The 2019 Toyota Supra has made some sort of a debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Toyota sent a camouflaged car to tackle the Hillclimb, definitely quenching our hopes of seeing the production version of the highly-anticipated fifth-generation car. Driven by Chief Engineer, Tetsuya Tada, and Test Driver, Herwig Daenens, the new Toyota Supra did not even tackle the course at its full speed. However, these drivers will drive it up the hill-climb a few more times during the weekend at the Goodwood Estate, so stay tuned.

With drivers waving from the car during the drive, Toyota sent a clear message that this first run definitely does not show the full potential of the new machine. Furthermore, Toyota confirmed that the new 2019 Supra will make a debut in 2018, which means we could be only a few months from the final showcasing of the production car. Maybe in Paris in October?

Why is Toyota Tight-Lipped About the New Supra?

The Toyota Supra is not only a car; it has become a brand in itself, and the Japanese are dealing with it delicately, trying to preserve what the previous generations of the car have achieved. As I noted in an article about the BMW Z4 before, the new Toyota Supra will definitely get that BMW inline-six and its accompanying transmission. Toyota officials did confirm there will be a six-cylinder engine under the bonnet, but that was about it. Not a word more.

Being so secretive about a car for so long is expected. Not only do they need to drive up the hype about the new Toyota Supra A90, but Toyota wants us all to adjust to the new design of the car. Yes, it will feature a few styling touches taken from the fabulous Toyota FT-1 concept car, but it will wrap them in a far more sensible package.

Internet comments on the car appearing at Goodwood weren’t exactly favorable for Toyota as the car looked a bit underwhelming. Yet, I cannot make any sort of a conclusion before seeing it in its full glory - without the camouflage and with all the specs in front of me. Also, I think that focusing their promotional efforts for the new Toyota Supra in Europe is risk control at play. Americans are definitely more eager to see and buy the Supra, but revealing it in Europe first seems like a marketing trick, dare I say a psychological game to prepare it for the U.S.

The Power and the Engines

Regardless of the rather “loud” silence coming from Toyota, the Supra should get a BMW, B58, 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged engine good for 335 horsepower. Linked with an automatic transmission, the engine will push the Supra to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. A more powerful GRMN is also on the drawing board, as well as an entry-level car with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 248 horsepower.

Further reading

Read our full speculative review on the 2019 Toyota Supra.

Read our full review on the 2018 Toyota GR Supra Racing Concept.

Read our full review on the 2014 Toyota FT-1 concept car.

Read more Toyota news.

Read more Goodwood Festival of Speed.