Stunning GEN3 GR Supra Supercar Model Debuts At The Legendary Bathurst 1000

October 15, 2024

2024 Repco Bathurst 1000, Event 10 of the Repco Supercars Championship, Mount Panorama, Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia. 10 Oct, 2024.

Toyota has magnified the energy and excitement at this weekend’s Bathurst 1000 by unveiling a full-size clay model of the GEN3 GR Supra Supercar that will light up the Supercars grid from 2026.

Based on the classic rear-drive coupe proportions of the most celebrated model in Toyota’s illustrious sports-car heritage, the reveal of the muscular GR “Supracar” at the world-famous enduro underscores Toyota’s serious intent for Australia’s premier motorsport category.

Motorsport enthusiasts have billed the entry of Australia’s market-leading automotive brand into Supercars as the biggest news in local motorsport history – and the best-kept secret in local motor racing ahead of its official announcement on 18 September this year.

The stunning clay model of the race car’s curved, powerful body – re-imagined and produced by the Melbourne-based Toyota Design Australia team – is instantly recognisable for its iconic Supra shape.

Prominent “A90” signage on the upper windscreen provides a historical model-code reference to the fifth-generation GR Supra sports car, which was conceived to deliver high performance on road and on track.

The clay model’s expressive exterior was further influenced by styling cues from the original FT-1 Supra concept from 2014. It also pays homage to Toyota’s performance, design and racing heritage as well as much-loved sports cars including the 2000GT, Celica and MR2.

Athleticism is expressed with taut surfaces and racing-focused wide fenders, front splitter and rear diffuser, side skirts and a large Supercar rear wing.

Purposeful airflow management, to be validated by aero testing, reinforces the car’s track-ready nature which is further emphasised by the passenger side of the model featuring satin black paint and dominant TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Australia (GR) decals.

The dramatic bodywork was revealed in Mount Panorama’s pit lane garages by Toyota Australia’s Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations Sean Hanley and Senior Manager of Toyota Design Australia, Nic Hogios.

Mr Hogios said the dynamic, athletic exterior of the race car truly captures the passion, excitement and energy of Toyota and its GR range of sports cars.

“Our design team has amped up the car significantly, giving fans a fresh perspective of GR Supra performance through a car that instantly looks like it owns the track,” Mr Hogios said.

“We are enthusiasts first and foremost, and the GR Supra Supercar is the kind of project we dream about working on. We can’t wait to see it competing and winning in Supercars, including right here at Bathurst,” he said.

Mr Hanley said Toyota’s decision to enter Supercars would reinforce the “fun to drive” spirit that is intrinsic to Toyota’s commitment to making ever-better cars.

“Taking part in the heat of Supercars, as well as other racing and rallying series around the world, provides technical learnings that can be transferred to the development of our entire range of vehicles – not just our sports cars,” Mr Hanley said.

“We are looking forward to building on the passion among enthusiasts for our GR range and to generating interest and excitement among motorsport fans, including those who are new to our brand.

“We are also keen to involve our own people, enabling them to improve their skills and acquire new abilities in the high-pressure teamwork environment that is motorsport.

“The experience gained by our local designers, modellers and engineers with their stunning GR Supra Supercar is a perfect example of what motorsport can help us achieve.”