Coordinated for traction, stability and agility
The traction and braking of the GR Supra have been optimized for operation with a manual transmission. With an automatic, it is possible to use the second gear when pulling uphill when the opposite wheels are on surfaces with different levels of traction – for example, when the car is parked on a partially icy road, progress is smooth without rolling backwards or wheel slip. With a manual transmission, first gear must be used and the release of the clutch carries a greater risk of wheel spin. To address the problem, Toyota engineers have tuned the car’s traction control (TRAC) system to achieve smooth operation like that presented with an automatic. The system is also optimized for the GR Supra’s characteristic high engine torque, wide tires and rear-wheel drive. The car’s behavior when accelerating from a turn is a key element of the “Fun to Drive” quality Toyota has developed for the GR Supra. For the new manual version, traction control was again the focus to ensure the ideal balance of flexibility and stability when exiting a corner with the accelerator. TRAC intervention is calibrated to maintain stability – so the car adheres to the driver’s prescribed line – while allowing the right amount of power for a sporty experience. The ambition to make the GR Supra fun to drive in the most demanding scenarios helped inspire the introduction of a new Hairpin + feature. This is designed to allow more freedom and reward when making tight turns on an uphill slope (over 5 percent) with high-friction road surfaces. Larger “free wheel” rotation can make these journeys more enjoyable to drive, so Toyota has optimized engine torque control to allow for a greater difference in the degree of wheel rotation on the left and right side tires. To deal with the possibility of snap-off – something that can be difficult to control with just the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) of the car – an Anti-Roll Program (ARP) has been adopted for both manual and automatic version of GR Above. This intervenes at an earlier point with the VSC to compensate for any sudden loss of traction when using the car’s high-response suspension adjustment. In addition, the Track function is adjusted to allow easy movement freely on the throttle control. The vehicle remains flexible, but there is less risk of spin thanks to the special engine and torque control. To see the whole announcement click HERE
