Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $56,220 (Base MSRP: $50,945)
Seating Capacity: 2
Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a vehicle stability system a traction control system; a pre-collision braking system with pedestrian protection; a radar activated cruise control system; an automatic brake hold feature; a blind spot monitor with a rear traffic alert system; a lane departure warning system with steering assist; automatic high beams; a hill start assist system; and a tire pressure monitoring system
Standard Equipment: 19-inch wheels; Michelin Pilot high performance tires; rear wheel drive; an 8-speed automatic; paddle shifters; launch control; an active rear sport differential; an active exhaust; an automatic engine start/stop system; an adaptive variable sport suspension; hollow front/rear stabilizer bars; sport calibrated electric sport steering wheel; Bembro brake; automatic folding heated outside mirrors with memory function; auto leveling LED headlights; auto-tinting passenger side outside mirrors when in the reverse position; integrated rear spoiler; dual rear exhaust outlets; power front seats; driver’s seat with memory function; leather seats; a keyless entry system; a push button ignition system; a dual zone automatic climate control system; an automatic dimming rearview mirror; storage net (passenger side); and a tilt/telescopic steering wheel
Standard Equipment (Premium): a 12-speaker, 500-watt JBL audio system; 9-inch touchscreen infotainment screen; wireless smartphone charging; heated seats; Brembo red brakes; ventilated disc brakes with rear caliper, cast iron (rear) 13.6x.94; black leather sport seats; sport pedals; real time traffic updates; a heads up display system; heated seats; and a navigation system
Options: a radar activated cruise control system; a blind spot electronic monitor system; a rear cross traffic alert system; parking sensors with emergency braking; and carpeted floor mats
Other Trim Levels
Launch Edition RWD
Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: an 10-HiFi -speaker AM/FM/CD with SiriusXM satellite radio
Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard
USB Connectivity: Standard
Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles
Standard Engine/Horsepower: 3.0-liter, 6-cylinder turbo/335-hp
Recommended Fuel: Premium
Standard Fuel Mileage: 22-city/31-hwy
Why:
After disappearing from the U.S. market twenty-one years ago, the
snazzy-looking, rear-wheel drive, two-seater liftback made its return in July
of 2019, as a 2020 model.
When
Toyota initially launched the first generation Supra in 1978, the vehicle was
developed to go after Datsun’s popular Z-car, which is now known as the Nissan
370 Z. While both the Toyota and the Nissan have evolved throughout the
decades, with the return of the GR-Supra, this has unseated the Z, forcing this
sports car to step up its game. In fact, it has been confirmed an all-new iconic Z is in the works.
During
Toyota’s absence, automakers
like Hyundai attempted
to fill the void in the sports car segment, with its Hyundai Genesis Coupe. While it was a great, during its short tenure, the vehicle still wasn't able to offer the flavor needed to match the Supra's allure.
Mitsubishi and Dodge also entered the sports car segment, with their offerings, one being the 3000 GT and the Stealth, respectively. Both models shared a platform. However, like the Supra during its first run, they have both driven off to car heaven, leaving the market to the Z for nearly two decades.
However,
with the return of the Supra, which is now known as a GR Supra, the iconic vehicle returns
with a bang, giving the aging Z some much needed competition again. In fact, the new two-seater, with its distinguishable styling cues, is
available in three well-equipped trims: Base, Premium or Launch Edition. Prior to the GR Supra, Toyota enthusiasts seeking a sports car had to turn to the entry-level 86, which was formerly a member of the now defunct Scion family
The all-new GR Supra, which is available with one engine, is outfitted with one powertrain, a 3.0-liter engine, automatic 8-speed transmission, with a 6-cylinder engine that pushes out 335-horsepower.
The
eye-catching, nimble rear-wheel drive sports car produces 365-lb-ft of torque. According to the folks from Toyota, the GR
Supra is the quickest vehicle in the brand's line up. Its capable of accelerating
from 0 to 60-mph in roughly 4.1-seconds. In order to enhance the performance (or at least the sound), drivers are able to
make modifications to the driving mode by pivoting between two settings: normal and sport.
During
our time behind the wheel, we purposely placed the driving-oriented vehicle in
sports mode, when we wanted to flex the GR Supra's muscles. In sports mode, we were able to amplify the vehicle’s exhaust system, which offered a perfectly
pitched crackle. Also when the vehicle is in sports mode, the throttle response is sharpened, the
steering weight increases, the shifting of the transmission becomes crisper and
the differential tuning become more aggressive, transitioning the GR Supra to
beast mode.
The
GR Supra with its power operated driving seat, is doable for long drives,
curvy roads or Sunday crusing. In comparison, unlike Mercedes-Benz high dollar two seat roadster, the SLS,
this GR Supra does not require one to roll in or out of the vehicle. Seating and the cabin size is
just right for average size adults.
Buyers
of the GR Supra have the ability to experience the best of two cultures, the Japanese culture and the German culture. Unlike any other vehicle in the Toyota line up, the Supra shares a platform with the BMW Z4.
From the placement of the infotainment screen to the i-Drive-like controller to the stalks on the steering wheel, there is no mistaken it’s a BMW-like vehicle. However, while we have not been behind the wheel of the Z4, which is only available as a droptop, the duplicate control in the GR Supra makes this system much easier to navigate, no pun intended than in BMW's with a similar system. The audio system and the like in this GR are super easy to control.
From the placement of the infotainment screen to the i-Drive-like controller to the stalks on the steering wheel, there is no mistaken it’s a BMW-like vehicle. However, while we have not been behind the wheel of the Z4, which is only available as a droptop, the duplicate control in the GR Supra makes this system much easier to navigate, no pun intended than in BMW's with a similar system. The audio system and the like in this GR are super easy to control.
And
with this Toyota, buyers get the Japanese exterior styling effects too, which
combines the best of two cultures, making this an ideal vehicle for those
yearning to feel-like James Bond, with its elongated hood, but classic styling. The GR Supra exhibits a cool and sexiness about it that many driving enthusiasts have
longed from the brand.
Moreover,
this GR Supra incorporates some of the latest driver safety aids infused into many of
today’s vehicles. Our test model included everything from a rearview camera to
an electronic blind spot lane changing system to a radar-activated cruise
control system.
Yes, this is a Supra that has come to play and to stake its return in the sports car lane in spite of the auto industry pushing toward self-driving technology, electrification and me-too designs.
Yes, this is a Supra that has come to play and to stake its return in the sports car lane in spite of the auto industry pushing toward self-driving technology, electrification and me-too designs.
But: So, with all of the hoopla over the GR Supra, there are still some areas of opportunity for improvement.
First, let's address the sign of the roof. Because of the design of the roof, there was no way a sunroof could be added. The gutsy vehicle lacked a manual transmission. Although for those who aren't comfortable driving a straight shift, the clutchless automatic is a great alternative. However, for those who prefer a more engaging driving experience, a manual should be on the driving board.
Next the center armrest did not allow for storage. And lastly, the rear hatch did not allow for a separation between the passenger area and the cargo area. There is no enclosed trunk space.
First, let's address the sign of the roof. Because of the design of the roof, there was no way a sunroof could be added. The gutsy vehicle lacked a manual transmission. Although for those who aren't comfortable driving a straight shift, the clutchless automatic is a great alternative. However, for those who prefer a more engaging driving experience, a manual should be on the driving board.
Next the center armrest did not allow for storage. And lastly, the rear hatch did not allow for a separation between the passenger area and the cargo area. There is no enclosed trunk space.
Verdict:
Toyota’s new
GR Supra is priced the same as BMW’s Z4 which shares the same platform. Unlike
the BMW, which is available only as a roadster, the GR Supra is only available
as a hardtop. As of now, due to its concaved roof design no sunroof is available. But, that was okay with us.
After a seventeen-year long absence, one might ask was it worth the wait? Our answer would be a resoundingly yes. While we haven’t been behind the wheel of the Bimmer, we found the styling cues of Toyota’s
iconically-styled sports coupe to be more appealing to the eye.
And behind the wheel, we found the all-new GR Supra to be exhilarating
too. In order to expand its appeal, we hear that for the 2021 model year a 4-cylinder powertrain will be offered. And, more horsepower will be added to the 6-cylinder powertrain too. As a former Supra enthusiasts, we welcome the changes. It would be great if the engineering team drop in a manual transmission too!
So,
for those looking to recapture their youth and for those seeking a
thrill-seeking, eye-catching two-seater, the GR Supra is
worth every penny!
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