The 2019 Toyota Supra has been subjected to testing on Australian roads to fine tune the suspension and dynamics for local and world markets.
Supported by Toyota Australia’s vehicle engineering and development (VED) group, the Supra prototype was put through its paces by chief engineer Tetsuya Tada and engineers from Japan.
Evaluation and suitability tests were conducted over a five-day period in which the Supra was taken to areas where customers are likely to travel. This included an array of sweeping country roads, winding mountain climbs and along the Great Ocean Road.
According to Mr Tada, Australia offers surfaces which resemble up to 80 per cent of the world’s roads which is why testing has taken place here.
He also said, "Working on aspects of handling and other details here in Australia allows us to make refinements that will result in a better car right up until production starts in the first part of next year."
The local VED group led by Paul Diamandis, and regarded as one of the best in the world for suspension tuning and dynamic evaluation, conducted local tests which involved overall performance and driveability, ride, handling, stability, brakes, seat comfort and insulation from noise, vibration and harshness on coarse-chip bitumen and gravel.
Mr Diamandis commented, "We've taken the Supra prototype across a variety of conditions including popular touring destinations because almost half the people we expect to buy a Supra list their number one hobby as holidays and travel.”
Toyota Australia's vice president sales and marketing Sean Hanley added, "Supra is the halo model for Toyota sports cars and our new Gazoo Racing (GR) brand, heralding a new generation of stylish driver-focused cars with enhanced dynamics and performance.”
"These cars, honed under the extreme conditions of motorsport, will demonstrate Toyota's commitment to ensuring everyone can enjoy the freedom, adventure and excitement of driving.”
Developed alongside the new BMW Z4, the fifth-generation Supra, codenamed A90, will use a front-engine rear-wheel-drive combination. Power comes from a 3.0-litre turbocharged in-line six-cylinder engine which develops 220kW/450Nm and is mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It is suggested the 0 to 100km/h sprint will be completed in under five seconds.
Although an official announcement hasn’t been made, expect a four-cylinder engine option to be available at some stage.
The 2019 Toyota Supra will make its public debut at the upcoming Detroit motor show, with an Australian launch towards the end of next year with local specifications and pricing to be announced closer to launch. Stay tuned!
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