Toyota Supra for Bathurst 12 Hour?

Toyota Australia says it will entertain the idea of entering the new Supra in the prestigious Bathurst 12 Hour race if the equivalent production car is approved for sale in the local market.

Toyota showed off the GT racing potential of its born-again, fifth-generation Supra this week by unveiling the track-ready GR Sports concept - essentially a GT version of the confirmed A90 Supra production car set to debut in 2019.

While it isn't 100 per cent confirmed for the Australian market just yet - publically, at least - Toyota's Australian stakeholders clearly see potential for the Supra on track.

Of most interest is the GT3-oriented Bathurst 12 Hour race.

"If we were to get the Supra as a production vehicle in Australia, I certainly wouldn't rule out lobbying the global motorsport organisation to come into the Bathurst 12 Hour," Toyota Australia national sales and marketing vice president Sean Hanley said.

"We'd have to talk to our global company on any potential involvement. It's something that I wouldn't rule out as an idea at this point. I can't confirm anything as we've had no discussions at all.

"We would only consider lobbying for the 12 Hour if we had the production car on sale."

Hanley pointed out that entry into a GT3 racing category wasn't clear-cut.

"Globally, there would need to be development to make a GT3-spec car," he said. "Really it isn't a decision that we would make, it would be an idea that we would put forward to Toyota's global Gazoo Racing division. The end decision would lie in their hands."

The first major point of order, however, would be the admission of A90 Supra into the Australian marketplace. Hanley clearly wants to see the fifth-generation model Down Under, as do fans.

"We haven't released details on where this car will be built but we can confirm it will be produced in right-hand drive. It's a global vehicle," he said.

"Supra is a very exciting car, it's appointed to the production car of the future. The vehicle will be launched mid-way through next year. We haven't confirmed this car for Australia at this point, but we are examining it very carefully with a view of we'd love to have it.

"The Supra name has a very strong culture and history in the Australian market, and we know that if we bring that car to the Australian market it would sell. We know that already.

"For us, that car will represent far more than volume. It's a brand statement — it's a pointer to the future."

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