Toyota leverages AI to produce safer drivers

Updated Nov 20, 2023 | Same topic: Automotive Industry Updates

Realizing safer rides with AI, without eliminating the human element.  

Toyota is improving its active safety system through the Accelerated Concepts program. Led by the Toyota Research Institute (TRI), the program aims to provide high-level autonomy without losing driver engagement through research programs including the use of AI.

Toyota Supra front view

The team featured a self-drifting Toyota Supra

To showcase how TRI is approaching autonomy, an international media event at Thunderhill Raceway, Willows, California was held for journalists to experience the program’s research vehicles and simulators. 

The team uses data-driven machine-learning techniques to create models of human behavior. After all, the goal is still retain a high driver engagement despite the use of advanced autonomous systems. 

Members of the media got the chance to ride an autonomous self-drifting Toyota Supra, as well as a fully autonomous Lexus LC500 that can avoid obstacles while driving at a high speed. They also tested TRI’s research vehicle called the Global Research Innovative Platform (GRIP) - a custom-built platform equipped with four-wheel steering and in-wheel electronic motors. All these projects help the team to rapidly teach AI expert-level driving skills which it will eventually pass on to human students. 

Lexus LC500 front view

A Lexus LC500 also graced the international media event

In line with the experimental vehicles, TRI also unveiled the Driving Sensei concept. As the name suggests, the system aims to teach people proper ways of driving with the use of AI. It is made possible through AI-driven instruction, AI-powered driver support, and the driving skills an AI accumulated through machine learning. 

“Safety is a top priority for Toyota,” said TRI CEO Gill Pratt. “Our human-centered approach is discovering better, safer ways for humans and AI to collaborate. We’re amplifying people by building models that predict drivers’ actions, developing AI that enhances driver performance.” 

“Can we save more lives by bringing automated vehicle technology to more people in more places and sooner?” asked TRI’s Human Interactive Driving Division Director Avinash Balachandran. “We think the answer is yes – by rethinking the way people and embodied technologies interact to create new experiences and value for our customers.”

Toyota Accelerated Concepts program

Toyota aims to provide active safety with both high autonomy and high driver engagement

These research programs are part of the TRI’s Human Interactive Driving’s (HID) three research pillars – Human-Focused Learning, Driver/Vehicle Performance and Safety, and Shared Autonomy. We could see these systems applied to future models such as previewed by the likes of the FT-Se concept and EPU electric pickup concept. 

For now, the Japanese automaker is commercializing advanced driving-assistive tech with its Toyota Safety Sense, which is a SAE Level 2 autonomous driving system. It is available in PH-spec models such as the Fortuner and Camry. 

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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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Rex Sanchez

Rex Sanchez

Author

Rex Sanchez grew up in Saudi Arabia where he saw and got into the automotive scene. He started his career for an aviation company in the said region, writing about turbines and rotors which are later distributed for educational purposes. And now, he joined Philkotse.com as a staff writer. Currently, he is the youngest on the team and is more than ready to grow in the field.

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