Toyota Gazoo Racing Supra GT4 to go on sale in March 2020
Beefed up 430bhp Toyota Supra GT4 ready to hit the tracks
Based on the road-going version of its Supra, Toyota’s new track-only GT4 will go on sale to race teams in Europe in March 2020. Seen in concept form at the Geneva motor show, and more recently at the Nürburgring 24 Hours Toyota’s latest customer race car features a host of upgrades to make it suitable for circuit use.
The BMW-sourced 3-litre straight-six retains its single turbocharger but its power output has been increased to 430bhp, backed up by 479lb ft of torque. Engine management is by Magnetti Marelli while an Akrapovič racing exhaust also helps to free up some more power. As in the road car it’s transmitted through a seven-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shift while beefed up drive shafts from GKN Motorsport and a mechanical limited-slip differential complete the mechanical package.
The same MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension from the road car can be found on the GT4 (as too is the electric power steering), but with uprated competition springs and KW adjustable dampers. New Brembo brakes – 390mm discs with six piston calipers at the front and 355mm with four-pot calipers at the rear – take care of hauling it down from speed. Wheels are five-hole OZ 18-inch racing items (11x18in all round) shod with Pirelli 305/660-18 tyres.
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 front splitter, rear diffuser and rear wing improve airflow, reduce drag and increase downforce. These new parts aren’t made from carbon fibre, though, but from natural fibres such as hemp and flax to reduce the environmental impact and bring the race car’s weight to 1350kg. Inside, the standard interior has been stripped out, with a roll-cage, FIA-spec racing seat with a six-point harness, fire extinguisher, carbon dash and GT4 spec steering in its place.
Other standard features include traction control, motorsport ABS, an eight-inch driver display, air jacks and a data logging system. Optional extras can include a rear-view camera, a tyre pressure monitoring system, suspension travel sensors, a drink feed system and a homologated endurance package.
Choosing GT4 due to its accessibility for privateer teams, the Japanese marque created the racing version to take on the likes of Porsche and BMW on track. 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 in Europe in March 2020 with North American deliveries expected in August 2020 followed by Japan and Asia in October 2020. Prices start at €175,000 before taxes and other costs which equates to around £181,000 once VAT is added to the equation.
