GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: Toyota teases Supra-based racer

Toyota has released an official teaser image of a racing version of its long-awaited Supra coupe.

Posting a single image entitled "The Legend Returns", Toyota's shadowy image is dominated by a huge motorsport-ready rear wing, but look closer and you'll see the flowing lines of the forthcoming sports car.

Describing it as a "modern racing concept" designed to "signal Toyota's commitment to bring its most iconic sports car back to market", Toyota leaves little doubt that the car the Japanese car-maker plans to unveil is the Supra – but it's not clear if it will use the Geneva motor show to also unveil the road-going version too.

Latest reports suggest the fast Porsche 718 Cayman rival might be launched under the car-maker's Gazoo Racing brand and that it might not be badged a 'Toyota' at all.

Once launched, buyers will be offered four different trims: Supra, Supra GR, Supra SR Sport and Supra GRMN – the fastest, most extreme version.

Yesterday, leaked information posted online said the core of the Supra range will be based around a BMW-sourced 3.0-litre turbocharged straight six-cylinder that will produce 250kW/450Nm.

Angering purists, initial reports suggest the new Toyota will come with an eight-speed automatic only.

Claimed to measure in at 4380mm long, 1855mm wide and 1290mm tall, the Supra is reportedly 1mm longer, 54mm wider and 5mm lower than a Porsche 718 Cayman.

With an expected kerb weight of 1496kg, the Supra will be around 36kg heavier than a Cayman S with Porsche’s PDK dual-clutch transmission fitted, but could still come close to matching its German rival’s 4.2-second dash to 100km/h.

Sharing an all-new platform with the BMW’s forthcoming Z4, the new Supra is expected to benefit from the German car-maker’s investment in carbon-fibre, with the Toyota coupe benefitting from a structure that’s both lightweight and rigid.

Inside, rumour has it the Toyota will also feature switchgear, an infotainment system and even a gearshift lever lifted directly from existing BMWs.

Originally, it was thought an all-wheel hybrid might be offered but those plans may have been scrapped to keep development costs low.

The born-again Supra is set to sit above the current 86 coupe range that's priced between $30,790 and $38,790. It's hoped an indication of pricing and on-sale dates for the Australian market will be given at the Geneva show.