The Supra name dates back to 1978 in Japan and was synonymous with Japanese sports cars until production ceased in 2002. It made its triumphant return in 2019 with the help of a shared BMW platform and a 3.0L inline six-cylinder engine. Despite sharing some BMW parts and powertrains under its skin, the Supra is uniquely Toyota in its design and remains captivating. It is offered exclusively as a two-seat sports car with a hard roof.
The GR (Gazoo Racing) Supra is available with two primary variations, the 2.0 or 3.0. The GR Supra 2.0 was launched in 2021 as the first ever 4-cylinder to offer something in between the Toyota GR86 and GR Supra 3.0. The GR Supra 2.0 delivers 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft. of torque and Toyota estimates a 0-60 time of 5.0 seconds. At 3,181 pounds, it is more than 200 pounds lighter than the 3.0 but still maintains a near perfect weight distribution. A few notable differences outside of the powertrain include smaller front brake rotors with single-piston calipers, a four-speaker audio system, manually adjusted seats, and the lack of an active differential and adaptive suspension. The 3.0 comes standard with a twin-scroll turbo, inline 6-cylinder that generates 382 horsepower and 368-pound feet of torque.
For the 2023 model year, prices for the GR Supra 2.0 start at $43,540 while the GR Supra 3.0 starts at $52,500. Also available is a 3.0 Premium model starting at $55,650 and a GR Supra A91-MT models at $58,345. Competition includes models such as the Chevrolet Camaro, Dodge Challenger, Ford Mustang, Honda Civic Type R, Nissan Z, Mazda MX-5 Miata, and Volkswagen Golf R. I recently spent a week in a GR Supra 3.0 Premium and here's what stood out...
Exterior (+)
The GR Supra is captivating and evoked head turns everywhere. It's a small two-seat sports coupe that is around five inches shorter than the previous fourth generation Supra. Its shape is reminiscent of past generations with a short wheelbase, arched fenders, an elongated nose, and wide rear bumper. Proportions are perfect from every angle. The front comes to a prominent point with a large central grille flanked by large air intakes on either side. The front lighting signature includes six-lens LED headlights behind an L-shaped LED daytime running light/turn signal. The hood wraps around into the fenders to accentuate the curves and create a smooth look. The A-pillars are black to separate the glass from the body of the car to create a cockpit look outside and are reminiscent of the classic Toyota 2000GT, as is the roof design which features a double-bubble shape.
The side profile has a clean roofline and a prominent character line that comes up from the bottom of the doors to define the rear wheel arches and stretches all the way up to the rear decklid in one fluid motion. Around back is an integrated rear spoiler with a high arch. LED taillights outline the shape of the lights and at the center of the rear bumper is a SUPRA badge in its iconic scripture. Manual models will feature the scripture in red. The lower portion of the rear fascia has a trapezoidal design that gives it the race-car look. The reverse lights are integrated at the center in the form of a cluster of 15 circular LED lights for a unique look. Whether you opt for the 3.0 or the 2.0, both models are nearly indistinguishable from each other outside of the wheels.
Wheels (+)
18" cast aluminum 10-spoke wheels come standard on the GR Supra 2.0 while the GR Supra 3.0 comes with 19" forged aluminum twin-spoke wheels and a dual tone finish. Both sets of wheels are wrapped in high-performance Michelin summer tires. 2023 models will come with a new 19" frozen gunmetal gray forged-aluminum wheels. The wheel designs compliment the body of the car, fill the wheel arches, and are positioned well with minimal overhangs.
Performance (+)
Last year I drove the GR Supra 2.0 for a week and the turbo-four shares much of its technology with the 3.0L inline-six including the same 8-speed automatic transmission, direct fuel injection, and a twin-scroll turbo. Despite its lower overall horsepower of 255, the driving dynamics are quite similar. It handled like a race car in and out of traffic with tight steering and a nice connection to the road. The 2.0 is intended to be more basic so while it may not have all the same technology of the 3.0, it's the perfect base vehicle for an enthusiast who wants to customize it and build up their own.
This time around I spent time in a GR Supra 3.0 Premium with the 3.0L twin-scroll turbo, inline 6-cylinder. It generates 382 horsepower with 368-pound feet of torque paired with the same 8-speed automatic transmission, rear wheel drive and launch control. Both engines are smooth, but the inline 6 is next level buttery smooth. Combine that with the sweet pops from the exhaust and it's a perfect pairing for a sports coupe like this. An available sport mode will alter the dynamics for an even more engaging and race-inspired driving style. It delivers a balanced ride that is easily controlled around corners or on a straight road.
It's capable of a 0-60 time of 3.9 seconds as is it rapidly shifts through the gears. It's not hard to get this one up to speeds of 100 MPH as it glides into the 7,000 RPM redline. While the Supra's size might not be realistic for a daily driver, it is still a vehicle one could drive regularly and comfortably. Steering is well-weighted, the Brembo brakes are strong, and its overall balance keeps the driver in a comfortable position. The suspension is stiffer; thus, you'll feel all the road imperfections, but that's the fun of a car like this. Despite being a bit 'bouncier' it grips the road well with its sport tires and hugs the corner on quick turns with ease.
Fuel Economy (+/-)
The Supra comes with a 13.7-gallon fuel tank that offered up a range of around 320 miles. EPA fuel economy for the 3.0 model estimate 22/30/25 MPG city/highway/combined. 2.0 model estimates a combined rating of 27 MPG or 24 City / 32 Highway. After a week of suburban driving, I averaged 23 MPG. Premium fuel is recommended for the Supra models.
Interior (+/-)
Climbing behind the wheel of the GR Supra 3.0, drivers will first need to watch their head, and then can get comfortable in the sport seats that swallow the driver. It is a two-seat vehicle so the cabin is tighter but all of the controls are very driver-centric and within reach. While Toyotas typically have decent interiors, the BMW influence can be felt in the Supra. Materials are all very high quality and controls such as the shift knob and buttons are more reminiscent of BMW models. Drivers are surrounded by touches of carbon fiber trim and face a standard 8.8-inch high-resolution digital display instrument cluster. At the center is a digital tachometer with the engine speed and gear selector. The side displays can both be customized to show current speed, entertainment selection, fuel economy, navigation, and more. A sport leather wrapped steering wheel includes column mounted paddle shifters, controls for entertainment, and cruise control.
Technology (+)
Sitting atop the center of the dashboard is an 8.8-inch touchscreen that can also be controlled via a jog dial adjacent to the gear selector. The jog dial was very easy to use with twist or press controls and is appropriately placed. 2.0 models come standard with a 4-speaker sound system while the 3.0 comes standard with a 10-speaker HiFi sound system and Premium models get a 12-speaker JBL Hi-FI Surround Sound system that easily fills the cabin. Other standard features include a head-up display, USB/Bluetooth Connectivity, heated seats, dual zone climate control, and Supra Command. Supra Command is a feature pulled direct from BMW that is touch sensitive and lets you use your fingers to write in addresses for the navigation system and zoom in and out of the map.
An optional Safety & Technology Package ($2,815) adds wireless Apple CarPlay which is good because there's not really much room for added cords. Also included in that package is the upgraded 12-speaker 500W JBL Audio, touchpad rotary control, speed limit information and more. A Qi-compatible wireless charging is available on 3.0 models, but not the 2.0.
Seats (+)
Standard black Alcantara leather seats are well bolstered to provide driver and passenger comfort. Premium models get upgraded heated leather-trimmed sport seats available in black or red. On the 2.0 model, the seats require manual adjustment while the 3.0 models offer 14-way power adjustable heated seats. The seating position is low and very comfortable despite being in a relatively small space. Standard are large knee-support cushions to soften the blow when climbing in and out. Headroom is surprisingly sufficient which is also thanks to the aforementioned double bubble roof design. Visibility is ok, but somewhat limited by the small windows and low seating position.
Cargo (+/-)
While clearly not a vehicle to haul a lot of cargo, the rear cargo area's 10.2 cu.ft. is larger than many competing sports cars such as the Nissan Z's 6.9 cu.ft, MX-5 Miata's 4.59 cu.ft, or the Camaro's 7.3-9.1 cu.ft. There is access to the rear cargo area between the two seats via a small opening.
Safety
All GR Supras comes equipped with several intelligent safety features such as a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning with steering assist, automatic high beams, rearview camera with parking aid, directional parking lights, traction control, and vehicle stability control. Additional options available in the Safety & Technology package include full-speed dynamic radar cruise control, blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, and parking sensors with emergency braking.
Final Statement
Regardless of which GR Supra you opt for, it is going to turn a lot of heads. Many people reminisced with me of the older generations while complimenting the new one. Now that I've had the chance to drive both models, I can say opting for the more expensive 3.0 will deliver more thrills in the long run if you plan to do a lot of driving. If you're going to keep it local and drive in a primarily urban area, the 2.0 will likely be sufficient. This continues to be one of my favorite cars to drive as it looks amazing, drives smooth, and sounds like a sports car should sound. I'll anxiously await the return of the manual transmission for 2023 like many other enthusiasts.
First Impression Summary:
Test Vehicle: 2022 GR Supra 3.0 Premium
Exterior Color: Turbulence Gray
Interior Color: Red Leather
Notable Options: Driver Assist Package ($1,195), Carbon Fiber Mirror Caps ($925)
MSRP as tested (including delivery & processing fees): $57,915 |
|