SPYSHOTS: 2019 Toyota Supra – our clearest view yet

After what seems like the most protracted development cycle in history, it appears the new Toyota Supra is finally approaching production. These spyshots – the latest in a long line of images stretching back nearly two years – give us our best look of Japan’s next high-performance machine, as this prototype wears significantly less camouflage than before.

As you’d expect, the mule sports many of the design cues showcased on the recent GR Supra Racing Concept, itself an evolution of the FT-1 Concept from way back in 2014. Clear to see are headlights that appear to be inspired by Cleopatra’s eye makeup, with “tails” that stretch inwards towards the centre. These feature six small projectors on each side that give the lamps a high-tech look.

The Formula 1-inspired tall nose and triple air intakes have also been retained, while the clamshell bonnet incorporates vents aft of the front wheels. Other details from the show car include the wraparound front windscreen, double-bubble roof, slit-like tail lights, a prominent built-in rear spoiler and, notably, air vents that have been cut into the doors.

Of course, the concept’s race-style addenda such as the broad wheel arches, sizeable front splitter and massive rear wing have been stripped out. The huge rear diffuser has also been replaced by a smaller unit that integrates a centre fog light and large twin exhaust exits. Lastly, we get our first look at the production wheels – the two-tone rollers feature blade-like spokes and are wrapped in 255/35-section tyres in front.

We’ve had a peek at the interior before, and while it was still heavily disguised, it was clear that it would have a cabin that was distinct from the forthcoming BMW Z4 on which it is based. There were a few distinguishing features such as unique air-con vents and a different digital instrument layout – the latter with a regular rev counter in the centre instead of a reverse-direction gauge on the right-hand side.

This approach is unlike that taken by the 86 and Subaru BRZ sports car twins, which shared the same interior. Even so, there were numerous components clearly derived from the Munich parts bin, such as the steering wheel-mounted controls and the indicator and wiper stalks.

So far, we know that the Supra will come with a BMW-derived turbocharged straight-six petrol engine and 50:50 weight distribution, plus a chassis tuned separately from the Z4 and thus drive completely differently. While that sounds like a potent recipe, purists may bemoan the fact that a manual transmission won’t be offered, with the new car being an automatic-only affair.

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