“2020 Mark V Toyota GR Supra 3.0 Premium”
Fifth Generation Supra Now a True Sport Coupe
OVERVIEW
Up until now, BMW has claimed the title of “The Ultimate Driving Machine”. The could be about to change, as this fifth generation 2020 Toyota GR Supra has a lot of parts from the BMW bin. What began in 1978 as a grand sport tourer is now back on the scene as the Toyota GR Supra – a true two-seat sport coupe that’s based on BMW’s Z4 platform architecture. The initial four generations ran from 1978 to 2002.
By the way, “GR” has now become part of the official name. GR is an acronym for Gazoo Racing, Toyota’s performance partner. The new GR Supra comes in two grades – There’s a Base 3.0 that starts at $49,990, and the 3.0 Premium, which begins at at $53,990. The first 1,500 produced were billed as special “Launch Edition” versions, with pricing based at $55,250.
POWER SOURCE
The rear-wheel drive 2020 Toyota GR Supra is powered by the same twin-turbocharged “B58B30” inline-six found in BMW’s M340i and Z4 M40i. But it’s tuned differently, cranking out 335 horsepower in a range from 5,000-6,500 rpm along with 365 pound-feet of torque from 1,600-4,500 rpm. The engine is mated to the same ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. 0-60 mph clicks off in a mere 4.1 seconds. There is currently no production manual gearbox available.
EXTERIOR DESIGN
Toyota designers drew inspiration for the GR Supra based on positive feedback from the FT-1 Concept, and kept that design intact, incorporating a lot of the styling cues into the production Supra. The “double bubble” roof pays homage to the 2000 GT Toyota’s premiere sports car from the 1960s, and pays tribute to the Mark IV Supra’s original rounded and raised trunk design, while doubling as an integrated trunk spoiler.
Due to platform packaging restraints, the production model is relatively smaller in overall size than the FT-1 concept. Without a doubt, the sweeping lines and curvaceous forms of the new Supra delivers a unique and appealing image. It is definitely the best looking Toyota ever, with form following function. The fender and hood vents are solid composite filler pieces, but they serve to optimize aerodynamic and cooling efficiency for street use, and they’re all removable to improve cooling by increasing airflow with functional custom vents.
CABIN STYLING
The GR Supra’s interior is simplistic without a lot of frills. It was designed to eliminate distraction with an ergonomically pleasing layout of switchgear. Ingress and egress can be difficult, requiring some acrobatics for those over 6 feet tall. Once inside though, this stunning two-seater provides two full sized adults solid support and comfort, with room in the trunk for personal gear. To eliminate a somewhat Spartan look, there’s genuine carbon fiber trim accents on the center console and doors plus a decent fit and finish.
The Supra’s infotainment system is a modified version of BMW’s latest iDrive, which comes with a 6.5-inch screen in base form, while the upgraded version increases that to 8.8 inches. The Supra gets an analog and digital gauge cluster with a center-mounted tachometer.
The list of technological features is on the modest side, with the main focus being primarily on performance. Optional fare includes sat-nav with the larger screen, HUD, wireless Apple CarPlay, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and an updated JBL sound system. An all-new Supra Connect app is available to download on a smartphone for receiving updates about the vehicle’s status.
AS TESTED
My test 2020 Toyota GR Supra was the 3.0 Premium version that came with a rich Tungsten Silver metallic exterior finish, while the interior was done with Black heated leather seats featuring 14-way power adjustments. The base price was set at $53,990., while the final tally came to $57,259 after adding the Driver Assist Package, cargo tote, carbon fiber mirror caps, carpet cargo mat, wheel locks and the delivery, processing and handling fee.
The GR Supra rolls on staggered Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires mounted on 5-twin-spoke (10) with alternating chrome and black spokes.
PERFORMANCE
The BMW derived 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six engine delivers plenty of punch off the line and throughput the entire acceleration curve. The chassis is exceptionally well balanced thanks to the special tuning, delivering great handling characteristics with outstanding input. Performance is clearly a priority over any other factor.
The adaptive suspension and the active limited-slip differential contributes to the natural feeling of control providing a forgiveness when prodding the GR Supra to its limits and drifting around challenging curves and corners. This is all possible, while at the same time allowing for a comfortable and compliant ride quality.
The six cylinder exhaust note, though lacking a V-8 rumble is sweet, especially with the active exhaust engaged when downshifting.
The EPA fuel economy ratings for the Supra are 24/31/26 mpg city/highway/combined are impressive considering the power, despite the fact that the Supra engineers didn’t have fuel economy as their goal or priority.
OUR FINAL TAKE
The 2020 Toyota GR Supra 3.0 Premium sport coupe easily proves itself as a driver-focused performer, throwing a lot of superfluous technology to the wind and getting back to the sheer enjoyment of driving without unnecessary intervention. Think of it as a BMW disguised as a modern day Toyota 2000 GT which is sure to become a sought after classic.
Add to that Toyota’s 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, with the powertrain getting a 5-year/60,000-mile coverage. ToyotaCare, the manufacturers complimentary factory maintenance plan, is included with every new Supra for two years, or the first 25,000 miles, which ever comes first. That also comes with 24/7 road-side assistance – Talk about a no-brainer.
SPECIFICATIONS 2020 Toyota GR Supra 3.0 Premium
Base Price: $53,990.
Price as Tested: $57,259.
Engine Type and Size: 3.0-liter, DOHC, 24-valve inline six-cylinder with twin-scroll turbocharger, Variable Valve Timing, Lift and Direct Injection.
Horsepower (bhp): 335 @ 5,000-6,500 rpm
Torque (ft./ lbs.): 365 @ 1,600-4,500 rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic with paddle shifters.
Drive Train: Longitudinally mounted front engine
Suspension: Front – Double joint type MacPherson strut with 23.5 mm stabilizer bar.
Rear – Multilink-five arm construction with 18.0 mm stabilizer bar.
Brakes: Power-assisted four-wheel vented discs with Brembo 4-piston fixed caliper front / single-piston floating caliper rear.
Tires: Michelin Pilot Super Sport – 255/35 R19 96Y front / 275/35 R19 100Y rear mounted on 5-twin spoke alloy wheels – machine face/black painted inners (10-spoke).
Wheelbase: 97.2 inches
Length Overall: 172.5 inches
Width: 73.0 inches
Height: 50.9 inches
Curb Weight: 3,397 lbs.
Turning Circle: 34.1 ft.
Fuel Capacity: 13.7 – gallons
EPA Mileage Estimates: 24 mpg city / 31- mpg highway
Drag Coefficient: Not available.
0 – 60 mph: 3.8 seconds / 12.3-second ¼ mile time at 113mph. Top Speed=155 mph electronically limited.
# # #
