Verus Engineering and Ryan Tuerck are natural collaborators. Both are innovators and driven to push the boundaries of automotive performance. It’s only fitting that the two forces came together recently to work on Tuerck’s new project, the Formula Supra. Take a closer look at how this custom Supra aero kit came together, and watch the behind-the-scenes video.
How Verus Got Involved In The Formula Supra
Watch and learn more about building an Aero Kit with Ryan Tuerck's Formula Supra.
Known as much for his viral builds as he is for his award-winning driving, Tuerck’s recent project involved putting a Judd GV4 V10 engine, originally designed for Formula racing, into his Toyota Supra, thus creating the Formula Supra. This unconventional engine swap follows his Toyota GT4586 build, where he paired a Ferrari 458 engine with a Toyota GT86.
Verus Engineering's Eric Hazen works on the custom aero kit for Ryan Tuerck's Formula Supra.
During the development of the Formula Supra, an opportunity arose for Verus to help with the car’s aerodynamics. Verus has known Tuerck, a professional driver in the Formula DRIFT series and other circuits, for years. Verus engineer Mat Velders worked on the engine side of Tuerck’s builds through Papadakis Racing. Essentially, the Formula Supra represented a rekindling of a previous partnership.
Go Big Or Go Home
Verus Engineering's V2X dual-element rear wing will help Tuerck's Formula Supra achieve stunning downforce levels.
Verus began by 3D scanning the vehicle following Tuerck's return from the World Time Attack Challenge (WTAC) in Australia. This comprehensive scan of the vehicle’s base package was turned into a solidified CAD model and analyzed through computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software. From this point, Tuerck and Verus set out to establish goals for the aero kit.
The original expectation was 2,000 lbs of downforce at 120 mph, with the expectation that Tuerck could adjust the car's balance with the rear wing. A lower angle of attack would cause the number to drop below 2,000, but a higher angle would put it over 2,000. Considering the previous aero package’s more conservative approach, those were impressive numbers, but they went even higher. Eventually, the goal shifted to 3,000 pounds at 160 mph.
While Verus Engineering owner Eric Hazen noted that the new goal slowed development, it also allowed his team to do what it does best: solve problems with innovative solutions.
Verus Delivers With Dual-Element Wing And Massive Front Splitter
A custom front splitter will help Tuerck's Formula Supra reach the desired downforce goal of 3,000 lbs at 160 mph.
Once the goals were set and the design finalized, Verus set out to transform the Formula Supra’s aerodynamics. While the project involved scanning and analyzing every inch of the vehicle, two primary components were necessary to achieve the required downforce: a massive front splitter and a dual-element wing.
Hazen noted that one of the project’s primary challenges was generating enough front-end downforce given the widebody Supra form factor. His team solved this with a splitter nearly half the car's size.
“We learned a few interesting ways to produce more front-end downforce given the build volume we could work on,” Hazen said. “We learned how internal engine bay flow and fender flow interact as we did a lot of scanning in these areas on his car. We learned about an interesting situation with the underbody in the side skirt area due to how he built the flat floor. We fixed this performance issue.”
Despite its size, the splitter ended up weighing around 30 lbs. Overall, the splitter and wing added just 60 lbs to the vehicle, an impressive accomplishment considering the dramatic downforce increases.
Verus addressed the rear-end downforce demands with its dual-element, V2X rear wing. Featuring a 300mm main plane and 200 mm secondary element, the wing also has 500mm squared endplates with 3D-printed vents for improved efficiency. It’s the same wing they used for the Hoonipigasus Pikes Peak build, but the mounting was very specific to Tuerck’s Supra. Verus scanned inside and outside the trunk to ensure an optimal fit.
Same Wing But Different Applications
Verus Engineering's work on the Hoonipigasus also featured the V2X wing in a hill-climb application specifically for Pikes Peak.
Verus’s work on Hoonigan Racing’s Hoonipigasus was informative to the Formula Supra as both projects feature high-downforce vehicles, the V2X rear wing element, carbon fiber construction, and machined aluminum uprights. But in some regards, the projects are completely different.
The Formula Supra is a circuit track build, so ground effects loomed large in the design. Alternatively, the Hoonipigasus is a purpose-built hill climb car, specifically for Pikes Peak. In addition, Hoonipig was a ground-up body design and aero development with an additional focus on cooling management. The team’s focus for the Formula Supra was primarily on the front splitter, wing, and managing areas of poor performance.
What’s Next For The Formula Supra?
CFD representation of the Formula Supra with Verus Engineering's aerodynamics.
Verus Engineering is looking forward to seeing the new-and-improved Formula Supra in action. For now, Tuerck is working toward getting the components installed. Once done, Verus will assist with testing and improving the suspension to work with the newly attained downforce. It’s a matter of time until this impressive machine roars to a track near you. Follow the Verus and Ryan Tuerck social media feeds for the latest updates.
Get Your Own Toyota Supra Aero Kit From Verus Engineering
Are you ready to take your Supra’s performance to another level? Turn to the experts at Verus Engineering and get a Supra aero kit for the downforce you want in a balanced, predictable package. Find the latest MK5 Supra components in our online store.
Under The Hood: A Closer Look At Our Custom Aero For Ryan Tuerck