Toyota GR Supra GT4 to officially go racing

Toyota has officially announced that its Supra GT4 will go racing in global GT4 racing series as a customer racer. It has already been previewed in concept form at the Geneva motor show, and more recently seen at the Nurburgring 24h race (with an unfortunate end).

Developed by Toyota Gazoo Racing, the Supra GT4 is lower and longer than the road-going model for added stability, whilst also retaining the road car's design features. A new diffuser and rear wing improve airflow, reducing drag and increasing downforce. These new parts aren’t made from carbonfibre, though, but from natural fibres such as hemp and flax to reduce the environmental impact. Inside, the standard interior has been stripped out, with a roll-cage, FIA-spec OMP racing seat, fire extinguisher and motorsport-specific fuel tank and fast refuelling system in its place.

> 2018 Toyota Supra review

The same MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension from the road car can be found on the GT4, but with uprated competition springs, shock absorbers and anti-roll bars to bring it up to race spec. Components such as the drive shaft and limited-slip differential are also reinforced to cope with the demands of the track, with new Brembo brakes and five-hole OZ 18-inch racing wheels also making an appearance. Power comes from the same BMW-derived turbocharged 3-litre six-cylinder, with added power thanks to a new ECU and bespoke wiring looms.

Choosing GT4 due to its accessibility for privateer teams, the Japanese marque created the concept to explore how the new Supra could be used as a competitive racer. With the road car sporting 50:50 weight distribution, a two-seater cabin, rigid chassis, rear-wheel-drive layout and a low centre of gravity, it has valuable traits when used in a series where Balance of Performance is enforced. A short wheelbase and wide track also give the car a 1.55 ‘golden ratio’, aiding stability and agility.

The Supra GT4 racer will be available to racing teams next year, and will challenge rivals like the Porsche Cayman GT4, BMW M2 GT4 and others like it.