Toyota GR Supersport Concept;

When Toyota Supra meets Gazoo racing’s LMP racecar…

concepts Xmotion, Lexus from Detroit: LF-1 Limitless Nissan and Infiniti Q Inspiration; MercedesAMG 53 range; Mercedes-benz G-class; Ford Ranger; Kia Cerato; how did vehicle sales fare in 2017?; Jeep Cherokee; BMW i3 facelift; new models on the way

Concepts were thin on the ground at this year’s Detroit Motor Show, but thankfully Toyota managed to wow the crowds with its eye-popping GR Supersport Concept, a hybrid-powered road rocket that could lend some further insight into the next Supra.

GIFTS FROM GAZOO

The Supersport borrows much of its hybrid technology from Toyota GAZOO Racing’s TS050 Hybrid racecar that competes in the World Endurance Championships, including its lightweight body shell know-how and the much-vaunted Toyota Hybrid System-racing (THS-R) powertrain setup.

PRODUCTION PREREQUISITES

Toyota’s tech-sharing agreement with BMW could see that V6 make way for a heavily tuned version of the M4’s S55B30T0 inline-six. There’s also the likelihood that BMW’S xdrive allwheel drivetrain will be tasked with keeping the power on the tarmac. If the car is a limited-run model, it could be underpinned by a tailor-made chassis; otherwise, the platform from the Z4, or perhaps the i8, is a possibility.

BARELY TAMED THS-R

The Supersport’s THS-R system basically mirrors the LMP racer’s setup, with a 2,4-litre, six-cylinder engine coupled with an electric booster. Although Toyota hasn’t disclosed performance figures, the concept’s unit develops a staggering 735 kw.