Toyota Gazoo Racing Unleashes Upgraded Supra RZ and Exclusive “A90 Final Edition”
Table of Contents
- 1. Toyota Gazoo Racing Unleashes Upgraded Supra RZ and Exclusive “A90 Final Edition”
- 2. A Nod to the Past, a Glimpse into the Future
- 3. RZ Grade Upgrades: What’s New?
- 4. “A90 Final Edition”: A Collector’s Dream
- 5. The Future of Supra: What’s Next?
- 6. See the Supra in Action
- 7. What impact has the GR Supra GT4 racing program had on the development of the road-going GR Supra?
- 8. Toyota Supra: A Deep Dive with IMSA Racing Expert, Kenji Sato
- 9. The Upgraded Supra RZ and its Racing Pedigree
- 10. “A90 Final Edition” and the Future of the Supra
- 11. The GR Supra in IMSA and Beyond
By Archyde news – March 21, 2025
Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) is making waves.On March 21st, teh automotive giant launched a partially upgraded version of the Supra RZ Grade in Japan. But the excitement doesn’t stop there. TGR also announced the special-edition Supra “A90 final Edition.” This exclusive model, however, will be limited to a global run of only 300 units, with 150 specifically for the Japanese market.
For those in Japan hoping to snag one of these collector’s items, a lottery system is in place at GR Garage locations. the entry period runs from today, March 21st, to April 13th. Lucky winners will be announced on May 9th, marking the culmination of a high-stakes waiting game.
This news comes as a bittersweet symphony for Supra enthusiasts worldwide. While the upgraded RZ Grade promises enhanced performance, the “A90 Final Edition” signals the potential end of the current Supra model’s production run, leaving many wondering about the future of this iconic sports car.
A Nod to the Past, a Glimpse into the Future
The Supra’s resurgence in 2019 after a 17-year hiatus was fueled by the passion of Chairman Akio Toyoda, affectionately known as “Master Driver Morizo.” Toyoda’s personal connection to the supra runs deep. As he stated upon its release:
Back in the day, I spent countless hours driving an old Supra at Nürburgring to become a master driver. Supra is like an old friend that holds a special place in my heart.While other manufacturers were putting their beautiful new prototypes which they were going to introduce through the paces, I was driving an old Supra that was no longer in production.So even though Toyota had no plans to make a new Supra, just like a lot of other die-hard Supra fans around the world, I secretly wanted to make it happen. The new GR Supra was born through testing at Nürburgring, and I can honestly say that it is indeed a car that is fun to drive and better than ever.
Akio Toyoda, Chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation
This quote encapsulates the spirit of the Supra: a blend of heritage, performance, and a dedication to driving pleasure. The Nürburgring, often called the “Green Hell,” is a notoriously challenging racetrack in Germany. It’s a proving ground for manufacturers to test the limits of their vehicles. Toyoda’s experience there, driving an older Supra, highlights his commitment to the car’s legacy and his hands-on approach to its revival.
RZ Grade Upgrades: What’s New?
While specific details on the “partially upgraded” Supra RZ Grade are limited, previous updates in 2020 and 2022 offer clues about what to expect. These updates frequently enough include tweaks to the engine,suspension,and software,resulting in improved handling and responsiveness. for example:
- Engine refinements: Expect potential horsepower and torque increases, along with improved fuel efficiency.
- Suspension Tuning: Look for revised suspension settings for a more balanced ride, whether on the street or the track.
- Software Enhancements: Updated software could improve throttle response, shift speeds, and the overall driving experience.
For the American market, these enhancements translate to a sports car that’s even more capable on winding mountain roads or at local autocross events.The Supra has always been a favorite among tuners and enthusiasts, and these upgrades only add to its appeal.
Consider the popularity of aftermarket modifications for cars like the Subaru WRX or the ford Mustang. Supra owners frequently enough seek similar performance gains through aftermarket parts. Toyota’s factory upgrades give owners a head start, providing a solid foundation for further customization.
“A90 Final Edition”: A Collector’s Dream
The “A90 Final Edition” is positioned as the ultimate expression of the current Supra model. Its limited production run guarantees exclusivity. Specific details about the features and performance enhancements remain scarce, adding to the anticipation. Though, given that it’s being touted as a culminating model, enthusiasts can expect:
- Unique Styling Cues: Special exterior colors, badging, and interior trim to distinguish it from standard models.
- Performance Upgrades: potentially increased horsepower, improved brakes, and a sport-tuned suspension.
- Exclusive Features: Possibility of unique technology features or premium materials not available on other Supra models.
For American collectors, owning an “A90 Final Edition” would be akin to owning a limited-edition Shelby Mustang or a rare Porsche 911. It’s an investment in automotive history and a statement of passion for performance cars. The exclusivity of the “A90 Final Edition” ensures that it will likely appreciate in value over time, making it a potentially lucrative investment as well as a thrilling driving experience.
The Future of Supra: What’s Next?
The proclamation of the “A90 Final Edition” raises questions about the future of the Supra. Will toyota develop a new generation, or will this be the end of the line for the current model? While Toyota hasn’t officially announced any plans, the company’s commitment to performance cars suggests that the Supra nameplate will likely live on in some form.
One possibility is a shift towards electrification. With the growing popularity of electric vehicles,Toyota could be exploring a hybrid or fully electric Supra for the next generation. This would align with the company’s broader strategy of offering a diverse range of powertrains to meet the needs of different customers. However, some enthusiasts might argue that such move would betray the spirit of the classic Supra, which was known for its powerful gasoline engine.
Another possibility is a continued partnership with BMW, which collaborated with Toyota on the current Supra. This partnership could lead to a new Supra model based on a shared platform, potentially with different styling and performance characteristics. Though, such collaboration could also raise concerns about the Supra losing its unique identity and becoming too similar to its BMW counterpart.
See the Supra in Action
Enthusiasts can catch a glimpse of the partially upgraded Supra RZ Grade and the special-edition Supra “A90 Final Edition” at the 2025 AUTOBACS SUPER GT Round 1, held at Okayama International Circuit on April 12 and 13.This event will offer a first-hand look at these exciting new models and a chance to experience the thrill of Japanese motorsport.
What impact has the GR Supra GT4 racing program had on the development of the road-going GR Supra?
Toyota Supra: A Deep Dive with IMSA Racing Expert, Kenji Sato
By Archyde news – March 21, 2025
Archyde News: Thank you for joining us today, Kenji. We’re excited to delve into the recent announcements from Toyota Gazoo Racing, especially the upgraded Supra RZ and the exclusive “A90 Final Edition.” As an expert in IMSA racing and the GR Supra GT4 program, your insights are invaluable.
The Upgraded Supra RZ and its Racing Pedigree
Kenji Sato: My pleasure.The GR Supra is always exciting. The RZ grade upgrade, though details are limited, reflects Toyota’s commitment to continuous enhancement. The GR Supra GT4, which has been successfully competing is a clear example of Toyota’s racing heritage.
Archyde News: The article mentions the Supra’s history,including Akio Toyoda’s passion for the car. How does that passion translate into the GR Supra GT4’s success on the track?
Kenji Sato: Toyoda’s personal involvement is crucial. his experience at the Nürburgring, driving an older supra, underscores the desire to create a car that is both thrilling and true to its legacy. This commitment extends to the GR Supra GT4 program, where we see the impact of that dedication.
“A90 Final Edition” and the Future of the Supra
Archyde News: Let’s talk about the “A90 Final Edition.” With only 300 units globally,it’s clearly a collector’s item.What do you think makes this edition so special?
Kenji Sato: The exclusivity is a major draw. Beyond that, enthusiasts will be looking for unique styling cues, performance enhancements, and exclusive features. It’s a significant moment as it signals a potential conclusion to the current model’s production.
Archyde News: Considering the final edition, what are your thoughts on the future of the Supra? Electrification is mentioned as a possibility. what do you think Supra enthusiasts would respond to a fully electric Supra?
Kenji sato: That’s the million-dollar question! There’s the potential for conflict between tradition and the evolution of automotive technology with some enthusiasts possibly considering a fully electric version a betrayal. Other partnerships with BMW are also possible given the history of the current Supra generation. Ultimately, it depends on whether Toyota can maintain the core identity of exhilarating performance and driving pleasure.
The GR Supra in IMSA and Beyond
Archyde News: The GR Supra GT4 is currently competing in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge and SRO GT4 America. What has been the impact of this racing program on the road car?
Kenji Sato: Motorsport is a great testing ground for the GR Supra. Data collected on the track is used towards continuous improvements of the road versions.
Archyde News: For our readers,what are the key takeaways about the new Supra developments?
Kenji Sato: Toyota is taking the Supra forward.. Each upgrade, edition or whatever the next generation might bring has a connection to racing heritage. It will be exciting to see how Toyota continues to evolve this icon.
Archyde News: kenji, thank you for sharing your expertise with us today. This has been enlightening.
Kenji Sato: my pleasure.