Toyota Supra right here to remain, says native exec

A Supra will proceed in Toyota showrooms for a minimum of one other era past the present automotive.

The 2-door flagship nonetheless has a long-term future within the model’s lineup, though the form and powertrain is prone to change, as Toyota continues to push its GR efficiency fashions.

The unequivocal assist for the GR Supra comes from Sean Hanley, Toyota Australia vice chairman of gross sales, advertising and franchise operations.

“There isn’t any plan to discontinue the Supra model on this automotive firm. I do know that,” Mr Hanley acknowledged bluntly to CarExpert.

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Although BMW will reportedly terminate its Z4 in 2026, the GR Supra’s twin beneath the pores and skin, any German choice received’t have an effect on future planning at Toyota.

That’s regardless of the Supra at present being constructed alongside the Z4 by Magna Steyr in Austria.

“BMW isn’t Toyota. The notion that Supra is stopping is only speculative,” Mr Hanley stated.

“And, fairly frankly, I’ve no expectation, sitting right here right this moment, that the Supra model will disappear. In any respect.”

Mr Hanley was talking through the Bathurst 1000 automotive race after revealing a life-sized clay mannequin of the GR Supra that can compete in Supercars racing from 2026.

He admitted the race automotive may proceed to compete past the lifespan of the present physique form, as Common Motors is doing with the Chevrolet Camaro in Supercars, however firmly denied any risk to the road-going Supra.

“Fairly frankly, I can let you know the automotive you noticed right this moment (the Supra unveiled at Bathurst) can be on this monitor for years. I do know that,” he stated.

He went on to emphasize the significance of the Supra within the GR lineup, which begins with the infant GR Yaris.

“The Supra nameplate goes again for years. There may be lots of legacy there. It’s an extremely essential model,” he stated.

Mr Hanley believes racing the Supra can be good for Toyota, regardless of the model ignoring Supercars for greater than 20 years.

“When you get it proper, individuals will begin to gravitate to your model and go ‘Wow, that’s a enjoyable model. They’re doing effectively, they know what they’re doing’.”

Toyota has proven a variety of sports activities automotive ideas in recent times, which Mr Hanley admits may presumably level to a change at a while for the Supra.

“It would change. It would morph, shape-wise,” he admitted.

Whereas Mr Hanley was pumping up the Supra he continued to disclaim any future for the newest Prius hybrid in Australia.

“We acknowledge it’s a nice wanting automotive and getting lot of constructive airplay. Nevertheless, we’ve additionally acquired to have a look at our product portfolio and the place that might match,” Mr Hanley stated.

“It’s not a case of whether or not it’s a very good automotive. It’s an excellent automotive, it appears to be like improbable. However, nonetheless, we’ve elected to go together with extra SUVs and the CH-R.

“We consider our portfolio works higher. Sure, Prius is an excellent wanting automotive, however within the pricing that we must deliver it to market, it’d wrestle a bit to do the volumes we have to do.

“There are such a lot of good vehicles in Toyota. The opposite nice automotive is the Crown. You’ve acquired to select the vehicles you consider can be proper for the market. And I feel that our product portfolio, as you see right this moment, is fairly good.”

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