High-performance tuners have unlocked the potential of Toyota’s Supra, finding enormous power increases with a simple software update.
Already producing more power than claimed by Toyota — if independent dyno tests are to be believed — the Supra’s BMW-sourced engine is proving tuneable with little effort.
UK firm Litchfield says a simple software upgrade bumps power and torque from 250kW and 500Nm to almost 315kW and 600Nm before major upgrades are considered.
Without saying exactly what they changed, US firm DME Tuning extracted 394kW and 614Nm measured at the wheels, which suggests their car’s true output measured at the engine is well above the 400kW mark.
Better yet, BMW specialists RK Tunes modified the car’s standard turbo, added race fuel and new sparkplugs before producing an astounding 501kW and 848Nm at the wheels.
READ MORE: We drive the all-new Toyota GR Supra on home soil
That’s significantly more grunt than a $500,000 Porsche 911 Turbo S or McLaren 600LT from a car which costs $84,900, plus a few thousand more in tuning fees.
Australian workshops haven’t had a chance to test their skill with the machine, though you can bet there will be high-powered Supras on local streets in the near future.
For those who don’t want to tear up their manufacturer warranty, Toyota is expected to release slightly more powerful versions of the car in coming years.
Untapped potential within the car’s engine is a good sign there is more to come.
Toyota Supra chief engineer Tetsuya Tada says the “A90” model developed in conjunction with BMW follows a similar ethos likely to make it a star of the modified car scene. Tada invited tuning companies to be part of the car’s development so that customers have plenty of options for modifications shortly after the car goes on sale.
He told us at the Australian launch of the Supra that it will be quick and simple to add external radiators to cool the gearbox and differential, and that bodywork is designed to be modified to allow blind vents to send fresh air to hard working mechanical elements.
November’s SEMA motor show will give American tuners an international platform to strut their stuff. One workshop, Evasive Motorsports, has already shown its hand with a wide body kit, carbon fire front splitter and enormous rear wing set to be offered to Supra customers.
Its white show car debuted to strong reactions online this week, suggesting that the Supra will feature heavily in car shows for years to come.
- News.com.au