Carbon Fiber Supra GR Headed to Super GT and DTM
To celebrate the merging regulations of Super GT and DTM touring car racing, Toyota Gazoo Racing has come up with one very special Supra.
Joining Forces
For the 2020 season, Japan's Super GT and Germany's DTM, two of the world's very best touring car series, are merging their regulations. This is obviously an exciting development for automakers, as they'll be able to participate in a broader span of races with the very same cars. And among them, Toyota Gazoo Racing is throwing their name in the hat with a wicked new Supra.
Photos: Toyota/Gazoo Racing
Exciting Comeback
TGR recently pulled the covers off all three of its shiny new racers, which will do battle against cars including the Honda NSX-GT and Nissan GT-R Nismo within the new Class 1 rule set. It will also mark the first time the Supra has competed in Japan's Super GT Championship since 2006.
Photos: Toyota/Gazoo Racing
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Fitting the Mold
The new Class 1 regulations are relatively simple. All cars will be powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine capped at 620 horsepower. They must be front-engine and rear-wheel-drive configuration. Depending on aerodynamic restrictions, Class 1 cars are expected to top out at around 186 mph.
Photos: Toyota/Gazoo Racing
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Strange Power
The idea of a four-cylinder-powered Supra might seem strange, but the 4th gen car competed in Super GT with a four-banger in the early 2000s before switching to V8 power. In fact, the legendary 2JZ-GTE engine present in the MKIV streetcar was never used in the Super GT race version.
Photos: Toyota/Gazoo Racing
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Squint Your Eyes
Honda faces a much bigger technical challenge, of course, as they have to change the NSX from a mid-engine configuration to front-engine. Otherwise, these Class 1 racers largely resemble their street-going brethren. At least in general appearances.
Photos: Toyota/Gazoo Racing
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Big Differences
Obviously, the racing version of the Supra sits much lower to the ground than the production version, and it's fitted with way more aero. The race car also uses a common control chassis made from carbon fiber, as well as a sequential transmission.
Photos: Toyota/Gazoo Racing
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Dream Race
Toyota Gazoo Racing will begin testing the new Supra racer immediately at the Suzuka Circuit. The first round of the 2020 Super GT season is scheduled to take place next April at the Okayama International Circuit. But we're most looking forward to the so-called "dream race" taking place at Fuji Speedway on November 22.
Photos: Toyota/Gazoo Racing
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Crossover Event
That event marks the first crossover race between Super GT and DTM's Class 1 division. Sure, it's more of an exhibition, with more of a DTM format than Super GT. But seeing these wicked new Supras out there taking on the best of the touring car world will be worth it, regardless.
Photos: Toyota/Gazoo Racing
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