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Reflections on Nurburgring, Supra, and auto enthusiast Morizo

Automotive enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the unveiling of the latest iteration of the iconic Toyota Supra, with CEO Akio Toyoda reminiscing on past experiences at the Nürburgring race track and his personal involvement in shaping the final taste of the new model in Detroit.

Reflections by Morizo | "Nurburgring, Supra, and Morizo's Ponderings"
Reflections by Morizo | "Nurburgring, Supra, and Morizo's Ponderings"

Reflections on Nurburgring, Supra, and auto enthusiast Morizo

On October 31, 2018, a significant event took place within Toyota's walls. Akio Toyoda, known as Morizo, posted a message on the company intranet, reminding everyone that extreme situations are necessary to create ever-better cars. This sentiment is a cornerstone of Toyota's philosophy, and it seems that the upcoming reintroduction of the iconic Supra is no exception.

The Supra will be officially announced at a product launch event in Detroit, scheduled for January 14, 2019, at 23:40 Japan time. The announcement will also be streamed online, giving fans worldwide the opportunity to witness the unveiling.

In preparation for this momentous occasion, Morizo recently participated in the Nürburgring VLN 4-hour endurance race. This German track, renowned for its challenging curves and steep gradients, is a road that Morizo believes no master driver should avoid.

During his time at Nürburgring, Morizo adhered to a principle he learned from his mentor, Naruse san, over two decades ago. This principle involves allowing vehicles coming from behind to 'overtake' without altering speed or route. This practice is crucial for vehicle development tests, as it allows for the evaluation of the car's performance under real-world conditions.

Interestingly, Morizo's first driving experience at Nürburgring was behind the wheel of a Supra (A80), marking a full-circle moment as he now tests the new model at the same track.

However, the race was not without its challenges. In the last hour, a grease leak from the drive shaft of the Supra caused some issues, but the team, raised by Naruse san, managed to repair the car and keep Morizo on track.

The team's goal remains the same: to create ever-better cars. Their dedication and perseverance are evident, not only in their work but also in the impact they continue to have on younger mechanics.

Naruse san and the team members are present at Nürburgring, supporting Morizo as he drives and tests the new Supra. The Supra will be announced shortly in Detroit, and with Morizo at the wheel, fans can expect a thrilling reveal.

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