The 2020 Toyota Supra was likely the most anticipated vehicle of the 2019 North American International Autoshow (depending on whether you are team A90 or not). Strolling the internet, I have never seen so much hate for such an icon even prior to its release. The feelings are possibly somewhat understood. The FT-1 concept was unveiled 5 years ago at the same show, but the Supra conversation truly started over 12 years ago with the FT-HS concept, which debuted at the 2007 show in Detroit. Much like the LFA, which took 10 years to come into existence, Toyota has taken their sweet time with the Supra. 12 years and having it be heavily based on BMW’s cluster architecture doesn’t help. Regardless of all those things, I think it is a striking vehicle to see in person and should undoubtedly be a great car to drive.
The 2020 GR Supra (the official name) is the first global car developed by Toyota’s GAZOO Racing. This is clear from the GR badging found on the new Supra. Going on sale in summer of 2019, all 2020 US Supras come with a BMW sourced 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six tuned by GAZOO Racing. The engine produces 335 horsepower and 365 lb-ft of torque. An 8-speed automatic transmission is currently the only transmission available. Adaptive suspension, an active rear differential, and launch control all come standard. Toyota says the Supra can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds and can handle on par with the Porsche Cayman and Boxster. Both cars were benchmarks while Gazoo Racing was tuning the Supra.
The Supra has a perfect 50:50 weight distribution. The front suspension is a double-joint spring strut setup. The rear is a multi link five arm construction. There is a nice use of aluminum throughout. 19-inch forged alloy wheels ride on 255/35 Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires up front and 275/35 michelin tires in the rear. 13.7 inch rotors clamped by 4 piston Brembo calipers up front, provide the stopping power.
The front styling carries over well from the FT-1 concept. The nose is still pointed but there’s an additional middle grille. The 6-lens LED headlights add a truly unique look with a long LED strip running the length of the assembly. The rear taillights also have a nice aggressive look. If there is any critique of the styling, there are a number of fake vents that are scattered throughout the vehicle.
There are two available grades: 3.0 and 3.0 Premium. The 3.0 has a 6.5 inch display with Bluetooth and iPod connectivity as well as alcantara seats. A $2,460 package adds navigation and JBL audio. The premium gets a larger 8.8-inch touchscreen display with navigation, something Toyota is calling Supra Connect telematics services, wireless Apple CarPlay, 12-speaker JBL audio system, wireless phone charging, and a color Head-up display, as well as heated leather trimmed seats.
Prices will start at $50,920 for the 3.0 and $54,920 for the 3.0 Premium. Both models can be opted with the Driver Assist Package for $1,195. Looking at the interior you can see many elements that are from BMW vehicles including the idrive system. Toyota has added their own unique graphics to make the Supra different from BMW. It adds adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, parking sonar and rear collision warning. Both models come with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, road sign assist and automatic high beams as standard equipment.
Toyota is offering a special launch edition version for the first 1,500 Supras produced in the U.S. These models, which are based on the 3.0 premium will start at $56,180. The launch edition models will have red mirrors and 19-inch matte black forged alloy wheels. Three colors are available, Absolute Zero White, Nocturnal Black, which both get red leather interiors with carbon fiber accents. The Renaissance Red 2.0 will get a black leather interior with carbon fiber accents. Each Launch Edition Supra will have a numbered badge on the passenger-side dashboard with a graphic of Akio Toyoda’s signature.
I’m sure the hatred of the new Supra from some in the automotive community will continue to hate on the 2020 GR Supra for one reason or another but in an industry that is increasingly becoming dominated by small trucks and SUVs, I am glad Toyota revived the Supra name with a sports car that is sure to be a driving pleasure.