Toyota GR Supra revealed – first global Gazoo Racing model, 340 PS 3.0L straight-six priced from RM205k

Toyota GR Supra revealed – first global Gazoo Racing model, 340 PS 3.0L straight-six priced from RM205k

Here it is, the real deal. No more spyshots, no more teasers, no more leaks. You’re looking at the all new Toyota GR Supra in all its glory, and there’s a lot to unpack. So let’s get to it.

Yes, the early rumours were true – the new fifth-generation A90 Supra gets a GR prefix to its name, marking its status as the first global model from in-house motorsports arm Toyota Gazoo Racing. And yes, as you all know by now, it’s based on the latest G29 BMW Z4 as part of a sports car collaboration with Munich, but there’s a bit more to this front-engined, rear-wheel drive sports car than that.

The exterior, as we’ve seen countless times before, is perhaps its biggest differentiator. Derived from the stunning FT-1 Concept from 2014, it borrows a number of styling cues from past Toyota sports cars, such as the rounded headlights (now with stacked LED projectors for a distinctive lighting signature) and slim tail lights of the fourth-gen A80 Supra, as well as the double-bubble roof of the 2000GT.

Toyota GR Supra revealed – first global Gazoo Racing model, 340 PS 3.0L straight-six priced from RM205k

The prominent nose that splits the air intakes, meanwhile, is very Formula 1 – even though Toyota won’t draw parallels to its ill-fated F1 project. There’s also a wraparound windscreen design with blacked-out A-pillars, faux vents and inlets aft of the front wheels and ahead of the rear wheels, a sizeable rear diffuser with twin tailpipes and a upswept integrated bootlid spoiler that Toyota says is inspired by the A80’s enormous rear wing. And the F1-style LED central rear light? That’s for reverse.

Inside, the Supra borrows much of its switchgear (along with its door mirrors and door handles) from BMW – owners of the F30 3 Series will find plenty familiar here, down to the stubby electronic gearlever. The iDrive system, complete with its tiled interface, has also been lifted straight from Munich, but the design of the 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster with its central rev counter is unique to the Toyota.

So is the rest of the cabin design, which features a flat, horizontal dashboard with full-width air vents, plus a padded leg bolster for the driver that gives the car a cockpit-like feel. You’ll also find a small three-spoke steering wheel, sports seats with integrated headrests, an optional colour head-up display and a choice of either a 6.5-inch central display or a 8.8-inch touchscreen – again, similar to what you’ll find on a BMW.

Toyota GR Supra revealed – first global Gazoo Racing model, 340 PS 3.0L straight-six priced from RM205k

Alright, enough of the superfluous bits, let’s talk numbers. The Supra shares the same 2,470 mm wheelbase as the Z4 (some 100 mm shorter than the 86), but its 4,380 mm length, 1,865 mm width and 1,295 mm height make it 56 mm longer, one millimetre wider and nine millimetres lower. All this results in a wheelbase-to-tread ratio of 1.55, said to be one of the smallest among mainstream sports cars, making for better agility.

Other claims include a lower centre of gravity compared to the 86 (despite having an inline engine vis-à-vis the 86’s flat boxer mill), a perfect 50:50 weight distribution and a steel-and-aluminium structure that is 2.5 times stiffer than the carbon fibre-bodied Lexus LFA.

Under the bonnet, the Supra will be offered with a choice of two engines in three different outputs, all from BMW. The base 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder on the SZ model produces 197 PS from 4,500 to 6,500 rpm and 320 Nm of torque between 1,450 to 4,200 rpm – essentially the 20i tune found on most BMWs. It sprints from zero to 100 km/h in a respectable 6.5 seconds.

Toyota GR Supra revealed – first global Gazoo Racing model, 340 PS 3.0L straight-six priced from RM205k

Step up to the SZ-R model and those numbers are bumped up to 30i spec – 258 PS from 5,000 to 6,500 rpm and 400 Nm between 1,550 to 4,400 rpm, cutting the acceleration time to 5.2 seconds. But it’s the evocative-sounding RZ that gets the top-dog 3.0 litre straight-six, producing 340 PS from 5,000 to 6,500 rpm and 500 Nm between 1,600 and 4,500 rpm. This one does the century sprint in just 4.3 seconds.

For now, all engines are mated to a standard eight-speed ZF automatic transmission, but Toyota’s assistant chief engineer Masayuki Kai did previously say that a manual gearbox is a possibility (unlike the auto-only Z4) depending on market feedback, so there’s still some hope yet for purists.

Toyota GR Supra revealed – first global Gazoo Racing model, 340 PS 3.0L straight-six priced from RM205k

As for the chassis, the Supra features double-jointed MacPherson struts at the front and multi-link rear suspension, with optional Adaptive Variable Suspension damping and a electronic locking rear differential that is tuned to work in tandem with the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system. So far, so BMW, but apparently the Supra has been developed independently from Munich since 2014, so we’ll see how it drives.

Toyota has yet to confirm pricing for the Supra in Japan, but over in the US, the car will retail from US$49,990 (RM204,900). That’s with the 3.0 litre engine – the only one confirmed for North America so far – and it rises to US$53,990 (RM221,200) for the more well-equipped 3.0 Premium. The limited Launch Edition, essentially a Premium but with red door mirrors and black 19-inch alloys, goes for US$55,250 (RM226,400).




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Jonathan Lee

After trying to pursue a career in product design, Jonathan Lee decided to make the sideways jump into the world of car journalism instead. He therefore appreciates the aesthetic appeal of a car, but for him, the driving experience is still second to none.

 

Comments

  • Optimus on Jan 15, 2019 at 1:28 am

    Trump tariffs will ensure prices will definitely go higher.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 31
    • There are plenty P2 Salesmen, Nissan Salesmen and Honda Salesmen to bash Proton, Toyota, Geely, Volvo and other articles

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
    • Riff pekema on Jan 15, 2019 at 2:35 pm

      Yess! AP import bruthers rejoice!!

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 2
    • Galvatron on Jan 16, 2019 at 2:27 am

      It’s cheaper than a Datsun GT-R

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • tricycle on Jan 15, 2019 at 7:29 am

    Given choice, I would prefer the exterior design of Z4.

    Interior wise, both are great design.

    Let’s see how it handle compared to z4.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 1
  • Does anyone find the rear too organic? It doesn’t give a sporty feel to the name Supra

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 0
  • the type R start with 30+k pound in UK and 300k+ in Msia, this Supra is 50+k pound in UK and expect it to cost around 500k in Malaysia.. Haha

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 17
  • RM205k only. All 340PS from 3.0L straight-six^^

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 18 Thumb down 5
  • heybadigol (Member) on Jan 15, 2019 at 8:19 am

    To these eyes, it looks a bit better than the Z4. But it’s still nowhere near as evocative as the 2000GT. But I’m guessing that they didn’t go all out, since it is only a Toyota. Probably would’ve gone wilder if it was a Lexus. Would be good if they could add some wheelbase, 2 extra doors and make a sports sedan out of it and bring back the Altezza name. So that Lexus can drop the IS and focus on a new GS.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
  • newme on Jan 15, 2019 at 8:32 am

    RM205K? It will be RM500K due to protectionism here.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 13
    • Happy on Jan 15, 2019 at 12:39 pm

      Nope. It’s because they can’t undercut Z4 prices.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
    • Dude, 2-door sports car always subject to the highest tax here. What protectionism are you on about?

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 2
      • Engineer on Jan 15, 2019 at 7:17 pm

        He meant protect Z4 sales from being cannibalised when it comes here. Surely must protect the original, why must benefit the cheapo rebadge?

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • buruk

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 18
  • UsedToBeToyotaFan on Jan 15, 2019 at 9:38 am

    Supra supposed to be the big brother to 86. 86 2.0 NA got 200 hp but supra 2.0 turbo gets 197? Although the torque number is great for turbo car but the hp does not reflect the use of turbo.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
  • Jonn Dol on Jan 15, 2019 at 9:42 am

    The last gen (fully homegrown) Supra looks better…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 1
  • Meh. A face only a Predator can love. Perhaps it might hel to have a new “premium” feature: Ferrari sounding horns! Hehehe….

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 0
  • passion on Jan 15, 2019 at 9:57 am

    oh boy what a weird design. acquired taste!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 14
  • seancorr (Member) on Jan 15, 2019 at 10:03 am

    Essentially it’s a BMW but with a different skin. I mean the engine and chassis is from BMW, there’s also an iDrive controller and even it’s susension is BMW-like with some tweaks done to differentiate it from the Z4. So would you pay top dollar for a BMW with a Toyota badge?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 1
    • Engineer on Jan 15, 2019 at 7:19 pm

      It’s a rebadge from BMW, much like Perodua is to Toyota. All the hardwork iz done by ze Germans.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
    • stastasta on Jan 16, 2019 at 2:21 pm

      japanese design with german reliability, worst of both worlds.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Lao yee on Jan 15, 2019 at 10:12 am

    Didnt expect this cheaper then the BRZ. Bravo!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 7
    • Still sleeping? USA price do a 1-to-1 conversion and that becomes malaysia’s selling price?

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
  • Farhan on Jan 15, 2019 at 10:27 am

    I wonder… if BMW would ever make a full on M version of the G29 Z4 Coupe like they did with the E85 gen, would it compete directly with the Supra?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Is it me or they took BMW’s mid console and put it into theirs?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 3
    • Road Killer Machine (R.K.M) on Jan 15, 2019 at 2:01 pm

      It’s co-developed with BMW and it’s a BMW Z4 underneath, so of course they took all the BMW’s bits, even the side mirror & door handles are from BMW. Dude, do you even read the article?

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Yap Chong Kiat on Jan 15, 2019 at 10:40 am

    Toyota, Please bring it into Malaysia

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 2
  • bicycleDealer on Jan 15, 2019 at 11:04 am

    if we earning USD here everyone can afford one anyday sigh..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • At the rate they’re working with other manufacturers, it’s only a matter of time before Toyota pairs up with Honda to design a car.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 3
  • Not Honda dream on Jan 15, 2019 at 11:37 am

    Normal car no need TURBO.. Only Applicable for sports or luxury cars.. Turbo 2.2, V6 and above

    In boleh land road, many Honda 1.5 Turbo pulling buffalo and underpowered .. Even X70 from oversea 1.8 turbo got higher turbo installed.. It is the car driver who determine the car speeds, not the HP, CC, Torque or TURBO.

    Saw many small and sedan Myvi, kancil, picanto, axia drivers who drove very fast in highway , and yet their car got NO 1.5 Turbo engine..

    Turbo drinks petrol and waste your money.. Get normal engine to reach your destination.. Unlike sports or luxury cars.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 14
    • sarawak sarawak on Jan 15, 2019 at 6:59 pm

      This has got to be the most stupid comment ever!

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 1
    • bangsat beranak ramai-ramai. whole life have to use the cheapest thing on earth.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  • atifjeelan on Jan 15, 2019 at 11:44 am

    Reach malaysia’s shore, the price will be more thant half million ringgit

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  • David on Jan 15, 2019 at 12:13 pm

    After a long wait, somehow feel GTR are better package in term of exterior and performance.
    Disappointed.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 14
  • Ksatria on Jan 15, 2019 at 12:41 pm

    Meh..not inviting as the older one did..
    Supra..Toyota, Made in BMW :(

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  • Kacman on Jan 15, 2019 at 12:50 pm

    SUPRA TE!!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • is this a toyota car that named supra? or this is a supra? macam kena tipu je…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 2
  • Gti owner on Jan 15, 2019 at 1:08 pm

    what happen to you, Supra? In 90 century,you are as famous as GTR & NSX, now with this kind of spec, you not even can see a GTR & NSX tail light.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
  • Japanese design with german reliability…
    The exact opposite of what ppl want…

    Hopefully itll drive better than it looks

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
  • choha on Jan 15, 2019 at 3:35 pm

    toyota-badged bmw,pass……

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
  • wow the front end the more u look at it the mode hideous it looks

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Askapunk on Jan 17, 2019 at 4:52 pm

    I don’t mind it is given 2.0 turbo for the price 203k, that’s definitely affordable for small unit sportcar. Hopefully Malaysia import will not double tax base on capacity and small size.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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