The fifth generation Supra is the first to be marketed directly by Toyota in Indonesia, following the 86 as a sportscar in its lower segment. The presence of the Supra is the answer to the longing of sportscar lovers in the world, after this model was discontinued in 1997.
Although co-developed and manufactured from BMW's facility in Magna Steyr, Austria, the Supra comes with a number of distinct advantages when compared to the Z4 alone, especially for the Indonesian market. The GR name of the GR Supra comes from the abbreviation of Gazoo Racing, the motorsport division of Toyota Motor Corporation which helped develop the performance of the Supra.
In its development, the GR Supra went through a series of trials on circuit tracks and various highways. The target is to find the best composition and keys for a true sportscar but still provide driving comfort when used daily, to become a more emotional and fun Toyota.
The rear-wheel drive system (RWD) is equipped with a Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) in the garden, with electronic controls to make the car run smoother in corners and can accelerate as soon as it enters a straight track. LSD also makes the distribution of output from the engine to the wheels more optimal.
Compared to the Z4 which has a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine, the Supra has a 3.0-liter twin-scroll turbo six-cylinder engine that produces 338 hp and 500 Nm of torque. The engine, coded B58B30, is connected to an 8-speed sports automatic transmission, which can be operated semi-manually via paddle-shift.
The Supra is also equipped with the optimal point of the three key elements of vehicle stability, namely wheelbase, tread and center of gravity. The engineers decided to reduce the wheelbase ratio to 2,470 mm, the center of gravity was lower, and the vehicle weight distribution was balanced or 50:50 between the front and rear.
All of that includes the internal organs, while the external organs of the Supra rely on aerodynamics supported by components such as a double bubble roof to circulate air to the duck-tail-shaped rear spoiler, in order to increase downforce.
For agility maneuvers and handling, the legs rely on AVS (adaptive variable suspension) which can automatically adjust the character of the road surface. While the Normal and Sport modes in the choice of driving mode will inspire the driver more.
Information and entertainment services are accommodated by a complete semi-digital instrument panel that provides information to the driver, as well as a sporty design. Likewise with the 8.8-inch infotainment screen for multimedia functions supported by 8 speakers.
Compared to the Z4, the Supra was developed to be a more serious sports car with a focus on performance over the circuit. So when going head-to-head, the Supra should be able to excel in front of the Z4.