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The Toyota Supra Gets a Four-Cylinder Engine and We’re Simply Gobsmacked!

August 7, 2020 by admin 6 Comments

Year two for the current-generation Supra brings imporant performance changes with it.


The Supra 2.0’s engine delivers 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque.

Toyota resurrected its GR Supra sportscar in 2020 and has already made some important changes for the new model’s second year. Not only does the six-cylinder turbocharged engine produce more power, but it’s joined by a turbocharged four-cylinder for the first time. The new engine is now standard and comes with significantly less step-off power than the previous standard-bearer. But the vehicle is also lighter, which makes it a thrill to drive. Indeed, we were utterly astounded by the new offering and believe it makes a compelling choice for Supra shoppers.

What’s New in 2021

Besides the new base engine, the inline-six sees an increase in horsepower. Other changes include a now-standard 8-inch display and a special range-topping A91 edition with exclusive color and design features.

The base price for the 2021 Supra is $7,000 less than last year, accounting for the new powertrain as well as the loss or change to some standard equipment. The price starts at $42,990 and reaches $55,990 at the top end. Add $955 for the destination charge.

We drove the 2020 Supra 3.0 in January and reviewed it here. A year earlier we shared what we knew about the all-new model here. That said, this review is heavy on the drive experience; please review our earlier work for information about the design, technology, and safety features.

Powertrain Choices

So, why a new engine for the Supra? Well, because it already had one, at least in other markets. When it made its U.S. launch, Toyota held true to its Supra roots by introducing the inline-six-cylinder engine only. It’s the engine design and cylinder count that has always motivated this sports car in North America. Various four-cylinder engines were also used, but never made it to the states.

As is common knowledge to most, the Toyota GR Supra and the BMW Z4 are mechanical twins. In fact, the Supra is based on the latest Z4 and the chassis, powertrain and other key components are all BMW. Toyota supplied the body shell and made some tweaks to the suspension, but this sports car is effectively a BMW.

The standard engine displaces 2.0 liters and makes 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The now optional Inline-six enjoys a 14-percent boost in horsepower and a slight increase in torque to 382 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque respectively. Both engines work with an 8-speed automatic transmission that routes power to the rear wheels. Unfortunately, a manual gearbox is not offered.


The 2021 Toyota GR Supra 2.0 on the Rocky River Truss Bridge, an aged viaduct in Pittsboro, NC.
Constructed in 1921 and refurbished in 1959, this single-lane bridge carries traffic across NC 1953
(GPS Coordinates: 35°37’27.0″N 79°11’58.0″W).

On the Road

So, with less power at the ready, were we prepared for the corresponding loss in kick this new engine delivers? Yes, but we weren’t disappointed. Not hardly at all.

What helps the base Supra 2.0 is a weight loss of more than 200 pounds. Much of that weight savings comes through the smaller engine, but this model also loses the electronic rear differential. A few more pounds of savings are realized by making manual seats standard. Other subtractions include different headlamps, a four-speaker audio system (down from the previous six), and smaller wheels.

The turbocharged twin-scroll engine fires up with a harrumph and supplies a noticeable toot through the exhaust system. We don’t think it is an artificially manufactured noise although the exhaust with cat-back properties certainly enhances the sound.

Engage the transmission and move forward and the Supra’s sportscar vibe kicks in. The driver sits low in the cockpit and enjoys decent forward site lines and acceptable side views. The rear blind spots aren’t as challenging as you might think, thanks in part to the large liftgate. Move away from a dead stop and the Supra beckons you to pick up speed. But before you do, take note of the wonderfully weighted steering wheel – it offers an excellent connection to the road with generous feedback. Any slight driver input and the front wheels immediately comply. It’s a fantastic feeling knowing that every 1-degree shift supplies a corresponding change in direction. That the Supra hugs the road and stays centered is something that becomes very apparent at high speeds.

My ride partner, Steve, and I took to the backroads of Chatham County to put the Supra through its paces. The area is hilly with ample winding roads that also rise and fall in various places. It’s a rural setting, which means traffic is almost non-existent – there is plenty of room to open up and enjoy what the Supra can do.

Beyond its strong step-off power, the Supra supplies robust twist taking it from highway speeds to well above when flooring the gas pedal. With nary a pause, the turbo spools to deliver its full power almost immediately. Specifically, this twin-scroll (TwinPower) turbo supplies excellent boost response, generous low-end torque, optimizes performance through the powerband, and simply maximizes its performance all around. We can’t say enough about this technology as it is lightweight, durable, and more efficient than any dual-turbo arrangement.

The Supra’s BMW connection quickly becomes apparent when testing its performance chops. The low center of gravity is an important consideration as the Supra stays centered while rapidly picking up speed. The connection between the road, car, and the driver is excellent as all three seem to become one. To illustrate: as you’re moving forward, this sports car senses the road, stays centered, and requires only the slightest driver input for tackling twisty roads. The high-pitched purr of the engine beckons the driver forward, inviting him to push the Supra to its limits. As our speed quickly picked up, the Supra seemed to hunker down with the steering and suspension systems complying. We’ve driven plenty of cars that seemed as if they would implode when pushed hard. Instead, the Supra simply bore down and got to work.

We didn’t miss the rear electronically controlled rear differential used with the six-cylinder model one bit – the McPherson struts upfront and the multi-link rear suspension with anti-roll bars worked great. We kept the Supra in Sport+ model the entire time, which positively impacts steering weight and reaction, suspension damping, stability control, and gear changes. When operating in this mode, throttle response is heightened and the exhaust tone magnified. “Normal” is the default setting, while Sport mode supplies a middle ground in this three-mode arrangement.

Also enhancing the Supra’s performance chops are the Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires (255/35R19 front, 275/35R19 rear). The tires live up to their claim of supplying excellent grip, steering response, and cornering. Indeed, we found them especially helpful in the latter category as the Supra enters and leaves corners with precision.

All in all, the Supra with the new four-cylinder engine supplies an excellent drive. Its lighter weight, near 50-50 weigh distribution, performance chops, and road manners combine to deliver an exhilarating experience, perhaps far above what anyone would have expected. That this Supra can be had for under $45,000, underscores its value too.


A multi-link rear suspension with multiple anti-roll bars helps keep
the GR Supra planted everywhere it goes.

Parting Thoughts

If you choose the Supra 2.0T, there is one package available. A Safety & Technology Package ($3,155) brings in such features as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, and emergency braking. On the tech front, the package includes an 8.8-inch touchscreen with navigation, a 12-speaker 500-watt JBL audio system with amplifier, a touchpad rotary control, wireless Apple CarPlay, and connected services. This is an easy upgrade for anyone considering the standard engine as you’re still getting a Supra costing thousands less than the base price of the 2020 model.


2021 Toyota GR Supra Specifications


Toyota 2020 GR Supra
Segment Sports car
Price Range $42,995 to $55,990
Destination Charge $955
Engine No. 1 2.0-liter, turbo I4
Horsepower 255 @ 5,000 to 6,500 rpm
Torque (lb.-ft.) 295 @ 1,550 to 4,400 rpm
Transmission 8-speed automatic with manual mode
Standard Engine 3.0-liter, turbo I6
Horsepower 382 @ 5,000 to 6,500 rpm
Torque (lb.-ft.) 368 @ 1,800 to 5,000 rpm
Transmission 8-speed automatic with manual mode
Seating 2
Curb Weight (pounds) From 3,181
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) NR
Towing (pounds) NR
Payload (pounds) NR
Fuel premium
Fuel Tank (gallons) 13.7
EPA Fuel MPG (city/highway/combined) 22/30/25 (I6)
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: 8-speed automatic, BMW, BMW Z4, SPORTS CAR, Toyota, Toyota GR Supra, turbo, TWIN SCROLL

New Ford Edge Scores and Soars

March 11, 2015 by admin 7 Comments

The second generation of the Ford Edge sporty crossover utility vehicle makes a midyear debut, delivering a superior overall package than the earlier model. Ford introduces two new engines, makes all-wheel drive available across all four trim levels, and holds pricing in place while offering a bevy of new technologies.

2015 Ford Edge

A whirlwind media trip rarely gives us the time we need to properly assess a new model. Nevertheless, spending three hours with two 2015 Ford Edge models — SEL and Titanium — confirmed our suspicions: the all-new second-generation model is a strong improvement over the first generation model.

The Ford Motor Company began flying media folk to Scottsdale, Arizona, this past Sunday and will entertain the last wave off on Thursday. This writer got in on the first wave of action and teamed up with Eric Peters of Eric Peters Auto fame to take this midsize, 5-passenger crossover through the paces. Only in our case, it was an Edge SEL followed by an Edge Titanium, the two middle trim levels for this brazen model. No base SE edition was on hand and as time was of the essence, we eschewed the top-of-the-line Sport to enjoy chew time before splitting for the airport.

Ford Edge Backgrounder

First, let’s look at the background of a crossover Ford brought to the market in late 2006 to take on the Nissan Murano. That earlier edition lasted a long eight model years, although a significant mid-cycle refresh in 2011 kept this vehicle relevant. Indeed, Ford’s marketing folk pointed out that it is the top-selling model in the class or at least when compared with its chief competition, including: Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, Nissan Murano, Toyota Venza and the Honda Crosstour.

In more recent years, Ford has swapped out engines, bringing EcoBoost technology to the line. Furthermore, the Blue Oval has regularly upgraded the technologies, bringing in various parking assist tools, nanny minders and navigation systems to keep up. Certainly, Ford found a way to keep this aged crossover not just relevant, but a pacesetter in its segment.

But Ford realized that resting on its laurels is just not the way to go, so they planned a new model, debuting it fairly late in the model year. You can order a 2015 Edge right now, but you likely won’t be able to take delivery until May. Production has started at the company’s Oakville, Ontario, manufactory, therefore a handful of models may trickle out to dealers sometime in April.

2015 Ford Edge

2015 Ford Edge

The latest generation Ford Edge has an extra inch between the wheels and is four inches longer overall. Much of the interior gain is in the storage area, what nets a seven cubic foot increase. The rear seating room also benefits, with perhaps an inch more of legroom present. This model seats five adults comfortably and has sufficient standard storage space available.

Ford prices the 2015 edition from $28,100 and that’s the same cost as the outgoing model. The other trim levels reflect token price increases of no more than $500. By the way, last year’s Limited edition is this year’s Titanium model.


See Also — At a Glance: 2020 Ford Explorer


New Look, New Engines

Besides the slightly larger and taller footprint, the current model retains the overall visage of the first generation model. New headlamps, LED lights, crisper lines, higher grade materials inside and a quieter ride are among the improvements. Further, Ford now offers all-wheel drive, a $1,545 upgrade, across all model lines.

Two new engines are now available, as a normally aspirated 3.7-liter V-6 has been retired and an optional 2.0-liter turbocharged four has been overhauled. Indeed, that junior engine is now the standard engine, a twin-scroll powerhouse that makes 245 horsepower and 275 foot-pounds of torque. Comparably, the normally aspirated V-6 is rated at 280 horsepower and 250 foot-pounds of torque and the new 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine, also offered in the beefy Ford F-150, makes 315 horsepower and 350 foot-pounds of torque. All three engines are paired with a six-speed sequential automatic transmission.

2015 Ford Edge

Highlights of the 2015 Ford Edge

Auto Trends will have a full review of this model once it passes through our press fleet rotation this year. In the meantime, the following are among the important features of the latest Edge:

Firstly, the base engine rocks. Offering a turbocharged model as a standard engine is always risky. Not everyone likes turbo power, but this engine has minimal turbo lag and ample power. For the majority of people, the base engine and its 30 mpg rating will suffice.

Secondly, handling is quite splendid. Generally, I recommend all-wheel drive over front-wheel drive, wherever it is available. This year, even the base model offers AWD, what helps to alleviate torque steer. The steering is communicative, handling is responsive and the Ford Edge stays planted as you work your way through curvilinear stretches.

Thirdly, the extra room is welcome. The new model comes in slightly lighter than the outgoing model, although at two tons it remains a beefy crossover. The second-row seat had sufficient room before. It has gained just enough extra space to benefit the passengers.

Fourthly, improved materials are used. Ford showed us two examples of Edge doors — one from 2014, the other in 2015. Better quality and softer materials are evident for 2015 with a more intricate design present too. Thus, with the more select materials, improved engine choices and additional room, the new Edge is a much more competitive vehicle.

2015 Ford Edge

Ford Edge and MyFord Touch

If the Ford Edge does not maintain its leadership, this writer will be surprised. Ford addressed each of this model’s shortcomings except one: the dreaded MyFord Touch interface is back. Ford has a much-improved interface on its way, but you won’t be able to appreciate that before the next model year. At least the current iteration of MyFordTouch is better than what was offered early on. Yet, until it is replaced you’re likely to hear much griping about the current system until then.


See Also — Ford Explorer Platinum Offers Lincoln Touches

Photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved.

Filed Under: New Models Tagged With: 2015 CARS, all-wheel drive, crossover, EcoBoost, Ford, FORD EDGE, MYFORD TOUCH, SUV, turbo, TWIN SCROLL

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