By Otsile Kadiege

Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) recently announced a partially upgraded model of the latest-generation Supra (3.0-litre) and the special-edition Supra “A90 Final Edition”. The special-edition model is slated for global release with a limited run of 300 units. According to Toyota, the latest upgraded Supra aims to deliver a more integrated driving experience thanks to mechanical upgrades like improved braking performance, an increased-rigidity body, suspension, and chassis, optimised tuning, and enhanced aerodynamic performance.

Supra brief history

Ever since its first generation in 1978, the Toyota Supra has earned legions of fans with its faithfully retained front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout powered by an in-line six-cylinder engine. Also, in addition to the Supra having competed in the Super GT and numerous other types of motorsport events, the Supra-based, race-specific GR Supra GT4 has enabled customers to enjoy driving in various races around the world.

In 2019, driven by the strong desire of Chairman Akio Toyoda, aka Master Driver Morizo, the Supra stormed back after a 17-year absence. Said Chairman Toyoda upon its release: “Back in the day, I spent countless hours driving an old Supra at Nürburgring to become a master driver. Supra is like an old friend that holds a special place in my heart. While other manufacturers were putting their beautiful new prototypes which they were going to introduce through the paces, I was driving an old Supra that was no longer in production.

“So even though Toyota had no plans to make a new Supra, just like a lot of other die-hard Supra fans around the world, I secretly wanted to make it happen. The new GR Supra was born through testing at Nürburgring, and I can honestly say that it is a car that is fun to drive and better than ever.” The current Supra has continued to evolve since its launch, with partially upgraded models released in 2020 and 2022.

Mechanical upgrades to the Supra (3.0-liter)

In line with a new chassis setting, active differential control has been optimised to reduce understeer during cornering and improve handling. Braking performance has been strengthened by using increased-diameter Brembo front disc brakes.

The characteristics of the situation-responsive electronically controlled shock absorbers have been revised and the front stabilizer has been strengthened to improve driving performance. The front and rear stabilizers use brackets made of reinforced aluminum. The use of strengthened rubber bushings for the front control arms and strengthened rubber mounts for the rear sub-frame heightens the sense of suspension – body integration, conveying road information better and contributing to precise handling.

The rear underfloor brace structure has been strengthened to increase body rigidity and improve the sense of directness and grip as well as for better controllability. In line with other evolutionary changes, electric power steering (EPS) control has been optimised to deliver a more direct steering sensation and improved control performance. The camber angle of the front and rear wheels has been revised to increase grip for improved cornering stability.

Conventional Supra 3.0-litre exterior and interior upgrades

Outside, TGR added a carbon-fibre duck-tail rear spoiler which joins forces with added front wheel arch flaps and higher front tyre spats for optimised front and rear aerodynamic balance and downforce, improving road contact and handling performance. Lastly, the wheels have been given a matte black coat.

Inside, the driver’s seat is upholstered in “GR”-embroidered Alcantara and genuine leather. A ring and the stitching on the shift knob (in six-speed, manual-transmission vehicles) and the seat-belts have been done in red to accentuate interior sportiness.

Special edition Supra A90 Final Edition mechanical upgrades

Unlike the conventional Supra 3.0-litre, the A90 Final Edition gets uprated power and torque of 320kW and 570Nm (previously 285kW and 500Nm) thanks to revised intake air path and a low-back-pressure. Cooling performance has been enhanced in line with the improved engine performance by strengthening the radiator cooling fan, adding a sub-radiator, and enlarging the differential gear cover cooling fins. TGR also added a baffle plate to the engine oil pan to prevent uneven oil distribution when encountering the high g-forces associated with improved cornering performance.

What’s power without a sound to match? In a bid to make the A90 Final Edition sound more powerful, TGR added a Akrapovič titanium muffler to its exhaust system.

Stopping power comes in the form of 19-inch Brembo brakes with special drillings. The “A90 Final Edition is fitted with staggered lightweight 19-inch wheels up front and 20-inch wheels at the rear wheels engraved with the TGR logo. These wheels are wrapped with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 high-grip tyres which are 10% wider than the tyres on the conventional Supra.

Another notable mechanical upgrade is dampening-adjustable KW suspension, which is the same as that found on the GR Supra GT4, features 16 rebound stages and 12 compression stages for accommodating a variety of driving conditions, and the front and rear stabilizers have been strengthened to improve limit-pushing performance.

A90 Final Edition exterior and interior

Outside, the aerodynamics of the A90 Final Edition was entrusted to GR Supra GT4 development leader Toyota Gazoo Racing Europe. Upgrades include a carbon-fibre front spoiler, front canards, and front centre flap which team up with a carbon-fibre swan-neck rear wing reminiscent of that on the GR Supra GT4 to optimize front and rear aerodynamic balance, downforce, and drag, improving road contact and handling performance. An added carbon-fibre hood duct features a removable inner duct for improved cooling performance when removed.

Inside, the A90 Final Edition sets itself apart with “Recaro Podium CF” carbon-fibre full-bucket seats with Alcantara-covered seat pads, more Alcantara on the steering wheel, door trim, centre console knee-pad, centre armrest, shift knob boot, and the centre portion of the instrument panel, and red seat-belts and exclusive carbon-fibre scuff plates.

Availability

Toyota South Africa Motors is yet to confirm if any units of the upgraded Supra, including the A90 Final Edition, have been reserved for South Africa.