VIDEO: HKS tests exhaust, suspension for A90 Supra

Why is it that the most desirable imagery of the new Toyota GR Supra that’s out so far isn’t by Toyota itself? Until now, I’ve been on the fence with the A90 – not because of the hotly debated BMW hardware, but because I’m not sure if I like how it looks – but this video and pics of the Supra being tested by HKS might have done it for me.

Japan’s car scene is all about the Supra now, especially in the aftermath of the “Supra is back to Japan Fes” celebration over the weekend. At the same time, legendary tuner HKS released images of it testing parts for the A90, with input from famous racer/drifter Manabu Orido a.k.a. Max Orido, who’s known as a Supra man.

In the video above, you can see HKS and Orido testing and comparing notes on the Supra parts they’re working on, namely the muffler prototype with the trademark HKS tip, and the Hipermax adjustable springs, which will work together with the A90’s stock active dampers. The latter will provide some height adjustability, and extra stiffness if needed.

VIDEO: HKS tests exhaust, suspension for A90 Supra

Yokohama played a part in the test session at the Gunsai cycle track too, and they brought some good stuff. A Japanese sports car should sit on proper Japanese rims and rubber, so out goes the Michelins and two-tone alloys (let’s leave those things for the Contis) for Advan Neova AD08Rs and Advan GT rims.

This Advan wheel-tyre combo needs no introduction, and the white 19-inch items look perfect on this Matte Storm Grey Metallic Supra – it’s amazing how a set of rims can totally transform a car’s appearance. Not sure about you, but this is the first time the new Supra is “talking to me.” Also, don’t forget to turn on the volume to hear the car growl.

To recap, the Supra will be offered in Japan in in three grades – SZ, SZ-R and RZ – priced at 4.9 million (RM186,420), 5.9 million (RM224,465) and 6.9 million (RM262,498) yen respectively. The SZ kicks things off with a 197 PS/320 Nm 2.0L turbo-four, the SZ-R ups figures to 258 PS/400 Nm, and the RZ is powered by a 3.0L inline-six turbo with 340 PS and 500 Nm.

VIDEO: HKS tests exhaust, suspension for A90 Supra

Of course, all are BMW engines paired to a ZF eight-speed torque converter automatic gearbox sending drive to the rear wheels. For the full list of Japanese-market A90 specs, pics and TRD parts for the sportscar – click here.

Anyway, it’s great to see tuners and racers working on the A90 so early in the day, even before the car goes on sale. They’re only able to do so because Toyota provided them pre-production cars in an effort to embrace the aftermarket, which is a wise move – the legend of the Supra is where it is today because of the aftermarket, anyway.

Things can only get better from here, right? What do you think?


GALLERY: A90 Toyota GR Supra, Japan-spec

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Danny Tan

Danny Tan loves driving as much as he loves a certain herbal meat soup, and sweet engine music as much as drum beats. He has been in the auto industry since 2006, previously filling the pages of two motoring magazines before joining this website. Enjoys detailing the experience more than the technical details.

 

Comments

  • Wait until Liberty Walk got their hands on the Supra. LW, the true masters of hate-it-or-love-it mod, the Mansory of the East.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
    • redpilled on May 22, 2019 at 10:18 am

      I like it’s profile outlines, but my oh my, it has a face and butt only a mother can love. It looks like it fell off the ugly tree and hit every branch on the way down……

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • TOMS A91 Celica on May 21, 2019 at 12:55 pm

    Has it slays the godzilla yet?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
  • Syer1n on May 21, 2019 at 3:55 pm

    Toyota did a good job with the supra except one thing. Where is the infamous gigantic rear spoiler?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
    • mr1031 on May 21, 2019 at 6:02 pm

      that is after market duh

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • Puteri Phra Ram Iswari on May 22, 2019 at 10:42 am

      Go get aftermarket GT wings there so many options available to suit individuals taste and preference ok

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Jonn Dol on May 21, 2019 at 4:11 pm

    For the hardcore fans, it’s still hard to swallow the fact that the new Supra car is a bimmer..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 1
    • Heidi Lau hot pot on May 22, 2019 at 10:52 am

      Yes. Bimmer lacks technological advancement in suspension system compares to audi especially the magnetic dampers.
      If toyoda jv with vw, supra might get porsche chasis, lambo powertrain, audi suspension, bentley comfort…

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • omg wat a boring video

    i thought got best motoring 1 v 1 chasing

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
  • panjang on May 22, 2019 at 3:00 pm

    Nope, it wont get better. It just wont.
    This pretender just dont have it to make the cut.
    It marked the end of a nameplate.

    Only good thing that will come out after few years down the road is the increase number of aftermarket item for european cars at european price.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • is this reliable?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • passion on May 23, 2019 at 10:05 am

    ugly car. NUFF SAID!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Silverado on May 23, 2019 at 10:53 am

    Looks more like a Celica replacement than a Supra replacement, given the small size and BMW Z4 underpinnings. A Supra should be grand and awesome, not like this.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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