Toyota GR Supra GT4 'Concept' Previews Probable Turnkey Racer
While the reintroduction of the Supra will undoubtedly result in custom builds, where cars are purchased only to be gutted and rebuilt as a track day vehicle, Toyota is examining the possibility of doing all that itself. The brand just announced the Toyota GR Supra GT4 Concept.
Developed as a “racing study model” based on the GR (Gazoo Racing) Supra, the car is set up to compete in the GT4 European Series. If you’re unfamiliar, the category caters specifically to amateur racing drivers using factory-built race cars available to the public — though custom team builds can be approved by the FIA. While that series is this vehicle’s primary concern, Toyota said the GT4 would also be eligible for the IMSA’s Michelin Pilot Challenge, Blancpain GT World Challenge Asia, Super Endurance Series, and more.
Details are spartan right now, and largely irrelevant if you’re not putting in any track time, but the gist is that Toyota modified the car primarily for weight savings and to ensure it holds up to repeated abuse on a circuit. “The GR Supra GT4 Concept is even more light-weight than the commercial Toyota Supra, and is equipped with race specific parts such as roll cage, suspension, brake and rear-wings,” explained the automaker.
Toyota is keen to have the Supra reestablish itself as a force to be reckoned with on the motorsport scene. We would be surprised if this “study” isn’t already deep in development.
The car makes an appearance at this month’s Geneva Motor Show, where Toyota will undoubtedly highlight some of the components added (and removed) to make this a legitimate track vehicle. Anticipate a follow-up announcement some time later re: its planned availability to the public.
[Images: Toyota]
A staunch consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulation. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms based in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Dissatisfied with the corporate world and resentful of having to wear suits everyday, he pivoted to writing about cars. Since then, that man has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, been interviewed on the auto industry by national radio broadcasts, driven more rental cars than anyone ever should, participated in amateur rallying events, and received the requisite minimum training as sanctioned by the SCCA. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and managed to get a pizza delivery job before he was legally eligible. He later found himself driving box trucks through Manhattan, guaranteeing future sympathy for actual truckers. He continues to conduct research pertaining to the automotive sector as an independent contractor and has since moved back to his native Michigan, closer to where the cars are born. A contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer — stating that front and all-wheel drive vehicles cater best to his driving style.
More by Matt Posky
Comments
Join the conversation
I think it looks better in racing livery.
+1, I hope it's competitive.The only non Miata JDM sportscars which I remember having any successes were the IMSA RXs and Paul Newman era based 300zs