Toyota will unveil the highly anticipated 2020 Supra
at the North American International Auto Show on January 14th, but the company
couldn’t resist showing one last Supra concept before the big debut. Making its world premiere at the
Tokyo Auto Salon, the GR Supra Super GT concept is a high-performance race car
that previews the model that will compete in the Super GT racing series in
Japan. The car will enter competition next year in the GT 500 class and it will
replace the current Lexus LC racer.
Toyota Gazoo Racing didn’t say much about the
concept, but it resembles the road-going model which will be introduced next
week. However, since the car was designed for racing, it features a number of
modifications. Starting up front, we can see a large front splitter
and canards which reside below headlights which are similar to those used on
the production model. The car has also been equipped with front fender vents,
aerodynamic mirrors and center-locking wheels shod in Bridgestone rubber.
Other notable features include massive side skirts,
budging rear fenders and a familiar double bubble roof. Designers also
installed lightweight windows and an enormous rear wing. The concept also appears
to have a HANS-compatible racing seat and a roll cage.
While Toyota Gazoo Racing didn’t mention
specifications, they noted the Supra competed in the Japan Grand Touring Car
Championship for 12 years and secured the title on four different occasions. The
automaker went on to say the race car will not only “provide joy to large
numbers of customers,” but also help to “contribute to the creation of
ever-better cars.”
