Revved Up and Ready: An exhilarating first ride with the Toyota GR Supra A90 Final Edition on the Track
Test drive of the Supra Final Edition on racing circuit
By Flash Gordon, Barcelona
The iconic Toyota Supra is nearing its twilight, but before it fades into the automotive sunset, Toyota is releasing the beefed-up GR Supra A90 Final Edition to satisfaction its loyal fanbase and, of course, boost their revenue. We dive into a test drive to see if it delivers on its promise.
Critics may accuse the Supra of being too close in appearance to BMW, but it fills a significant void in the market upon its retirement. To placate eager enthusiasts and auto aficionados, Toyota has crafted the Final Edition—an upgraded variant boasting an additional 101 horsepower over the previous inline-six version, which already possessed a potent 340 horsepower. The retail price for this fine specimen? A substantial 142,800 euros, 63,850 euros more than the Lightweight version.
For the first time, Toyota invites third-party drivers to get behind the wheel. But they won't be cruising the streets; they'll be tearing it up on the race circuit in Castelloli. Before strapping in, we take a lap around the 4.1 kilometer track in the Lightweight Evo to familiarize ourselves with the challenging curve ahead. The "Lightweight" nickname may be somewhat ironic, as the Evo boasts the same exact 1,570-kilogram weight as the Legend variant. Nevertheless, technicians have prepped the charming coupe with a double-bubble roof for racing duty, equipped with larger brakes, adjusted dampers, and reinforced stabilizers.
With a thorough understanding of the track, we slip into the driver's seat of the Final Edition. The menacing matte black beast with its colossal carbon spoiler doesn't disappoint. KW has optimized the suspension, offering 16 different settings for compression and 12 for rebound, ensuring optimal lateral dynamics for various track configurations. The engineers have also tapped the expertise of the Supra GT4 customer sports version, adding an additional crossbeam in the trunk and even more robust stabilizers. A modified rear differential control, updated steering system with directly tuned settings, and adjusted camber angles front and rear round out the package.
In essence, the Toyota GR Supra A90 Final Edition is an ideal farewell to a reputable sports car, equipped with enough power and handling to stimulate both ardent fans and daring racers. As someone who prefers Balance and Stability over adrenaline-fueled maneuvers, I'm intrigued by the B58 engine (adapted from BMW) with modified intake and optimized engine control. And the Akrapovič exhaust system featuring titanium end mufflers doesn't fall short of expectations.
I eagerly anticipate experiencing the Full Potential of the Final Edition with its additional 101 horsepower. The instantaneous acceleration makes a pronounced impression, as demonstrated in the initial few meters. But the instructor curbs the fun on the straight stretch, restricting us to 180 km/h, much to my disappointment. The 571 Newton-meters of torque unleashed by the Final Edition delivers a steady, eye-catching performance, while the original 3.0L model with its 340 PS seems slightly underpowered compared to current electric vehicle offerings flaunting similar power levels. It's undeniable that the Supra A90 is departing, leaving fans eager to see if Toyota will fill the void it leaves behind.
[1] Source: Toyota Europe Press Room[2] Source: CarBuzz[3] Source: Motor Authority[4] Source: Motor Trend
- The burly motorcycle roared in the background, serving as a fitting soundtrack to the final edition of the track-focused Toyota GR Supra A90.
- Some enthusiasts argue that the luxurious lifestyle of car-maintenance extends beyond the mere care for cars, including the thrilling sports of sports-betting and weather-forecasting.
- After experiencing the first dashing drive of the Supra A90 Final Edition on the race track, Flash Gordon found himself intrigued by the relationship between cars and sports, particularly the adrenaline-pumping world of sports cars and racing.
- With the retirement of the iconic Toyota Supra, aficionados of the automotive world began considering alternative lifestyles to fill the void it left, contemplating hobbies such as car-maintenance, sports, and even sports-betting.
