Limited to just 1,500-units worldwide and with an MSRP of $57,375, the 2020 Toyota Supra 3.0 Premium Launch Edition will most certainly be a treasured collector’s vehicle, but is it really worth a $42K markup? Jerry’s Toyota of Baltimore thinks so, and the listing has caused quite the stir online ever since it was posted. Before we get into the discussion, let’s talk about what this model includes over the base. Absolute Zero (white) and Nocturnal Black Launch Edition models will sport a red leather interior not available on the standard car, while the Renaissance Red has a black leather interior. You also get a carbon-fiber plaque on the passenger side of the dashboard that displays the car’s number in the series and bears Toyota president Akio Toyoda’s signature. Read more for a video, additional pictures and information.
CarWow has pits the 2020 Toyota Supra against the BMW Z4, of which it shares the same platform, in a drag racing showdown. Aesthetically, both vehicles look very different, but under the hood, you’ll find BMW’s straight-six engine, which generates 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet sending power to the rear axle with an 8-speed ZF 8HP automatic torque converter transmission. One thing you may not already know is that the fifth generation Supra is being assembled alongside the G29 BMW Z4 in Graz, Austria by Magna Steyr. Read more for the video and additional information.
Toyota’s CUE 3 robot that stands six foot 10-inch (2.1m) tall has set a Guinness World Record by shooting 2,020 free throws consecutively. How does it work? It generates a three-dimensional image of where the basket is using sensors on its torso and then adjusts the motors inside its arm and knees to give the shot the right angle and propulsion for a perfect shot each time. Read more for a video and additional information.
Beginning in the 2020-2021 season, the top class of the WEC as well as the 24 Hours of Le Mans will be switching its name from LMP1 to Hypercars and consist of two types of vehicles: hypercar-style prototypes and racing versions of road-going hypercars. “Toyota Gazoo Racing is delighted to confirm it will participate in the 2020-2021 season with a hybrid-powered prototype based on the GR Super Sport road car. Both road and race car are undergoing design and intensive development at the company’s technical centers in Toyota City, Higashi-Fuji and Cologne,” said the automaker. Read more for a video about the new regulations and additional information.
Photo credit: Flat Hat 3D
We already know that Fast & Furious 9, set to be directed by Justin Lin, is set for a theatrical release sometime in 2020, but nobody yet knows what vehicles are going to be featured in the film. Flat Hat 3D thinks the 2020 Toyota Supra has a good shot, and came up with these widebody kits for the vehicle. Designed in two configurations, the first features flared arches at both the front / rear, a custom front splitter, extended side skirts, and a large rear ducktail spoiler, while the second configuration sports a large rear wing, similar to those found on RWB-tuned Porsche 911s. Read more for a video, additional pictures and information.
Thailand-based body shop PS-Modify Chonburi recently unveiled their latest project, a Toyota MR2 Spyder converted into a bizarre-looking Lamborghini Veneno Roadster knockoff. Unfortunately (or fortunately), it looks nothing like its real counterpart, due to a front end that stretches out from the chassis of the Toyota with nearly zero support, no headlights, but at least the rear-end is decent, as it features the same engine cover, four tailpipes, rear wing, and rear diffuser design as the real Veneno. creation. Read more for two additional pictures and additional information.
Photo credit: Motor Authority
For those who don’t know, the 2020 Toyota Supra is a collaboration between Toyota and BMW and is based on the Z4, but only the chassis and engine are the same. The engine is also tuned differently as well as the suspension. Only the turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine producing 335 hp and 369 lb⋅ft of torque, will be offered in the US. You’ll be able to choose from two trim levels: 3.0 and 3.0 Premium. The 3.0 model has a 6.5-inch center touchscreen multimedia system with Bluetooth and standard Alcantara trimmed seats, while the 3.0 Premium has an 8.8-inch touchscreen multimedia system, standard navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, 12-speaker JBL stereo sound system, wireless phone charging, color head-up display, along with heated leather seats. Read more for a more in-depth first drive video, additional pictures and information.
Hakone is a town in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, a place where Mt. Fuji can be seen when taking a day trip from Tokyo. In addition to hot springs, museums and other recreation activities. However, among auto enthusiasts, it’s known for the amazing roads, particularly the Hakone Turnpike. Toyota decided to pay tribute with a Toyota 86 Hakone edition in British Racing Green, and equipped with 17-inch bronze wheels as well as a black lip spoiler. It’s powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine generating 205 hp and 156 lb-ft of torque, mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. This special edition model goes on sale this Fall in the US and is expected to be priced at or around $29,355. Read more for additional pictures and information.
Toyota’s CUE, a 6′ 10″ humanoid robot, has just been upgraded, and now it’s capable of shooting three-point shots like a pro – previously just free throws. This version, officially called CUE 3, uses various sensors to calculate the correct angle and force of a shot, while motors are used to repeat the same motion every single time for maximum accuracy. There’s still some work left to do, but it still managed to make five out of eight shots from the three-point line in the latest demonstration. Read more for the three-point showcase video and additional information.
Toyota and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) announced Tuesday they had agreed to cooperate in developing a manned lunar rover that runs on fuel cell technologies. The rover is still early in development, but the concept images reveal a six-wheeled vehicle that looks like an armored personnel carrier. “As an engineer, there is no greater joy than being able to participate in a lunar project by way of Toyota’s car-making. Being allowed to be a member of ‘Team Japan’, we would like to take up the challenge of space,” said Toyota Executive Vice President Shigeki Terashi. Read more for a video, additional pictures and information.