• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Auto Trends Magazine

Car reviews, industry news, & advice.

GR Supra

Supra Dupra! Behind the Wheel of Toyota’s All-New Sportscar

January 31, 2020 by admin 3 Comments

The remarkable 2020 Toyota GR Supra.

The wait is over. At least it was for this writer. Nearly one year after seeing the 2020 Toyota Supra displayed on the floor of the Chicago Auto Show at McCormick Place, a handsome example of one appeared in my test fleet rotation. Years of following the Supra’s on-again, off-again return finally paid off.

Let’s get a few things out of the way about the latest Supra, which is officially called the GR Supra.

First, the new model shares its architecture with the BMW Z4. Toyota slipped its own body on the platform, made some suspension adjustments, and supplied its own interior. Everything else, including the chassis, engine, and transmission are all BMW.

Second, rumors that some Supra faithful are stunned to discover the BMW connection after its introduction are simply absurd. Enthusiasts knew about the BMW relationship, something Toyota shared early on. Further, the GR Supra and Z4 are built side-by-side at a Magna Steyr factory in Austria.

Toyota Taps BMW

Why did Toyota work with BMW to bring back the Supra? For the simple reason that Toyota wasn’t about to sink more than $1 billion into developing, designing, and engineering an all-new model, likely never recouping the cost of its investment. Better to share these costs with another manufacturer than to not build this sportscar at all. Certainly, they could have chosen the latter, but Toyota decided to resurrect the model.

Besides, with car demand so low, the BMW connection is a low-risk proposition. The partners can work together for six to eight years before bringing out next-generation models. Or they might choose to go their separate ways. If they separate, don’t expect the Supra to endure.

So, there you have it.



Canvas by Toyota

With a canvas to create all its own, Toyota set out to make the Supra super and they nailed it. The silhouette is sportscar gorgeous with a form that is muscular through and through.

Upfront, the hood curves down to meet the fascia, which is marked by tear-drop shaped headlights with LED bulbs and accent lights. Deep cutouts at the corners connect the lower grille, which features a large intake that’s split into three sections by the bumper. The front-wheel bulges match the rear haunch, underscoring the powerful expression of this model.

Along the sides, the long hood, short greenhouse, and stubby tail are apparent. Sweeping body sculpting, a falling roofline, hood and side vents, and sport alloy wheels are features of note. From the rear, the look is in league with the Corvette, Jaguar F-Type, and Porsche 911, and is marked by a large liftgate, the pronounced haunch, and a diffuser with a pair of large exhaust tips. The rear lighting elements match the front, with cutouts extending from the lights to the bumper.

Inside, the cabin is sportscar tight, but even before you take a seat, you may need to lower your head considerably to get inside. I was “so over” frequently bumping my head that by the third day I made a concerted effort to slowly enter just as I carefully exited the Supra. But once inside, the snug vibe quickly takes over – if you’re much taller than six-feet, the amount of maneuverability to fit may not be to your liking. Yes, the front seats adjust, but there isn’t much room to move back as you’ll immediately press against the restraining bar that separates the cabin from the storage area. Fortunately, the steering column tilts and telescopes to supply a bit more space. But not much.

Creature Features

It’s easy to overlook the amenities offered with the Toyota Supra as much of the attention is on its looks and performance. That said, the latest Supra comes well equipped and is offered in 3.0 ($49,990) and 3.0 Premium ($53,990) guise. A Launch Edition variant ($55,250), limited to 1,500 buyers, is also available. Add $955 for the freight charge.

Choose the 3.0 and it comes with Alcantara/leather-trimmed seats and a 6.5-inch center touch-screen multimedia system with Bluetooth. Opt for the 3.0 Premium and this one has an 8.8-inch touchscreen multimedia system, navigation, Apple CarPlay, a 12-speaker JBL audio system, wireless phone charging, a color head-up display, and heated leather seats. As for the Launch Edition, here you’ll find 19-inch forged-aluminum twin-spoke wheels with a matte-black finish, Brembo 4-piston ventilated disc brakes with red calipers up front, glossy-red power-folding and heated side mirrors, heated red leather sport seats, and a serialized launch edition badge in carbon fiber.




On the safety front, all versions come with automatic high beams, collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and road sign recognition. An available Driver Assist Package ($1,195) brings in full-speed dynamic cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors with an automatic rear braking function.

Power to the People

Anticipation is the name of the game when testing any new model, especially one with performance cred. What’s so interesting about the current or fifth-generation Supra, is that it once again comes with a 3.0-liter-turbocharged inline-six-cylinder engine. The previous-generation model, last built in 2002 (1998 MY for the U.S.), produced 321 horsepower and 315 pound-feet of torque with a pair of turbochargers. Like the current model, power travels to the rear wheels by either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 4-speed automatic transmission.

The new model utilizes a BMW single-turbocharged (twin-scroll) engine generating 335 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. It works with a ZF-supplied 8-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Sadly, no manual transmission is offered, which certainly takes some of the joy away from driving this machine. I’ve had the pleasure of driving several models in recent years that still have a manual, including the Honda Civic Si, and absolutely enjoyed the experience. But Toyota looks at global demand and apparently the numbers do not support a manual. That’s a shame because it detracts from the awesomeness of this model.

Yes, the 2020 Supra is awesome! Once you get inside, adjust your seat, mirrors, and fasten your seatbelt, the anticipation builds to a fevered pitch. Take a look at your surroundings before engaging the ignition – the sporty cockpit and forward sightlines are the first promises of something wonderful on tap. Start the ignition and the inline-six springs to life with the exhaust system responding with a reassuring grumble.

You’re hugging the pavement in the Supra with a ground clearance of 4.5 inches, or slightly higher than the F-Type’s 4.21 inches. Its aerodynamic design is ideal for cutting through resistance and this is where the Supra begins to reveal its prowess.

Surprising to some, the single turbo of the new model is less laggy than the twin-turbo of the other model. Turbo tech has certainly improved over the past 25 years, but it’s still interesting to witness by how much. With the current Supra, power kicks in quickly and keeps delivering. The extra cogs in the current automatic transmission are a big advantage here, with a more precise rev realized under hard acceleration. Of course, this is where the loss of a manual is keenly felt as revs are maintained under full throttle when the gear is constant. You get a similar feel when operating the Supra in manual mode, so there is that. The loss of three-pedal foot action, however, is simply that – a loss.

The Supra is fast, benefiting from a tidy footprint and lightweight body to make good on its speed reputation. Toyota has its 0-60 mph time pegged at 4.1 seconds, while Car & Driver says it’s 3.8 seconds. Regardless, Toyota’s sports car is fast and a thrill to drive.



Dialing in the sport mode and the already sufficiently weighted steering adds girth. The gear shifts hold out a bit longer and the engine snarls slightly louder. The exhaust system becomes downright noisy, although I could have lived without the sound piping through the vents. At times, the dashboard hummed and rattled as backpressure noise invaded the cabin. Sorry, it isn’t a natural-sounding noise and totally unnecessary at that.

The Supra struts its stuff best on the open road, as expected. Take it down your favorite twisty expanse and this sports car feels absolutely at home. It handles curbs with ease and moves into corners with authority, then pulls out of the same with no rocking and rolling of note. In other words, the Supra is designed as a driver’s car with track aspirations part of its DNA. My favorite drives were wherever traffic was non-existent and slalom adventuring awaited. The Supra is a confidence-building sports car, very forgiving for the novice, and always ready to bring its best to a fight.

Dressed in summer tires, the Supra feels especially light on its feet. But it also feels heavy on cold days when summer tires should be swapped for all-season radials. There were days when I had to wait for temperatures to rebound before setting out – you don’t want to risk destroying your performance tires when temperatures stay below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. In any case, the current Supra has 13.7-inch vented discs up front and 13.6-inch brakes in the rear. They’re larger than the previous generation’s brakes, supplying this model with excellent stopping power.

It’s a Wrap

The 2020 Toyota GR Supra does what it must do to live up to the model’s name. It was a long time coming with various prototypes offered, including the FT-1. Nearly a decade ago, Toyota trademarked the name, which gave us the first hint a new model was in the offing. Yet, despite rumors, hints, and promises, it took years for the current iteration to emerge.

In the intervening years, the consumer market changed dramatically as shoppers left cars for crossovers. A few manufacturers are dropping sedans in droves with some, such as Ford, abandoning everything except for the Mustang.
Speaking of the Mustang, the Supra is a worthy competitor although it is considerably smaller than the pony car and its two competitors, the Dodge Challenger and Chevrolet Camaro. The Supra is more in line with the Nissan 370Z, although the Z is woefully outdated.

The Supra’s high price point may unnerve some, but it is earned. Like the Land Cruiser, Toyota has some room to offer pricey models that aren’t a Lexus. We also must not forget the BMW connection as the Z4 is a wonderful car in its own right. The Bimmer has luxury shoppers in mind, while the Toyota is all about drawing in long ago Supra owners while showcasing the brand’s performance chops.

All in all, the Supra succeeds even without the option of a manual transmission. We can also dream about a convertible variant someday, which could prove a sales clincher for some.



2020 Toyota GR Supra Specifications


Toyota 2020 GR Supra
Segment Sports car
Price Range $49,995 to $55,250
Destination Charge $955
Standard Engine 3.0-liter, turbo I6
Horsepower 335 @ 5,000 to 6,000 rpm
Torque (lb.-ft.) 365 @ 1,600 to 4,500 rpm
Transmission 8-speed automatic with manual mode
Seating 2
Curb Weight (pounds) 3,397
Wheelbase (inches) 97.2
Length (inches) 172.5
Width (inches) 73.0
Height (inches) 50.9
Head room (f,r…inches) 38.3
Legroom (f,r…inches) 42.2
Shoulder room (f,r…inches) 54.4
Hip room (f,r…inches) 54.2
Storage (cubic feet) 10.2
Gross vehicle weight rating (pounds) 4,001
Towing (pounds) NR
Payload (pounds) NR
Fuel premium
Fuel Tank (gallons) 13.7
EPA Fuel MPG (city/highway/combined) 24/31/26
Manufacturing Plant Graz, Austria by Magna Steyr

Data compiled by Tom Keegan. Specifications supplied by the manufacturer.


See Also — Toyota Supra: One Step Closer to Production Reality

Photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved.

Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: BMW Z4, GR Supra, inline-six, Magna Steyr, rear-wheel drive, sportscar, Toyota, TOYOTA SUPRA, turbo

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • The Mazda CX-5 Brings a Premium Touch to the Compact Crossover Utility Vehicle Segment
  • 4 Car Upholstery Cleaning Tips
  • The 14 Brands of Stellantis
  • Peugeot May Not Return to the U.S. Market After All
  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival

Recent Comments

  • Buying Guide: 2020 Kia Sedona — Auto Trends Magazine on Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • Highlights of the 2020 Kia Sedona — Auto Trends Magazine on Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • Minivan Surprise: 2016 Kia Sedona SXL — Auto Trends Magazine on Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • Compact Crossover Extraordinaire: Mazda CX-5 — Auto Trends Magazine on The Mazda CX-5 Brings a Premium Touch to the Compact Crossover Utility Vehicle Segment
  • Compact Crossover Extraordinaire: Mazda CX-5 — Auto Trends Magazine on Compact, Luxury SUV: 2019 Volvo XC40

Archives

  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012
  • June 2012
  • May 2012
  • April 2012
  • March 2012
  • February 2012
  • January 2012
  • December 2011
  • November 2011
  • October 2011
  • September 2011
  • August 2011
  • July 2011
  • June 2011
  • May 2011
  • April 2011
  • March 2011
  • February 2011
  • January 2011
  • December 2010
  • November 2010
  • October 2010
  • September 2010
  • August 2010
  • July 2010
  • June 2010
  • May 2010
  • April 2010
  • March 2010
  • February 2010
  • January 2010
  • December 2009
  • November 2009
  • October 2009
  • September 2009
  • August 2009
  • July 2009
  • June 2009
  • May 2009
  • April 2009
  • March 2009
  • February 2009
  • January 2009
  • December 2008
  • November 2008
  • October 2008
  • September 2008
  • August 2008
  • July 2008
  • June 2008
  • May 2008
  • April 2008

Categories

  • Auto Parts
  • Auto Shows
  • Automotive Career
  • Automotive News
  • Book Reviews
  • Car Tips
  • Classics & Discontinued Models
  • Commentary
  • Commercial Vehicles
  • Concept Vehicles
  • Dealers
  • Engineering & Technology
  • Fleet
  • Fun News
  • Maintenance & Repairs
  • Motorsport
  • New Car Reviews
  • New Models
  • Ownership Experience
  • Product Reviews
  • Special
  • Specifications
  • Uncategorized

Meta

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

New!
Check out our Jobs Board!

via GIPHY

Subscribe to Auto Trends

Subscribe in a reader

Social Media

Visit our social media pages:
Facebook
Twitter
Google+
Pinterest

Where is Matt Currently Published?

The Carolinian (new car reviews)
NAPA Know How Blog
On the Road Again

Pages

  • About
  • Authors List
  • Automotive Brochures
  • Contact
  • Industry Jobs
  • Write
    • Style Guide

Categories

Recent Posts

  • The Mazda CX-5 Brings a Premium Touch to the Compact Crossover Utility Vehicle Segment
  • 4 Car Upholstery Cleaning Tips
  • The 14 Brands of Stellantis
  • Peugeot May Not Return to the U.S. Market After All
  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • GM Launches BrightDrop, Its Commercial EV Brand
  • The Refreshed and Handsome
    Lexus IS 350 F Sport
  • What We Know About the All-New 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
  • The All-New and Formidable 2021 Nissan Rogue Crossover
  • Fuel-Efficiency and AWD Champion: 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
  • Midsize Performance Master: 2021 Hyundai Sonata N-Line
  • Performance Hatchback: The All-New 2021 Mazda Mazda3 Turbo!
  • NACTOY Finalists For 2021 Offer Familiar and Futuristic Choices
  • Super Trooper: Nissan Titan Pickup
  • Behind the Wheel of the Popular 2021 Toyota Corolla Sedan
  • Lucid Motors Completes Arizona Factory
  • A Robust Turbodiesel Comes to the Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  • Mid-Engine Masterpiece: The Eighth-Generation Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
  • Compact Performance:
    2021 Cadillac CT4-V
  • All-Wheel Drive Supplies the Nissan Altima With a Competitive Edge
  • Return of the Toyota Venza!
  • Lexus Brings a Convertible to the Gorgeous LC 500 Line
  • Stellantis Logo Revealed by Peugeot, Fiat Chrysler Ahead of Spring Merger
  • Preview: 2021 Nissan Rogue Crossover
  • How to Fix a Broken Rivian Vehicle
  • Cadillac Gets Most Things Right
    With the XT6 Crossover
  • The High Potency Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody Coupe
  • The All-New Chevrolet Trailblazer Forges Urban Paths
  • The Small Infiniti QX50 is Big on Tech and Engineering Features
  • Toyota Brings the TRD Treatment to the Midsize Camry Sedan
  • The Kia K5 Outclasses Most Competitors, Including the Departing Optima
  • Can the Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road Handle Tough Terrain?
  • Subaru WRX Showcases Its Performance Chops
  • Infiniti Overhauls QX80 Trims and Makes This Important Safety Feature Standard
  • Ford F-250 Super Duty and a Trail-Stomping Tremor Package
  • A Cut Above: Mazda’s Mazda3
  • The Highly Efficient Hyundai Ioniq
  • Volkswagen Atlas Revels in its Strengths
  • General Motors Deepens Partnership With Honda, Takes Stake in Nikola
  • Smart Concept: Jeep Grand Wagoneer
  • More Than an Encore: Buick Encore GX
  • Got a Recall? There’s an App for That.
  • Refreshed Nissan Titan Makes Its Case
  • BMW M235i: Not Your Typical Coupe
  • Hot Stuff: Lexus RC F Sport Coupe
  • Will the Electric Vehicle Boom Create New-Found Dependencies for Foreign Minerals?
  • Rumors? We Got Them!
  • About Bollinger Motors, EV Startup
  • Raptor Fighter: Ram 1500 TRX!
  • White Space Wonder: 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport
January 2021
S M T W T F S
 12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930
31  
« Dec    

Copyright © 2021 · News Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in