Toyota introduces GR Supra Sport Top with removable roof for virtual SEMA

KUALA LUMPUR: Last year at the SEMA show, Toyota showed off a GR Supra Heritage Edition that was a perfect blend of upgraded performance and the style of the iconic fourth-generation Supra featuring retro-inspired wing, revised front splitter, and tweaked tail lights with CNC-machined lenses. But one thing, it missed on the MkIV’s removable Targa roof panel, which the automaker has taken on board this time.

Toyota recently released a new teaser video of an upcoming Supra that features a removable roof. Dubbed as the GR Supra Sport Top, the new iteration takes over where the Heritage Edition left off and will make its debut at this year's SEMA360 show. It will be an online event replacing the conventional SEMA show that was cancelled amid the global pandemic. 

At this time, the Japanese automaker has only dropped a teaser which does not show the whole vehicle, however, reveals what the team has in mind. 

According to that, the coupe will have a two-piece composite roof that can be removed and kept in the trunk. To operate this, a person would just have to press a button available on the keyfob to unlatch, although the team is still working on this part. 

The upcoming GR Supra Sport Top will also have an upgraded structure ensuring rigidity even without the roof. But given the fact that it shares the platform with the fully-convertible BMW Z4, it should be much stiff already, so the crew might not have to do much for reinforcement.

The teaser also featured a computer sketch hinting at some more aggressive aerodynamic elements to be present in the finished build. The sketches possibly showed a large rear window or black space added around it for making the lines of the Targa top work. Other special touches comprise broader side sills, a larger front splitter, and a bigger diffuser. 

In the video teaser, Team Manager Marty Schwerter stated that they still have to stiffen the bottom of the coupe to compensate for the stiffness lost from the removable top, but it definitely sounds achievable. 

Toyota GR Supra Sport Top Edition is expected to be revealed soon.

Also read: 2020 Toyota Yaris details revealed, estimated price starts at RM 71,688