From Vios to Supra: Toyota PH shifts to e-racing amid COVID-19 crisis

Updated Sep 15, 2020 | Same topic: COVID-19 Updates

Want to actually race and stop playing around? Then check this out.

In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic, a lot of racers, and race organizers around the world have turned to Sim Racing. We know that sounds unusual, but racing events are literally mass gatherings. As a result, NASCAR and F1 drivers, as well as their sponsors are now engaged in Sim Racing E-Sports to keep the fire of motorsport burning.

GR Supra | GRAVITY & RESONANCE

As for car brands like Toyota, motorsport is deeply ingrained in its identity, and the company desires to keep the ball rolling. And as you might already know, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) is the organizer of one of the largest motorsport events in the country, the Vios Racing Festival.

But racing events, as we’ve said, is pretty much out of the question as of the moment. As such, TMP has launched its latest online E-Sports program, the GR Supra GT Cup Asia – Philippines.

toyota supra GT cup asia poster

The GR Supra GT Cup is an ongoing international Gran Turismo e-racing event and now there's a Philippine leg

>>> Related: Get to know the car in our in-depth guide to Toyota Supra

The GR Supra GT Cup Asia – Philippines

Now unlike the typical “in-real-life” racing event, the GR Supra GT Cup Asia will be more accessible to a lot more people. It is indeed open to the public, as long as you’re aged 18 and above, and it will be held entirely online.

The said online e-race is expected to start in July 2020, and you’ll get to use the GR-Supra, which is quite an upgrade from the Toyota Vios used on the Vios Cup.

A picture of a Gran Turismo Supra race

A screenshot from Gran Turismo showing an all Toyota Supra race

Winners of the GR Supra Cup Asia – Philippines event will then get to participate in the GR Supra GT Cup – Asia regional finals, where we’re guessing that amateurs will be rubbing their virtual Supras against pro-racers.

But guess what, on online sim racing, it’s about you and your own skills; there’s no crew, pit teams, and team managers. So yes, with enough practice, even a total amateur might also do well.

>>> Learn more about Toyota model lineup in the Philippines

A picture of an in game screenshot of the GR Supra

What are you waiting for? Fire up your copy of GT, dust off that sim racing wheel, and start practicing

With regards to this online e-racing event, TMP President Atsuhiro Okamoto said that:

“Safety of our customers, employees, and fans are always at the top of our priority. But we also recognize the value of waku-doki spirit in everyone!  This is a great way to sustain the excitement of motorsports programs in the Philippines in a safe environment. We look forward to a better 2021 Vios Racing Festival Season where we can go back to the tracks again and feel the heat and excitement. But for now, we invite everyone to join the GR Supra GT Cup Asia E-Sports Program.”

TMP will announce more details about the GR Supra GT Cup Asia – Philippines soon. We’ll be keeping a close eye on this, and give you updates once we know more about the GR Supra GT-Cup.

Visit Philkotse.com’s News Section to know more about the latest in the automotive industry.

Know more about Toyota Supra 2024

Toyota Supra

The Toyota Supra is a 2-seater sports car that is available in the Philippines at a price range from Php 5,396,000 to Php 5,496,000. Only one variant is available locally which uses a BMW-sourced 3.0-liter inline-6 twin-scroll turbocharged gasoline engine that generates 335 Nm of torque and 500 Nm of torque. This engine is connected to an 8-speed automatic transmission as standard. Dimensions-wise, this iconic sports car spans 4,379 mm in length, 1,854 mm in width, and 1,294 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,470 mm and a ground clearance rated at 115 mm. In the local market, the Toyota Supra competes against the likes of Ford Mustang, Nissan 370Z, and Porsche 718.

 

Toyota Supra Launch

Toyota Philippines introduced the Toyota GR Supra in the local market on July 9, 2019. This current generation is the successor of the A80 Supra, featuring a 3.0L twin-scroll turbocharged in-line 6-cylinder gasoline engine.  The version available in the Philippine market is the European-spec type and is only offered in a single variant.  

The prices depend on the color choice of the buyer. Only 16 Toyota dealerships in the country have been certified by Toyota Motor Philippines to market this Supra. According to the company, these dealerships are equipped and capable of servicing this sports car. They are the following:

Metro Manila
1. Toyota Commonwealth
2. Toyota Alabang
3. Toyota Makati
4. Toyota Otis
5. Toyota Manila Bay
6. Toyota Quezon Avenue
7. Toyota Pasong Tamo

Luzon
8.Toyota Bacoor
9.Toyota Batangas
10.Toyota La Union
11.Toyota Calamba
12.Toyota San Pablo
13.Toyota San Fernando

Visayas
14.Toyota Mabolo
15.Toyota Cebu

Mindanao
16. Toyota Davao City

Toyota Supra Exterior

This 2-seater Coupe offering from the Japanese manufacturer features a sleek body to allow the car to cut through the air. The front part of the vehicle gets all LED headlights, reverse lights, turn signals, daytime running lights, taillights, and fog lights. An auto high beam is also equipped in its headlights. The rear part of the vehicle features a dual exhaust pipe mounted just below the bumper.

Toyota Supra Philippines side view

This 2-seater Coupe offering from the Japanese manufacturer features a sleek body to allow the car to cut through the air

The GR Supra rides on sporty 19-inch forged aluminum wheels to maximize the grip at the back. The Toyota Supra prices in the Philippines vary depending on the model's color. It is available in eight colors: Matte Storm Gray, Deep Blue Metallic, Ice Gray Metallic, Silver Metallic, Lighting Yellow, Black Metallic, White Metallic, and Prominence Red. The Matte Storm Gray Supra is the most expensive.

Toyota Supra Interior

Inside the Toyota Supra, there's an 8.8-inch TFT LCD for the tachometer and speedometer. The cooling is handled by the car’s push-type dual-zone climate control. It allows the occupants to have their own desired temperatures.  

In the center part of this performance car, there’s an 8.8-inch widescreen TFT display with Bluetooth and USB capabilities. The Supra is also equipped with a JBL 12-speaker HiFi surround sound system.

Toyota Supra Philippines interior

Inside the Toyota Supra, there's an 8.8-inch TFT LCD for the tachometer and speedometer

The leather-wrapped steering wheel comes with a 3-spoke design and paddle shifters. It also contains audio controls, telescopic adjust function, manual tilt, and cruise control. The driving position is excellent – low, and the standard seat wraps around the driver's back, and it comes with adjustable side bolsters.

Overall, Supra’s interior has material quality and tactility.

Technology & Safety Features

Some of the tech features available in the Supra are cruise control, push start button, integrated sport drive, 8-way adjustable seat, electric-assist power steering, electric parking brake, back monitor, and auto retract side mirrors. It also comes with a navigation system.

The car's safety features include a day and night rearview mirror, driver and passenger airbag, Anti-lock Braking System, brake assists, EBD, seat belt warning, crash sensor, door ajar warning, front and side-impact beams, traction control, and Vehicle Stability Control system. 

In terms of security, the Toyota GR Supra features central locking, an engine immobilizer, an anti-theft device, power door locks, and an anti-theft alarm.

Toyota Supra Philippines front view

In terms of security, the Toyota GR Supra features central locking, an engine immobilizer, an anti-theft device, power door locks, and an anti-theft alarm.

Platform & Chassis

The Toyota Supra sits on BMW’s Cluster Architecture – the same underpinning used in Z4. It is the main reason why it has the same dimension and chassis as its German counterpart roadster.

This 2-seater Coupe from Toyota has a wheelbase of 2,470 mm, a length of 4,379 mm, a width of 1,854 mm, and a ground clearance of 115 mm.

The Toyota GR Supra is equipped with a Double-joint McPherson Strut for the front suspension, and the rear setup is handled by the multi-link suspension for the rear. A limited-slip differential is also featured in this car for its rear axles.

The stopping power is provided by the 4-piston Fixed Caliper Front Ventilated Disc Brakes and 1-piston Floating Caliper Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes.

>>> New and used Toyota Supra Philippines for sale at the best price

Engine & Drivetrain

Aside from the platform, the Toyota Supra also shares the same engine, running gear, and gearbox as its German counterpart roadster. Sitting under the hood is a Toyota-tuned 3.0L Twin-Scroll Turbocharged gasoline engine. The unit produces 335 horsepower and 500 Newton-meter of torque. The engine power is delivered to the rear wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission. It propels this performance car from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds. The top speed is 250 km/h.

If you want to learn more about this sporty car, don't forget to read in-depth Toyota Supra review on Philkotse.com.

Toyota Supra Philippines on the road

The Toyota Supra Philippines also shares the same engine, running gear, and gearbox as its German counterpart roadster

Available colors for the Toyota GR Supra 2024 Philippines are Prominence Red, Black Metallic 2, Lightning Yellow, Silver Metallic 5, Ice Gray Metallic, Deep Blue Metallic, and White Metallic.

The Toyota GR Supra is still one of the best options in the market if you want to experience a thrilling sports car driving experience. However, it doesn't get a manual transmission like the Nissan 370Z.

Toyota Supra Pros & Cons

Pros Cons
 
  • Impressive powertrain performance

  • Offered in various color options

  • Unmistakable design

 
  • No manual transmission

  • The use of BMW technologies might throw some off

  • Visibility can be improved

Toyota Supra Q&A

1. How much does a Toyota Supra 2024 cost in the Philippines?

The Supra 2024 price is 5,396,000 Php for the prominence red color and 5,496,000 Php for the avalanche white metallic color.

2. What are the dimensions of the Supra 2024?

The dimensions of Supra 2024 are 4,379 mm in length, 1,854 mm in width, and 1,294 mm in height.

3. What type of car is the Toyota Supra?

The type of Toyota Supra is a Coupe with 2 seaters.

4. What is the top speed of a 2024 Toyota Supra?

The top speed of a 2024 Supra is 250 km/h.

5. Is the Supra automatic?

Yes, the Toyota Supra 2024 is transmitted by 8-speed automatic transmission.

 

₱ 4,990,000 - ₱ 5,050,000

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Cesar G.B. Miguel

Cesar G.B. Miguel

Author

Cesar Guiderone B. Miguel was born and raised in Iligan City, Lanao Del Norte. He graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in English degree from Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology. He previously worked as a freelance writer for various websites, as a member of the Iligan City Disaster Risk Reduction Management's training staff, and as a medical sales representative.

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