A view from the launch event.
DOHA: The region’s sports car enthusiasts’ much-awaited fifth-generation Toyota GR Supra was launched in the Middle East yesterday. The eagerly-awaited return of the iconic vehicle is set to delight Supra fans and inspire a new generation with its stunning design, high-octane performance, and exciting driving experience.
The Supra name evokes the power, performance, and handling that defined a succession of world-class cars for a quarter of a century, which built a reputation both as formidable performers on the road and all-conquering machines on the racetrack. The all-new GR Supra is the first Toyota global model developed entirely by GAZOO Racing (GR). The team has been developing its cars and people through its participation in motorsports with the goal of making ‘ever-better’ cars ever since first competing in Germany’s 24 Hours of Nürburgring endurance race in 2007. GR’s years of knowledge and expertise have been channeled into bringing the Supra back to life in the form of the all-new Toyota GR Supra, an all-new expression of pure sports car performance that people the world over will find fun to drive.
Chief Engineer Tetsuya Tada, who headed the vehicle’s development, said: “The history of Supra development is marked by the pursuit of driving pleasure created by the relationship between driver and car. The all-new GR Supra really reacts the way you want and feels good to drive. I can definitely say that the acceleration delivered by the GR Supra’s straight-six turbocharged engine feels truly exhilarating. The solid torque it provides continuously elevates the acceleration feel to a sublime level. Once people have experienced that feeling, even those who don’t know or who have forgotten about the fun of driving a car will think, ‘That feels amazing!’” Tada continued: “It’s not about numbers, it’s the sense of becoming one with the car; that is what we were pursuing, and was the main consideration throughout the development process. We aimed to ensure that the car properly hugs the road surface and delivers excellent stability, offering supreme driving confidence regardless of road surface conditions.” Yugo Miyamoto, Chief Representative, Middle East and Central Asia Representative Office, Toyota Motor Corporation, commented: “We are thrilled to launch the all-new Toyota GR Supra, which builds on more than 50 years of rich heritage to deliver our purest sports car experience yet. The Supra is one of Toyota’s most iconic models, and we wanted to create a vehicle that honors its legendary reputation and carries its sporting legacy into the future. With an exhilarating blend of power, balance, and agility, it offers the ultimate expression of driving pleasure.” The launch of the all-new GR Supra marks the end of a 17-year hiatus since the production of the previous generation concluded in 2002. As with all previous generations, the 2020 GR Supra is a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive vehicle powered by an inline six-cylinder engine. Extensive attention has also been paid to the fundamental elements of wheelbase, tread, and center of gravity, thus achieving superior handling performance befitting a pure sports car.
The fifth-generation GR Supra’s distinct personality is completed by its exquisite interior, which balances function with premium comfort and convenience features. Influenced by the layout of single-seater racing cars, the cockpit places the driver at the center of the action by neatly combining traditional Grand Tourer elements with ultra-modern functionality. The low, slim horizontal dashboard maximizes the forward view through the windscreen, while the main controls are tightly grouped for quick and easy operation. The instrument panel, center console, and door trim combine seamlessly to give the cockpit a strong, unified feel.
