Final Lap with the Toyota Supra: A Last Hurrah on the Track
High-Speed Debut: Testing the Supra Final Edition on the Racing Circuit
Grab the wheel and hold on tight, my friend. The iconic Toyota Supra is heading for the finish line, but not without one epic farewell. Named the "Final Edition", this ride is here to put an exclamation point on a legendary chapter, and ntv.de got the first-hand experience on the circuit.
Some might complain about the Supra's likeness to its BMW counterpart, but let's face it—when this bad boy retires, it'll leave a significant void in the Toyota lineup, and it's heartbreaking. But Toyota thoughtfully made sure to sweeten the deal with the Final Edition, packing a powerful punch with an extra 101 horsepower over the previous inline-six variant. The price? A hefty €142,800, a €63,850 premium compared to the Lightweight version.
Before we dive into the seamless, revved-up chassis of the Final Edition, let's first pay some respects to the Supra's predecessor in the running—the Lightweight Evo. The term "Lightweight" might feel a tad ironic since the Evo, like the Legend version, tips the scales at 1570 kilograms. But don't be fooled; this handled coupe with the double-bubble roof has been expertly prepared for racing. Bigger brakes, optimized dampers, and beefed-up stabilizers are just a few of the upgrades to help this charm-inducing coupe set lap records.
But enough about theory, let's get behind the wheel! The instructor takes the first lap to get familiar with the slightly over four-kilometer track. Sitting in the cockpit of this rear-wheel-drive powerhouse, I was immediately impressed by its manual transmission and the raw sound of the inline-six under the hood. The gearshift felt mechanical and satisfyingly so, while the clutch was, well, less forgiving, almost resembling a Kia Ceed.
My turn, and it's show-time! I load up on the gas, feeling the powerful pull of the engine as I tear across the straightaway. Corners come fast and furious, but the Supra handles them with grace, allowing me to channel my inner track driver. The chassis flows nicely from one curve to the next, feeling remarkably balanced despite the turbocharged torque surge. Admittedly, I don't push it to its limits, but I experience the thrill of racing, as the stability program catches my occasional over-eagerness.
After three exciting laps in the Lightweight Evo, it's time to step it up. The instructor hands me the keys to the Final Edition. With its exclusivity-worthy matte-black paint job and carbon fiber rear spoiler, it looks every bit the intimidating racer it is.
Slipping into the driver's seat, I can feel the anticipation building as the legend's swan song roars to life. I've heard stories about this Final Edition— about the advanced suspension tuning by KW, the sophisticated adaptive dampers with multiple settings, and the revised steering for increased precision. Then there's the optimized B58 engine, courtesy of BMW, with its handcrafted intake and advanced engine control. To cap it all off, the Akrapovič exhaust system with its titanium end mufflers is sure to make this final lap unforgettable.
But the clock is ticking, and the track time is fleeting. The instructor navigates the Final Edition's prowess on the straight, keeping the pace at a maximum of 180 km/h. I can only imagine the exhilaration that racing this beast, with its 571 Nm of torque, must deliver at full speed. But even at these restrained speeds, I can feel the raw power of the Final Edition, leaving me hungering for more.
As the days of the Supra tick down, fans may find comfort in the knowledge that Toyota intends to keep the grass green and the skies blue, meaning there may be a continuation of power and performance yet to come.
Sources: ntv.de
Enrichment data:
Performance
- Engine Options: The Final Edition is typically powered by the same 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine found in regular Supra MK5 variants.
- Power Output: Around 382–400 horsepower, depending on exact market and model year specifications.
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic or manual transmission (in select regions).
- Acceleration: 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in roughly 4.0–4.2 seconds.
- Top Speed: Electronically limited to approximately 250 km/h (155 mph).
Key Features
- Exclusive Styling: Unique paint colors, exclusive badging, and sometimes bespoke interior trim.
- Interior Upgrades: Leather/Alcantara seats, special stitching, numbered plaques, and advanced infotainment (typically with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto).
- Driving Dynamics:** Electronically adjustable adaptive suspension, limited-slip differential, and sport-tuned exhaust system for enhanced driving experience.
- Technology: Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and collision mitigation.
- Limited Production: Sold as a numbered, limited-run vehicle to mark special milestones (e.g., the end of a generation or an anniversary).
- The Final Edition of the Toyota Supra, a six-cylinder sportsman, is the last hurrah in the iconic series, boasting an additional 101 horsepower over its predecessor.
- The automotive industry is witnessing a significant shift as the Supra, whose legacy spans decades in the transportation sector, prepares for retirement.
- The Final Edition's exclusivity is marked by a hefty €142,800 price tag, a substantial €63,850 increase compared to the Lightweight version.
- The Lightweight Evo, the Supra's predecessor in the racing circuit, also showcases impressive performance with bigger brakes, optimized dampers, and beefed-up stabilizers.
- Smart-home-devices and gadgets might not help you on a race track, but technology plays a crucial role in the advanced adaptive suspension, adaptive dampers, and limited-slip differential found in the Final Edition.
- As the Supra enters its final edition, enthusiasts look forward to future possibilities in the car-maintenance industry, hoping for another chapter of power and performance.
