The Toyota Supra isn’t a rally car by design, but it’s proving it can hold its own off the pavement. Thanks to modifications and expert driving, this coupe shows serious skill on loose surfaces.
Team O’Neil Rally School put the Supra through its paces on gravel, and the results were impressive. Though not stock, the car kept its rear-wheel drive layout and turbo inline-six engine. Modifications included a front rally suspension, gravel tires, and a roll cage—set up by the Capitan Crankshaft YouTube channel.
Lead instructor Wyatt Knox praised the Supra for its balance and handling. Despite its road-tuned ABS, the car rotated predictably under braking and offered smooth, controllable slides. The biggest surprise? Knox favored the automatic transmission, citing better focus on driving inputs without the need to shift manually.
On a timed rally stage, the Supra clocked a 2:09 lap—second only to one other car in winter conditions, beating out a Ford Fiesta rally car and a Subaru WRX. However, compared to summer stage times, the Supra lagged behind, even falling behind a Kia Sedona.
The takeaway: while the Supra shines on gravel in winter, its full potential might come out in warmer weather. A return to the stage on dry ground could reveal just how capable this sports car really is on rally terrain.
