The GR Supra GT4 Concept will be Toyota’s GT4-class contender

Toyota presented a concept version of the GR Supra GT4 earlier this year. It fits into the GT4 category of race cars, for vehicles which are very closely related to their production road car variants. GT4s are much less expensive than slightly more focussed GT3 vehicles, making them a popular choice for lower-budget and less experienced racers.

To create a GT4 race car, a manufacturer will typically strip out all the unnecessary elements that add weight – and make road cars easy to live with – like the interior and soundproofing. With the extra aerodynamic devices, like a front splitter and rear wing and diffuser, and an FIA-grade roll cage, you have a complete GT4. For the GR Supra GT4, Toyota Gazoo Racing has done just that. The GT4 car retains the Supra’s 3.0-litre straight-six engine, albeit with a change to the ECU, and eight-speed automatic gearbox. There’s also no change to the suspension, other than upgraded springs. The customer car will feature a new exhaust system from Akrapovič, too.

On the outside, the GR Supra GT4 gains a new front splitter and rear wing to provide that all-essential race car downforce. Unusually, both are made from natural fibres – including hemp and flax – rather than the traditional carbon-fibre, to reduce the car’s environmental impact.

Aside from an OMP racing seat, the FIA roll cage and an FIA-spec extinguisher, the GR Supra’s interior is stripped bare. You wouldn’t recognise the dashboard or steering wheel either, as Toyota replaces these for race items to incorporate a rear view camera and digital instrument cluster.

Toyota hasn’t released any performance figures or a price for the GT4 yet, but rest assured the GR Supra GT4 will be available to customers in the not too distant future.

Photography by Joe Harding.