Throttling the Last Six-Cylinder Sports Car: An On-Track Taste of the Supra Final Edition
Thrilling Track Debut of the Supra Final Edition
Twist your emotions, folks. The Toyota Supra's days as a six-cylinder beast are dwindling. But before the curtain drops, Toyota gives us a adrenaline-pumping Final Edition with a solid power boost and racing-inspired charm. And guess what? ntv.de got their hands on it!
No, it's not perfect. Critics can argue it borrows too much from BMW, but let's face it—when the Supra supercedes its own essence, it leaves a sizable void in the lineup. So, Toyota decides to fill that gap with the Final Edition, adding a staggering 101 additional horsepower to the previous inline-six's respectable 340hp output. Sure, it'll cost you three more peels with the price tag at 142,800 euros.
To familiarize enthusiasts, third-party testers are finally allowed behind the wheel—not on the street, but on the high-octane racetrack at ParcMotor in Castelloli. However, drivers get a chance to spin some laps with the 'lightweight' Evo before they get to grips with the heavier, more formidable Final Edition.
At first glance, the coupe prepared for racing weighed as much as the base Final Edition at 1,570 kg, boasting a double-bubble roof, larger brakes, and reinforced stabilizers. But don't let the 'lightweight' moniker fool you—it's a thoroughbred racer through and through.
The instructor hops in first to explore the technical, more than four-kilometer track. The rear-wheel-drive feels particularly charming with its mechanical gear shift and the more analogue nature of a manual transmission. But be warned: the clutch feels less responsive, channeling more of its essence into the cutting-edge tech found inside the more pedestrian Kia Ceed.
Tackling corners and hitting the straightaways comes next for the amateur track junkie. Squeezing the clutch and gracefully shifting gears, the roadster can be pushed to its limits in the arcade-esque corners of the ParcMotor Circuit. The inline-six engine purrs decisively at the top end of the rev range, shying away from the excitement perfectly balanced Supra chassis revels in.
Next in line: the Final Edition. And this beast ain't for the faint of heart. Created exclusively in matte black and oozing intimidation, the Supra's carbon spoiler stands out even before the needle reaches the tachometer. KW, the renowned suspension experts, have meticulously refined the handling by adjusting the variable dampers, providing 16 settings for compression and 12 for rebound to create optimal lateral stability on the track.
Under the hood, the Supra houses the BMW-derived B58 engine, whose intake has been modified, and engine control optimized. The Akrapovic exhaust system, complete with titanium end mufflers, adds the perfect musical accompaniment for your cruise down the straightaways.
It's time to see if the hype is worth it. With a hearty growl and instant response, the Final Edition takes off, revving up with a ferocity that puts the previous inline-six to shame. However, the instructor restrains the driver to a modest 180 km/h, denying us the full Supra experience on the straightaway. Disappointing, but the 571 Nm of torque steers the Supra with authority, leaving behind modern electric engines, it's clear that the Supra A90 will be missed.
But take comfort, Toyota lovers—Toyota won't leave this gap unfilled. Here's hoping the automaker will announce exciting plans soon!
Enrichment Data:
Overall:
The Toyota Supra Final Edition is the most powerful production Supra yet, outfitted with the BMW B58 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine. With regards to its supremacy over the previous inline-six (same tuned B58), the Final Edition boasts impressive improvements:
- Power and Torque:
- Standard GR Supra (B58): Typically around 382 hp and 368 lb-ft of torque.
- Supra Final Edition (B58): Output is boosted to a robust 429–435 hp, with torque elevated to an incredible 420–421 lb-ft.
- Performance Upgrades:
- Engine Tuning: Revised ECU mapping, improved intake, and a freer-flowing exhaust help maximize power output.
- Transmission: The Final Edition is manual-only (6-speed), enhancing driver engagement and focus on track performance.
- Handling & Cooling: Features include a baffled oil pan for high-G track work, improved engine cooling, reinforced chassis with GT4-spec bracing, KW adjustable suspension, and optimized active rear differential.
- Aerodynamics: Carbon splitter, canards, vented bonnet, and a swan-neck rear wing improve downforce and cooling.
Source: ntv.de
- The Supra Final Edition, Toyota's last six-cylinder sports car, boasts a surge in power with a solid 101 additional horsepower, setting it apart as the most powerful production Supra yet.
- In the automotive industry, this Final Edition serves as a testament to the progress and innovation in the transportation lifestyle and sports racing, boasting performance upgrades such as engine tuning, a freer-flowing exhaust, and improved engine cooling.
- The Final Edition, exclusively available in matte black, offers an adrenaline-pumping driving experience on the track, featuring a manual transmission, KW adjustable suspension, and a baffled oil pan for high-G track work.
- Finance-wise, the price tag of 142,800 euros for the Final Edition highlights its value in the car-maintenance and sports racing industry, where the Supra stands out with its superior power, handling, and aerodynamics.
- Despite the Supra's impressive improvements, the industry eagerly awaits Toyota's exciting plans to fill the void left by its departure from the six-cylinder lineup, ensuring continued growth and success in the automotive and transportation sectors.
