The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

2020 Toyota GR Supra Reborn - Review By Larry Nutson


2020 Toyota GR Supra  (select to view enlarged photo)

BINGE:
Toyota Supra Content

2020 Toyota GR Supra
Reborn

By Larry Nutson
Executive Editor and Bureau Chief
Chicago Bureau
The Auto Channel


The Specialty Equipment Market Association Show, better known as SEMA, has just wrapped up. Toyota showed its performance hand with a display of a dozen different 2020 GR Supras ranging from the mild to the wild.

The first entirely new Supra in 21 years has hit the streets and also the track. I drove some Supra-laps around the Autobahn Country Club north course at the Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) Fall Rally. Following that I had a long weekend with the new Supra driving the streets and highways in my Chicago neighborhood.


PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)

The new 2020 GR Supra was developed in partnership with BMW and shares the same architecture at the BMW Z4 Roadster. GAZOO Racing (GR) did the engineering, a first for Toyota. The GR Supra has a unique coupe body style. Toyota offered a glimpse of the new Supra’s design theme in 2014 with the dramatic FT-1 concept car that emerged from Toyota’s Calty design center in California. Supra’s exterior design was inspired by the FT-1’s expressive form.

Supra is powered by BMW’s 3.0-L turbocharged straight-six pumping out 335-horsepower. With 365 lb.ft. of torque the big six gets the Supra going. Power to the rear wheels is delivered through an 8-speed automatic. A manual transmission is not available.


2020 Toyota GR Supra  (select to view enlarged photo)


2020 Toyota GR Supra (select to view enlarged photo)

Active rear sport differential, active exhaust, shift paddles, launch control, and adaptive variable sport suspension allows the Supra to be driven hard. Adding to this are 19-inch wheels, Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires, staggered 255/35 front and 275/35 rear, and Brembo 4-piston brakes with 13.7-in. front rotors.

This fifth-generation Supra is a driver’s car and delivers a very connected feeling. Relaxed steering input and keeping the rear end under control delivers the most from the Supra. On the street the Supra's chassis setup is nicely compliant making for a comfortable ride.

Toyota estimates 0-60 mph acceleration in 4.1 seconds, the quickest Toyota ever. Top track speed is electronically limited to 155 mph.

Low fuel consumption was not high on the priority list in the Supra’s development. That said, EPA test cycle fuel economy estimates are half-way decent at 26 mpg combined with 24 city mpg and 31 highway mpg. Note that premium gas is required.

Normal and Sport driving modes can be selected. Sport Mode sharpens throttle response, increases steering weight, improves transmission shift crispness, has more aggressive active differential tuning and amplifying exhaust sound. Around the streets the sport mode delivers a nice exhaust pop on gear changes to keep things fun and interesting.


2020 Toyota GR Supra  (select to view enlarged photo)

The sport seats hold you nicely in place and provide a good driving position. Thanks to the low dash there’s good visibility. The interior is comfortable once you are in. The low roof makes for a tight entry and exit. However, the double-bubble roof design does make for good headroom, even for a 6ft 4in tall colleague of mine.

The GR Supra comes in 3.0 and 3.0 Premium models priced at $49,990 and $53,990, respectively. A uniquely numbered production run of 1,500 Supra Launch Edition models are priced at $55,250.

A $1,195 Driver Assist package adds active cruise control, blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert and parking sensors with brake.

Standard on all Supra’s are forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning with steering assist and automatic high beams.

The Supra Launch Edition will be available in Absolute Zero White, Nocturnal Black or Renaissance Red 2.0, each featuring high-contrast red mirror caps and 19-inch forged matte black alloy wheels. The white and black Supra Launch Editions have a red leather interior. The red Supra Launch Edition gets a black leather interior.


2020 Toyota GR Supra  (select to view enlarged photo)

The 3.0 has a 6.5-inch display with Bluetooth and iPod capability, as well as Alcantara seats. Navigation and JBL Audio are available as an option for $2,460. The 3.0 Premium features an upgraded 8.8-inch wide-format touchscreen display with Navigation, Supra Connect telematics services, Apple CarPlay, a premium 12-speaker JBL audio system, wireless phone charging and a color Head-Up Display plus leather seats.


2020 Toyota GR Supra  (select to view enlarged photo)

Under the large rear hatch is about 10 cu.ft. of cargo space. Enough to carry luggage for two for a weekend getaway.

Check out additional details on the new GR Supra at www.toyota.com. Every new Supra comes with a 1-year membership in the National Auto Sport Association (NASA) which includes one free high performance driving experience.

The new Supra is assembled in Graz, Austria by Magna Steyr in joint venture with BMW alongside the BMW Z4.

If two seats and a fixed roof are on your list, I recommend a test drive in the new Supra.

© 2019 Larry Nutson, the Chicago Car Guy