What can the Toyota GR HV tell us about next year's Supra?

The most manual-like automatic ever is just one of many significant features on one of Toyota’s big stars when the show opens on 25 October, the GR HV sports concept. Why is this two-seat, Targa-topped, front-engine, rear-drive coupe so significant? Because next year Toyota launches the all-new Supra, its half of a joint project with BMW that will also result in the new Z4 roadster. 

The car in the pictures here may contain some of the new Supra’s secrets but it is not it, as you will be able to tell from seeing the real thing – albeit with camo on – being tested at the Nurburgring. The real Supra is believed to take its styling cues from an earlier concept car, the notably fine-looking FT-1.

So where does the GR HV fit in Toyota’s scheme of things? In all likelihood, it is purely a show car to preview the new tech. While it fits perfectly the Supra mould – front engine, rear drive platform, two seats and Targa top – its design appears calculated to appeal far more to its home country than the international markets where the new Supra will have to succeed.

Still looks pretty cool though in a stealth bomber way, with its distinctive face and big LED lights, powerful stance and matte black body. At the back the diffuser is said to be modelled on that of Toyota Gazoo Racing’s TS050 Hybrid WEC race car. 

Inevitably it’s a hybrid and, again, it’s the Le Mans racer that provides the inspiration. The concept car is fitted with THS-R – the racing version of the Toyota Hybrid System that has come so close to winning Le Mans. It’s interesting to remember that the forerunner of Toyota’s WEC challengers in 2007 was a hybrid race car based on the old Supra, also called HV…

The racers all had V8s along with their motor-generator units but in road trim, the Supra has always been synonymous with six-cylinder power. It’s always been stalwartly rear-drive too but the hybrid version of the new Supra will likely be all-wheel drive.

“The GR HV Sports concept represents a new way to enjoy cars by integrating the thrill of a sportscar with the environmental friendliness of an eco-car,” says Toyota ahead of the car’s unveiling. Reading between the lines they are perhaps referring more to the new super-coupe than the concept. It is certainly in line with Akio Toyoda’s insistence on more driving enjoyment.

Who knows, that best-of-both-worlds gearbox may even prove to be the new must-have gadget. For Toyota, it means they can offer an auto with all the appearance and (some) of the interactivity of a manual without the expense of engineering two transmissions. The lever even comes with an engine start button concealed under a flap inside the knob.

Old school meets new tech – can’t wait to try it…