$9 Million Global City Challenge Launched to Drive Safe, Inclusive, and Sustainable Innovation in City Mobility

 

• Toyota Mobility Foundation launches a three-year Sustainable Cities Challenge to bring cities and innovators together
• The Challenge aims to help cities reduce carbon, improve access, enhance data-driven concepts for more resilient transport systems
• Three cities will work with innovators to tailor solutions to overcome their mobility barriers

The Toyota Mobility Foundation, in partnership with Challenge Works and World Resources Institute, has launched a $9 million global challenge to help cities adapt to the future, with the potential to transform the lives of millions around the world.

As cities grow and evolve, the challenges of moving people and goods in reliable, efficient, and inclusive ways have never been more essential. At the same time, opportunities to apply advances in transport modes, infrastructure design, operations, energy options, and connected data systems have never been more promising.

The Sustainable Cities Challenge aims to improve the lives of people by increasing access to jobs, education and other essential services. It will bring cities and innovators together to implement mobility solutions that could reduce carbon, improve accessibility, and use data to build more resilient transport systems.

“Our experience over the past decade has underscored the importance of local cities’ buy-in and engagement with our activities,” Ryan Klem, director of programs at the Toyota Mobility Foundation, said. “Throughout the Sustainable Cities Challenge, we are looking to work alongside cities to find innovative solutions in the areas they identify as critical to develop a scalable model for the cities of tomorrow.”

Call for Entries

Entry to the first stage of the Challenge is open to city leaders and municipal governments, transport departments and other related local and regional agencies. Entries should be submitted according to one or more of the following three themes:

• Expanding access to safe, affordable, and inclusive modes of transportation
• Harnessing the power of data to create connected and resilient mobility ecosystems
• Reducing environmental impact through low-carbon and renewable energy solutions

Shortlisted cities will be invited to attend a capacity building academy in the U.S. and will receive support developing their challenge design, becoming part of a wider network of other innovative city teams.

In February 2024, three winning cities will be selected to host a City Challenge to attract entries from global innovators. Innovators could be homegrown – living in the city or country chosen – or maybe from anywhere across the globe, but with solutions applicable and adapted to the winning cities.

The winning innovators for each city will be announced in late 2024, and the cities and innovators will share $9 million in funding to test and roll out their solutions.

Increase mobility solutions for a more sustainable future

Many cities are now adapting to new behaviors and lifestyles, as our lives move increasingly online, and patterns of work change. With more than half of the world’s population currently living in cities, the United Nations predicts this will increase to two-thirds by 2050. Additionally, cities are responsible for 70% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

The Sustainable Cities Challenge is funded by the Toyota Mobility Foundation and has been designed in partnership with Challenge Works and World Resources Institute. Challenge Works is an international leader in developing challenge programs to drive new thinking and find creative solutions to problems facing society. World Resources Institute is a global research organization which works with partners to develop practical solutions that improve people’s lives and ensure that nature can thrive.

“Brilliant people all over the world are working hard to create innovative solutions to help mobility systems work better, and with a lower carbon footprint,” Kathy Nothstine, head of future cities at Challenge Works, said. “The Sustainable Cities Challenge will help those innovators interface with cities to test and adapt solutions according to local needs to improve people’s lives. Challenges like this can act as catalysts for change by accelerating innovation in real world settings.”

In addition to helping cities decarbonize, transforming mobility systems will help cities become more inclusive and accessible for the people living in them. Currently, 1.2 billion people living in cities do not have access to one or more core services.

“Cities are in need of innovations to foster sustainable mobility that reduces emissions, improves health, and increases access to jobs and opportunity for all,” Ben Welle, director of integrated transport and innovation at World Resources Institute’s Ross Center for Sustainable Cities, said. “The Sustainable Cities Challenge is an excellent opportunity for cities globally to build capacity and support innovators to work hand in hand with officials.”

To find out more and to enter, visit the Sustainable Cities Challenge website.

2024 GR Supra Celebrates 45 Years of Legendary Power

 

• TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Announces GR Supra, GR86, and GR Corolla Special Editions for Model Year 2024 Lineup
• GR Supra 45th Anniversary Edition Pays Tribute to Custom MkIV Supra
• Available in Mikan Blast or Absolute Zero and Limited to 900 Units for U.S. Market
• Aggressive Style with Oversized, Manually Adjustable Rear Spoiler
• Matte-Black Finished Wheels, Black GR Brake Calipers, and Black Supra Side Graphic
• Choice of Paddle Shifted 8-Speed Automatic or 6-Speed Manual Transmission

For over four decades the Toyota Supra has earned a reputation as an icon among sports car enthusiasts. From its first-generation roots as the Celica Supra in 1979 to its current fifth-generation form as the GR Supra, the model has captured drivers’ hearts over the years with a blend of power, handling, tech, and style. For 2024, Toyota pays tribute to that history with an eye-popping 45th Anniversary Edition.

As an ode to the 1990’s models, the GR Supra 45th Anniversary edition will be available in a deep orange Mikan Blast (“mikan” means orange in Japanese) or ice cold Absolute Zero. Built on the 3.0 Premium Grade, this GR Supra’s low-slung, condensed extreme design is complemented by a large, manually adjustable rear spoiler. Rising about three inches above the rear decklid, the spoiler has an adjustment screw that allows drivers to change its angle and influence the amount of downforce being applied to rear wheels.

The 45th Anniversary Edition also features matte-black finished 19-inch aluminum wheels and black painted opposite mounted brake calipers that wear a GR logo up front. A black side panel graphic with a cutout Supra logo sweeps upward along the side, accentuating the vehicle’s contours. Altogether, the special edition brings a touch of nostalgia and flair to the 2024 Supra lineup with a look reminiscent of the MkIV model of big screen fame. The 45th Anniversary Edition will be limited to 900 units, split evenly between Mikan Blast and Absolute Zero. The engine will be flanked by exclusive 45th Anniversary Edition Mikan Blast strut tower braces that bear the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing logo. It will be available in both manual and automatic transmission options and will be powered by the same B58 inline six-cylinder 3.0-liter turbocharged engine on all 3.0 Supra models, outputting 382-hp and 368 lb.-ft. of torque.

The GR Supra 45th Anniversary Edition sticks with the nameplate’s playbook of offering unique versions since its relaunch. Since the model returned to the market in 2019, Toyota has rolled out Launch, A91, A91 Carbon Fiber, and A91MT editions. Additionally, the GR Supra has continued to evolve over the past four model years, with changes like increased horsepower and torque on the 3.0 models, updates to handling dynamics, the addition of a 2.0-L 4-cylinder model, and the addition of a Manual Transmission option. In 2020 Toyota GAZOO Racing also started producing a GR Supra GT4 model for racing.

GR Supra 45th Anniversary models are expected to arrive at Toyota dealerships in the fall of 2023. Pricing for the special edition model and details for the complete 2024 GR Supra lineup will be shared at a later date.

Blast From the Past

First on sale in 1979 and originally named the Toyota Celica Supra in the U.S., the first-generation Mark I (MkI) Supra was positioned as a luxury, rear-wheel drive sports model in the Toyota lineup. Known by some as the A40, which referred to its chassis code, it went through enough changes in its short time to ultimately be referred to as the A50 Celica Supra by Toyota engineers.

Initially, it featured a 2.6-liter inline-six engine that produced 110 horsepower and was available in both manual and automatic transmissions. In 1980, the model changed from a fixed axle rear suspension to a semi-trailing arm and coil spring system, and the 2.6-liter engine was replaced with a 2.8-liter unit. Although only produced for a brief time, and in limited volume, the first generation Supra marked the beginning of a new era for Toyota sports cars.

In 1982 the second-generation A60 Celica (MkII) Supra arrived. This model used a 2.8-liter 5M-GE twin-cam straight-six engine. The sheet metal was radically redesigned from its predecessor and featured an aerodynamic look with a longer wheelbase and stretched front-end. It also included retractable headlights, a more aggressive flare on the wheel arches and an independent rear suspension.

Notable equipment on selected grades of the second generation Supra were a digital instrument panel and the “Navicom,” a forerunner of today’s car navigation systems that used a microchip-based device that calculated the direction and distance to a desired destination and displayed the information in real time.

A Legend All Its Own

In 1986 Toyota introduced the third generation A70 Supra (MkIII) and dropped the Celica name, positioning it as an independent high-performance, high-grade sports car. It was completely redesigned and featured a sleek, aerodynamic body with a 0.33 coefficient of drag. When it was introduced, it featured a 24 valve, 3.0-liter six-cylinder 7M-GE powerplant with an output of 200-hp at 6000 rpm and produced 196 lb.-ft. of torque.

Later a 7M-GTE engine was made available with an intercooled sequential twin turbocharger. This boosted the 24-valve engine’s output to 230-hp and increased torque by 33 percent to 254 lb.-ft. A small, fast-spinning, low-boost turbo engaged very responsively just above idle speed; as RPM built and load increased a larger high-boost turbo would gradually spin up, providing significant boost in the upper ranges of engine performance.

Anti-lock braking (ABS) and four-wheel disc brakes, which were ventilated up front, was another new addition to Supra in 1986, with the system being optional on naturally aspirated models and standard on the Turbo-equipped model. Another modern feature was an electronically moderated suspension with two modes – normal and sport – that was built with a double-wishbone construction for all four wheels. This was the first time Toyota had mass produced this type of race-inspired suspension on one of its vehicles.

Other features included eight-way adjustable sport seats, side window defrosters, and one touch power windows. And just to make us all jealous, there was even an optional detachable sport roof.

In 1993 the A80 Supra (MkIV) arrived. It featured two choices of inline-six engines, the naturally aspirated 220-hp 2JZ-GE with 209 lb.-ft. of torque or the twin-turbocharged 2JZ-GTE, capable of 320-hp and 315 lb.-ft. of torque. Both engine models offered a choice of automatic or manual transmission. AT models offered normal and manual shift modes and MT models with the 2JZ-GTE engine featured Toyota’s first six-speed gearbox.

The MkIV Supra was also known for its advanced suspension system, which was electronically controlled and could adjust ride height and stiffness on the fly. At the time, the car quickly gained a reputation as competing with cars far above its class and Road & Track said, “The Supra Turbo performs at Ferrari Testarossa and Porsche 911 Turbo levels…it easily outgrips the European pair, is more stable in abrupt maneuvers and digs to a halt with near-identical determination.”

Exterior designer Kunihiro Uchida referred to its looks as reminiscent of a “wild animal racing across a field” with its large, round front end and rear ducktail spoiler, smooth aerodynamic side profile with door mounted mirrors, and new sleek, projection headlamp system. And the Supra was about more than looks and power, as it was Toyota’s first vehicle to include both driver- and passenger-side air bags as standard equipment. The Supra ended its run in the U.S. with the 1998 model year.

Power for the Present

As the years passed, many enthusiasts and Toyota fans longed for the return of the Supra. The call would be answered by then Toyota President, Akio Toyoda, who championed the revival of the sports car model. Upon its return it would be dubbed the GR Supra and serve as TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s (GR) first globally badged model.

The new GR brand had a straightforward goal: Develop cars aimed at the pure joy of driving. Through a process that started on the track, cars would be rigorously tested until a series of master drivers approved their performance. Subsequently, the introduction of models, like the GR86 coupe and GR Corolla hot hatch expanded the driver-centered lineup, with each GR sports car undergoing the same intensive track testing process before receiving its GR badge.

The fifth generation A90 GR Supra (MkV) model was revealed in 2019 after undergoing its GR approval process. The design took elements from two legendary models, the MkIV Supra and 1967 Toyota 2000 GT. At launch the A90 Supra featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six B58 engine matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission that produced up to 335-hp and 365 lb.-ft. of torque. It was made in collaboration with BMW and based on their Z4 platform.

For the 2021 GR Supra model, the GR team kept the pedal down to bring more output and torque while also adding a new grade. They increased the 3.0 Supra to 382 hp and 367 lb.-ft. of torque, warranting enough changes to the model to dub it as the “A91” by Toyota engineers and offer a likewise named special edition for that year. The lineup also added a turbocharged four-cylinder model with 2.0-liter engine, 255 horsepower and a stout 295 lb.-ft. of torque.

In 2023, the GR Supra added a manual transmission option to the model, which brought a new level of engagement to the punch-above-its-weight sports car. And at the same time, all 2023 GR Supra 3.0 models gained a retuned suspension with revised shock absorbers, re-tuned electric power steering with new mechanical components, and an active rear sport differential standard.

As with all GR Supra A91 models, Normal, Sport and Individual modes that adjust throttle response, suspension damping, and power steering settings came standard. All 3.0 models came with an Adaptative Variable Suspension (AVS) with sensors and solenoid valves that finely control the damping force of the shock absorbers is also standard. On the inside of the 3.0 models, premium features like black leather-trimmed seats, a 12-speaker acoustically tuned premium JBL sound system, full color heads-up display, and Qi wireless charger offer drivers a luxury cabin.

GR Supra GT4 EVO

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s track-focused mindset also led them to launch a Supra GT4 racing model, which allows professional and amateur drivers alike to compete on the world’s most famous racetracks. The GR Supra GT4 model was developed in Cologne, Germany by TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Europe, home of Toyota’s five-time Le Mans 24 Hours-winning motorsport team, the GR Supra GT4 and launched in March 2020. It is sold to private customers for competition within the popular GT4 category of racing for vehicles based on roadgoing counterparts, with modifications permitted for safety and performance.

Since its launch, GR Supra GT4 customers have won races and championships on three continents in competitions such as the GT4 European Series, GT4 America and Super Taikyu in Japan, as well as legendary events like the Nürburgring 24 Hours. A cumulative 625 entries in 317 races worldwide as of the end of 2022 resulted in 79 class victories, 20 overall wins and 207 podium finishes. In 2023, 27 GR Supra GT4 vehicles are competing in Europe, 20 in North America and 12 in Asia, including Japan.

Production of the GR Supra GT4 reached a milestone of 100 units earlier this year. TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s close cooperation with its GT4 teams and drivers has led to continuous improvement of the model since launch. For the 2023 season, a GT4 EVO with 487 lb.-ft. of torque is being offered for race teams with a focus on improvements for even faster lap times. The team increased power and optimized the torque curve of the 3.0-litre, six-cylinder, turbocharged engine and made changes for more effective cooling, improved brake system design, new ABS settings, latest KW damper technology and updated anti-roll bar specification. Click here for additional information or here for the 2023 GT4EVO press release.

Complimentary 1-year NASA Membership

Purchase of a 2024 GR Supra comes with a complimentary 1-year membership to the National Auto Sport Association (NASA). GR Supra owners will enjoy a host of benefits, including one free High Performance Driving Event (HPDE) and discounted admission to NASA-sanctioned events.

Warranty and ToyotaCare

Toyota’s 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles, and corrosion with no mileage limitation. ToyotaCare is a no additional cost plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance for 2 years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first, and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years, unlimited mileage.

GR Corolla Shines in Epic “The Shoot” Finale to Video Series

 

• TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s “The Pitch” Campaign Reaches its Finale with “The Shoot”
• Series Conclusion Stars the 300-HP Rally Inspired Toyota GR Corolla Hot Hatch
• Three-Part Series Launched the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Brand and U.S. Lineup
• TOYOTA GAZOO Racing North America Team Drivers Behind the Wheel of GR Sports Cars Bring the Action Movie Inspired Stunts to Life
• Filmed at Exciting Locations as a Tribute to the Pure Joy of Driving

The TOYOTA GAZOO Racing sports car trio is making a blockbuster statement with a tour-de-force of redlines, handbrake pulls, and downshifts in “The Shoot,” the third and final installment in Toyota’s “The Pitch” series.

In this episode, viewers rejoin the “creatives” that starred in the first episode who finally get their shot at making a commercial, all while trying to answer the seemingly never-ending concerns of the cautious “executives.” From a dusty rip through a one-horse Western town, to a cat and mouse helicopter pursuit down a snowy mountain road, to a gripping escape from a roadside trap, “The Shoot” is loaded with driving thrills.

The tongue-in-cheek series first kicked off with “The Pitch” episode in 2021. In the first episode, the GR Supra was the starring model as the bright-eyed “creatives” went to work on a campaign for the high-powered rear wheel drive sports coupe. They pitched concepts like a drifting pizza driver, much to the dismay of the “executives” and the g-force sensitive entrée. At the time, the Supra was the only GR badged model available in the U.S. and the episode launched the sports car brand for the market.

With the next episode the GR “creatives” pushed the limits even further. In “The Focus Group” they met with the “executives” while watching a group of customers react to different and highly exaggerated driving sequences in an abandoned mall. This time TOYOTA GAZOO Racing North America (TGR-NA) team drivers Frederic Aasbø, Ken Gushi, and Jhonattan Castro, drifted the newly added GR86 and Supra race models through empty corridors. The episode also teased the hotly anticipated third U.S. GR model, the GR Corolla, appearing as an easter egg in the video and coyly foreshadowed in a ”executive’s” comment about missing a third car for a flying-V.

In “The Shoot” the GR Corolla takes the lead role. TGR-NA drivers Gushi and Aasbø take the wheel, joined by Ryan Tuerck and supporting stunt drivers. This time the GR Corolla’s GR-FOUR AWD system helps the “creatives” bring their concepts to life while the “executives” continue to give notes. The episode even pulls in a reference to an old Corolla commercial from Australia, as Tuerck plays a role where he sets a cunning roadside trap. Ultimately, the call for “more GR!” brings all the models to the streets for an epic final series of stunts*.

*All stunts in “The Pitch”, “The Focus Group”, and “The Shoot” were conducted by professional drivers on closed courses. Do not attempt. Stock and modified vehicles were used in the creation of this content.

A High-Flying Finale

“The Shoot” is a four-minute spot that was shot at Diamond V Movie Ranch and Golden Oak Ranch studios in California, with on-location production at the Strawberry Pinnacles near Park City, Utah. No CGI was used in the driving sequences. Created by Sweatpants Media in partnership with TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, intricate shoots across locations utilized legendary studio locations, striking natural scenery, and professional stunt drivers as the three-installment series came to an end.

“The series started with pitching ideas, then we went to the focus group. The next logical step was bringing the audience along with us to set as we filmed the commercial,” said producer Elliott Perrigo. “Working on this project over the past few years has been amazing, and we were excited to team up for the grand finale of the series!”

Sweatpants created all three “Pitch” spots to show how the GR Supra, GR86, and GR Corolla symbolize the power of self-expression with fun-to-drive, stylish sports cars. In each installment of the series, authentic self-expression is exhibited through skilled driving and the fun of expressing creative ideas.

Media Campaign Placements

The GR Corolla “The Shoot” installment is the finale for “The Pitch” campaign extending across social media and digital video placements targeting auto enthusiasts and sports car intenders. Toyota will share the spot across their Toyota USA social platforms on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. “The Focus Group” and “The Pitch” are also available for viewing on the GR Family page on Toyota.com.

The campaign’s digital emphasis consists of paid social placements with a mix of native video and video link advertisements. The full four-minute piece will run on Toyota.com and YouTube. The digital campaign will run through June-August, as the summer driving season takes hold across the U.S.

About the 2023 GR Corolla

The 2023 GR Corolla is Toyota’s hot-hatch entry in the GR sports car lineup. Available in the Core Grade, Circuit Edition, and ultra-limited MORIZO Edition, the GR Corolla features the GR-Four All Wheel Drive, a 1.6L Turbo 3 Cylinder G16E-GTS engine, and 6-speed intelligent Manual Transmission.

Product Highlights Include:

Kicking Off Summer with Dirt and Donuts!

Summer is here and we're celebrating the season of outdoor fun with  Dirt and Donuts, 10am to 2pm on June 10 at Burien Toyota!

Nomad Overland Adventures will joining the fun because there is no better partner in summer adventures than Nomad gear! Whether you are an experienced adventurer or sports parent who wants to check out the possibilities for getting more out of your rig, there will be many Overland rigs on site for you to check out.

We'll also have giveaways and fun, including:

• Coffee and donuts
• Centro Neighborhood Food Truck
• Crispy, the DubSea Fish Sticks baseball team mascot

Burien Toyota is a proud partner of Nomad Overland Adventures, the area's leading Ironman 4x4 equipment provider and installer, including off-road gear, lift kits, lighting, wilderness camping, storage, refrigeration, and more! With Nomad's wide range of gear and expertise, you can do everything with your vehicle from keep your drinks cold by adding refrigeration to adding an awning to create shade at the next family gathering outdoors...and much more.

Nomad can help you get more out of every day use of your vehicle or help you prepare for those epic outdoor adventures...and everything in between. 

Stop by Dirt and Donuts at Burien Toyota on June 10 to check it out, get some donuts, and have some fun! Get all the details and learn more about Nomad Overland Adventures!