UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT) today officially introduced the all-new Toyota GR Supra to the Malaysian market, marking the return of the iconic model to Toyota’s range as its flagship sportscar.
The sportscar was introduced by UMWT’s deputy chairman and chief motorsports officer Akio Takeyama who said: “This time, as never before in the past, so much attention has been paid to its handling capabilities.
“Our president demanded nothing less than the highest performance and the considerable engineering resources and experience of the company were all drawn upon to develop the all-new GR Supra. This is a sportscar in its purest form, with no compromise.”
In line with the aim to make ever-better cars, the engineers have provided a truly emotional experience for the driver. Part of this comes from the exhaust sound which strengthens the car’s character but also enhances the whole driving experience.
The all-new GR Supra is the fifth generation of the model line which began in 1978. A popular choice of racing teams over the years, the Supra also appeared in videogames (Gran Turismo, Need for Speed) and movies such as The Fast & Furious series.
Toyota Gazoo Racing is the umbrella organisation for Toyota’s global motorsports programme. In the past year, it has achieved top level success in winning the Le Mans 24 Hours in the FIA World Endurance Championship, the Manufacturers’ Championship in the FIA World Rally Championship and the 2019 Dakar rally.
Starting with the new GR Supra, Toyota Gazoo Racing transfers the technical learnings it gains from the racetrack and rally stages to the development of new generations of Toyota’s sports-focused GR models and also its wider range of vehicles.
The new GR Supra is the first GR model to be developed and produced by Toyota Gazoo Racing for the global market.
For the Malaysian market, UMWT offers the GR Supra in a single variant – GTS spec. This comes with a 3.0-litre turbocharged in-line six-cylinder engine producing 335hp and peak torque of 500Nm.
Drive to the rear wheels is through a new quick-shifting, sports-tuned eight-speed electronic automatic transmission with a launch control function that enables a 0-100km/h sprint in just 4.3 seconds. Lightweight 19-inch forged alloy rims are standard fitment.
Besides having a 50:50 weight distribution, the superior driving dynamics of the GR Supra are enhanced with Adaptive Variable Suspension and Electronically Controlled Limited Slip Differential (LSD).
Drivers can also further customise some of the settings to extend the performance envelope of the sportscar and reduce the intervention of electronic aids.
While the GR Supra was developed for the sporty driver, the interior is no less comfortable for long-distance cruising.
Befitting its flagship status, the GR Supra's interior is finished in fine materials with a long list of features including dual zone climate control; keyless smart entry and start; leather upholstery, head-up display, electrically-adjustable sports seats with power lumbar support; electrochromatic rearview mirror; and a 12-speaker JBL audio system.
Customers can choose from a selection of eight exterior colours – Prominence Red, Lightning Yellow, White Metallic, Deep Blue Metallic, Silver Metallic, Matte Storm Grey Metallic, Black Metallic and Ice Grey Metallic.
Comes with its ‘own’ garage
Besides introducing the new GR Supra, Takeyama also announced the “GR Garage” is making its appearance in Malaysia. Selected authorised Toyota dealers will set up a "Shop in Shop" concept to sell GR products – starting with the GR Supra, GR high performance products and GR merchandise.
As a start, there will be five outlets – three in the Klang Valley, and one each in the North and South regions. The GR Garage concept was introduced in Japan some years ago and Malaysia is the first market outside Japan to also offer it to consumers.
“The GR Garage, a place where they can gather and talk about their passion of cars... especially sportscars and motorsports,” says Takeyama.
The on-the-road selling price without insurance of the all-new GR Supra starts from RM568,000 for private registration in Peninsular Malaysia.
