Burning Rubber: Unleashing the Toyota Supra Final Edition and Lightweight Evo on the Track
Experiencing the initial run on the racetrack with the Supra Final Edition
Catch the last ride with the iconic Toyota Supra. The Supra A90 Final Edition and the Lightweight Evo mark the end of an era, each model boasting unique features that make them standout. Here's a closer look at these powerhouses, highlighted by a regional test drive on the famed Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
Bid goodbye to the classic Toyota Supra as the model nears its retirement. To assoothe fans, the Japanese manufacturers rolled out two exclusive models - the Final Edition and the Lightweight Evo, with the former retailing for a hefty 142,800 euros. This remaining piece of the lineup leaves a gap that fans, and Toyota itself, will have to reckon with.
First up, the Lightweight Evo. Despite the ironic sounding "Lightweight" moniker, the model tips the scales at 1570 kilograms. But be assured, it's no lightweight when it comes to performance. Technicians prepped the sexy coupe with the double-bubble roof for track duty, fitting it with bigger brakes, adjustable dampers, and beefed-up stabilizers, ready for breaking lap records.
Hopping on the roads and a manual transmission, the Supra, with its 50:50 weight distribution, boasts a cool rear-wheel-drive feel, not so different from a hip Kia Ceed with its less responsive clutch. The gearshift, on the other hand, offers a satisfying mechanical click. Dive into the inline-six under the hood, and you'll find a growling powertrain, but the pulsating chassis stirs the real excitement on the track's winding corners.
Strap yourself in for the Final Edition - the beast that bites harder. Painted in an emotional matte black, it rests on a chassis fortified with significant upgrades. KW has optimized the suspension with variable dampers providing 16 settings for compression and 12 firmness levels for rebound. The bodies of the GT4 version use additional crossbeams and reinforced stabilizers, while the rear differential control, steering system, and camber angles optimize the driving experience. The B58 engine (from BMW) comes with modified intake and optimized engine control, and the Akrapovič titanium exhaust completes the symphony.
The Final Edition packs a punch with 441 DIN hp and 571 Nm of torque, reaching a top speed of 275 km/h[2]. On the other hand, the Lightweight Evo's power outputs vary between sources, but it usually maintains the 3.0-liter engine. Whether it sees a slight bump to 435 horsepower or remains at 340 hp depends on the reference[4]. The Final Edition's focus on raw power is a delightful contrast to the Lightweight Evo's emphasis on pure driving experience and agility.
Lamentably, the on-track experience with the Final Edition didn't allow for an unleashed run on the straight, due to tailgating by the instructor focused on a stricter speed limit[4]. Nevertheless, the powerful coupe continues to make its presence known. This farewell gift from Toyota for their Supra enthusiasts is, indeed, one not to be missed.
Sources:
[1] https://www.ntv.de/auto/whats-on-the-move/artikel/toyota-gr-supra-klingt-misslich-in-die-nacht-100.html
[2] https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a35794860/2022-toyota-supra-final-edition-review/
[3] https://www.carscoops.com/2022/04/2022-toyota-supra-final-edition-goodbye-with-class/
[4] https://www.hispaspeed.com/2022/04/2022-toyota-supra-final-edition-is-the-legend-trim-the-final-evolution/
[5] https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1133774_2022-toyota-supra-final-edition-and-lightweight-evo-have-unique-aerodynamics
- The Toyota Supra Final Edition, with its unique matte black finish and improved chassis, offers a more powerful driving experience for fans before its retirement.
- The Lightweight Evo model, despite its seemingly misleading name, boasts impressive performance features like bigger brakes, adjustable dampers, and beefed-up stabilizers, making it a formidable opponent on the track.
- In the world of automotive, the Supra's final edition marks the conclusion of an era, serving as a significant milestone in the transportation industry and lifestyle domain.
- The Japanese automobile industry faces a certain void as the iconic Supra nears its end, leaving fans and enthusiasts eager for the next chapter in its legacy.
- Despite the various innovative features and improvements, the test drive on the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya highlights the intricate balance between power, responsiveness, and car-maintenance needs in the sports and sports-analysis sections of the automotive industry.
