
elements from two legendary models, the MkIV Supra and 1967 Toyota
2000 GT. At launch the A90 Supra featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter
inline-six B58 engine matched to an eight-speed automatic
transmission that produced up to 335-hp and 365 lb.-ft. of torque.
It was made in collaboration with BMW and based on their Z4
platform.
For the 2021 GR Supra model, the GR team kept the pedal down to
bring more output and torque while also adding a new grade. They
increased the 3.0 Supra to 382 hp and 367 lb.-ft. of torque,
warranting enough changes to the model to dub it as the "A91" by
Toyota engineers and offer a likewise named special edition for
that year. The lineup also added a turbocharged four-cylinder model
with 2.0-liter engine, 255 horsepower and a stout 295 lb.-ft. of
torque.
In 2023, the GR Supra added a manual transmission option to the
model, which brought a new level of engagement to the
punch-above-its-weight sports car. And at the same time, all 2023
GR Supra 3.0 models gained a retuned suspension with revised shock
absorbers, re-tuned electric power steering with new mechanical
components, and an active rear sport differential standard.
As with all GR Supra A91 models, Normal, Sport and Individual
modes that adjust throttle response, suspension damping, and power
steering settings came standard. All 3.0 models came with an
Adaptative Variable Suspension (AVS) with sensors and solenoid
valves that finely control the damping force of the shock absorbers
is also standard. On the inside of the 3.0 models, premium features
like black leather-trimmed seats, a 12-speaker acoustically tuned
premium JBL sound system, full color heads-up display, and Qi
wireless charger offer drivers a luxury cabin.
GR Supra GT4 EVO
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing's track-focused mindset also led them to
launch a Supra GT4 racing model, which allows professional and
amateur drivers alike to compete on the world's most famous
racetracks. The GR Supra GT4 model was developed in Cologne, Germany by TOYOTA GAZOO Racing
Europe, home of Toyota's five-time Le Mans 24 Hours-winning
motorsport team, the GR Supra GT4 and launched in March 2020. It is sold to private customers for
competition within the popular GT4 category of racing for vehicles
based on roadgoing counterparts, with modifications permitted for
safety and performance.
Since its launch, GR Supra GT4 customers have won races and
championships on three continents in competitions such as the GT4
European Series, GT4 America and Super Taikyu in Japan, as well as legendary events like the
Nürburgring 24 Hours. A cumulative 625 entries in 317 races
worldwide as of the end of 2022 resulted in 79 class victories, 20
overall wins and 207 podium finishes. In 2023, 27 GR Supra GT4
vehicles are competing in Europe,
20 in North America and 12 in
Asia, including Japan.
Production of the GR Supra GT4 reached a milestone of 100 units
earlier this year. TOYOTA GAZOO Racing's close cooperation with its
GT4 teams and drivers has led to continuous improvement of the
model since launch. For the 2023 season, a GT4 EVO with 487 lb.-ft.
of torque is being offered for race teams with a focus on
improvements for even faster lap times. The team increased power
and optimized the torque curve of the 3.0-litre, six-cylinder,
turbocharged engine and made changes for more effective cooling,
improved brake system design, new ABS settings, latest KW damper
technology and updated anti-roll bar specification. Click here for
additional information or here for the 2023 GT4EVO press
release.
Complimentary 1-year NASA Membership
Purchase of a 2024 GR Supra comes with a complimentary 1-year
membership to the National Auto Sport Association (NASA). GR Supra
owners will enjoy a host of benefits, including one free High
Performance Driving Event (HPDE) and discounted admission to
NASA-sanctioned events.
Warranty and ToyotaCare
Toyota's 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies
to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items.
Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000
miles, and corrosion with no mileage limitation. ToyotaCare is a no
additional cost plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance
for 2 years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first, and 24-hour
roadside assistance for two years, unlimited mileage.
About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in
the U.S. for more than 65 years, and is committed to advancing
sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus
brands, plus our nearly 1,500 dealerships.
Toyota directly employs more than 39,000 people in the
U.S. who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly
of more than 33 million cars and trucks at our nine manufacturing
plants. By 2025, Toyota's 10th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture
automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more
electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, Toyota
currently offers 22 electrified options.
To help inspire the next generation for a career in
STEM-based fields, including mobility, Toyota launched its virtual
education hub at www.TourToyota.com with an immersive
experience and chance to virtually visit many of our U.S.
manufacturing facilities. The hub also includes a series of free
STEM-based lessons and curriculum through Toyota USA Foundation partners, virtual field trips
and more. For more information about Toyota,
visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.
About TOYOTA GAZOO Racing
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing embodies Toyota's commitment to
overcoming every limit to make 'ever-better' cars, to forge new
technologies and solutions under the extreme conditions of
motorsports, and to never stop innovating. TOYOTA GAZOO Racing
races its cars to push the limits for better and to learn from the
toughest challenges. Competing on every kind of road, no matter
what the challenge, inspires TOYOTA GAZOO Racing to build
'ever-better' cars and engineer Toyota's future DNA to bring
freedom, adventure, and joy of driving to everyone. For more
information, visit www.toyotagazooracing.com.
Customer inquiries, please call: 800-331-4331
Media Contacts
Paul Hogard
469-292-6791
paul.hogard@toyota.com
Note to Editors: Photos and b-roll can be found on
ToyotaNewsroom.com.
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SOURCE Toyota Motor North America