2020 Toyota GR Supra 3.0 Premium

One way to step into the future is to bring in a piece of the past. For automakers, at least, this is a proven formula that works time and time again. Toyota heeded this when it greenlit the re-introduction of the Supra into the fold, bringing instant joy to many fans who grew up with the model — in production from 1978 to 1998. It’s hard to believe, but the Supra was also one of the stars of the original “Fast and the Furious,” which was released in 2001.

There was no shortage of excitement for the comeback, and what a comeback it was. The 2020 Toyota GR Supra 3.0 Premium is one spicy sports coupe. Its DNA is spliced with the BMZ Z4, and the German engineering and precision nicely complement Toyota’s design and features. The Supra is also a nod to the FT-1 concept, in style if not size. 

EXTERIOR

The Supra has a sporty stance and posture that is comparable to the Porsche Cayman, and the sports coupe surely announces its power with a lengthier hood that gives way to the rear-drive assembly that harkens back to its predecessors. The Supra’s exterior exudes confidence in its ability to hit the track or the highway with purpose. With nearly 50/50 front/rear weight distribution, the inline-6 engine under the hood can make sure the car can back up that visual assessment. 

On the front, the Supra has quite a sporty mug. The central grille is the centerpiece, surrounded with ducts and scoops on the front and sides, allowing the robust engine and brakes to breathe. The headlamps feature six lenses, with three low- and three high-beams in addition to an LED daytime running light under the lamps. 

INTERIOR

The interior is an intriguing deviation from the Supras of yesteryear. The older coupes had back seats, while the new model does not. This is where the BMW comparisons are also obvious, since there’s no mistaking German interior any more than the new carbon fiber trim. The front leather seats in our tester were comfy and responsive on long drives. The soft black plastic and leather are ubiquitous and the 8.8-inch touchscreen completes the dashboard’s aesthetic. The two most pleasant surprises were substantial headroom and trunk space. The latter, at 10.2 cubic-feet, is sufficient for several pieces of luggage.  

FUEL ECONOMY

Fuel efficiency is probably an afterthought for most Supra buyers. But, if you’re among those that are inclined to know what they are, we are here to be as transparent as possible. The 2020 Toyota GR Supra 3.0 Premium was measured by EPA at 24 city, 31 highway, for a combined mpg of 26.

PERFORMANCE

The Supra’s considerable power is derived from its 3.0-liter turbo, inline 6-cylinder engine. This workhorse pumps out 335 hp, generating 365 lb.-ft. of torque and rather extremely well controlled by an 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. 

The 0-60 sprint is marked at 4.1 seconds, but it feels magnified on the street. Even by sports coupe standards, the Supra is undeniably fun and sticks to the straight road and uphill and downhill curves. The 50/50 weight distribution and the superior Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires make this all happen.

For the extra oomph, we switched to Sport Mode, and absorbed the tightened steering and suspension, providing the sportiness we expected. The next level for the Supra, Track Mode, is where the gloves come off. The throttle mapping being jittery aside, you get a tease and a preview of what a car immortalized in “Fast and the Furious” can do on a race track (btw, the GR in the badging refers to Toyota’s Gazoo Racing, so there’s that).

CONCLUSION

The MSRP for the 2020 Supra GR 3.0 Premium starts at $53,990. Desired options include the Driver Assist Package ($1,195) and the carbon fiber mirror caps ($925). The price with these add-ons is $57,990.

That said, being under 60k makes the Supra appealing in its segment, which is more than stacked with desirable sports whips. This list includes the Porsche 718 Cayman, with its Porsche engineering precision and design serving up a winning combination. There’s another German in the mix with the Audi TT, which serve up more power in the TTS and the TT RS models. Jaguar also comes into play with the F-Type’s curb appeal and visceral sounds. And also in this mix from the good ol’ U.S. of A is Chevrolet’s Corvette, which provides superb power and handling and the fighter jet-inspired looks.  

Edited by Slav Kandyba


Photo Credit: Copyright 2020 Victor Mosqueda / Car Fanatics Blog

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