By Steve & Tamami Laser
Toyota finally pulled the wraps off the next-generation Supra by revealing a prototype at the Goodwood Festival of Speed Silver Jubilee (25th anniversary) in the UK. Instead of showing the car in a static display, the artfully camouflaged sports car of the future took to the festival’s track.
While folks had the chance to see the new Supra A90 prototype in action on the famous Goodwood hill course, Toyota decided to wait for a complete reveal at a later date (likely at an international auto show).
The silhouette of the new model looks similar to the GR Supra Racing concept that was introduced earlier this year at the Geneva Motor Show (minus huge fender flares and rear wing). While partially hidden beneath the camouflage, we can see the new Supra sports a front fascia with triple air intakes and headlight clusters like the GR concept.
Like its predecessors, Toyota says the new Supra will feature an in-line, front-mounted 6-cylinder engine that transfers power to the rear wheels. The car has been in development for quite some time as a joint project between Toyota and BMW.
The rear styling also brings to mind the GR concept with the shape of the taillights, double-bubble roof, tapered rear glass and lower diffuser. Toyota dressed the A90 prototype with the signature black, red and white colors of Toyota Gazoo Racing, like the Le Mans winning TS050 Hybrid (on static display at the Goodwood Festival).
We like the look of the big alloy wheels on the prototype which likely will carry over to the production car. Wrapped with low-profile Michelin tires, we can also see the front brake setup on the A90.
The “A90” decals affixed to the car serve as an historical reference to the new Supra’s codename and its return for a fifth generation. The first Supra (1978) was dubbed A40, followed by the second generation A60 (1981), the third A70 (1986), and last A80 (1993) that concluded production in 2002.
According to Toyota Europe, the new Supra is expected to reach the market during the first half of 2019. Launch timing for other markets, including the U.S., is expected to be announced soon.
News source and photos courtesy of Toyota Motor Europe SA and Toyota (GB) PLC
Story (commentary) © 2018 CarNichiWa.com