Toyota brings back the Supra and it’s a love affair

By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(November 24, 2019) After a two-decade hiatus, the Toyota Supra makes a thrilling return as a fifth-generation two-seat coupe. Supras were originally sold in the U.S. from 1979 until 1998. The newest Toyota Supra was built as a collaboration between Toyota and BMW’s Z4 roadster, sharing the same platform and engine. It’s a 335-horsepower, 3.0-liter twin-scroll turbocharged inline six-cylinder.


A ZF 8HP eight-speed automatic is the only transmission available. That combination, along with standard launch control, rockets the Supra from a resting stop to 60 mph in a scant 4.1 seconds, making it the quickest production Toyota ever. Both vehicles are built on the same assembly line in Graz, Austria.

I recently spent some time behind the wheel of the new Supra Launch Edition trim level on the track of Bondurant High Performance Driving School, and my initial impression is it’s one of the most sensational and gripping vehicles I’ve had the pleasure of driving.

Right from the start, entering the track, one gets the sense the Supra is special. Acceleration is impressive, the 365 lb-ft of torque fully engages at just 1,600 rpm, delivering the sonorous sound of power that forcefully pushes deep into the heavily bolstered bucket seats.

Paddle shifters behind the steering wheel deliver seamless, lightening quick shifts when desired, while keeping hands firmly in the 9 and 3 o’clock positions on the steering wheel. Super sticky 255/35R19 front, and even larger 275/35R19 rear, Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires deliver superb handling. Toyota’s Gazoo Racing suspension and a perfect 50/50 front/rear balance lets Supra surgically carve the adrenaline-filled, eleven-turn, precision Grand Prix road racing track. Huge Brembo brakes handle the heavy snubs with zero fade.

Inside, the cabin is sophisticated feeling more BMW than Toyota. Seats are comfortable with enough room for even taller drivers.



Supra is available in three trim levels: 3.0, 3.0 Premium and Launch Edition model that’s limited to just 1,500 units.

Overall, there’s a lot to like about the new Supra, from audacious in-your-face-styling to heart-pounding driving excitement. It’s a car that begs to be driven and  you won’t be disappointed when you do.

Vital Stats
Base Price: $49,900 - $55,250
Price as Tested: $57,400
Engine: 335 hp, 3.0-liter twin-scroll turbocharged inline 6-cylinder paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Fuel Economy: 24/31/26-mpg, City/Highway/Combined
Seating: 2

Crash Test Safety Ratings: The 2020 Toyota GR Supra has not been crash tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Where Built: Graz, Austria

Competes With:
Audi TT
BMW Z4
Chevrolet Corvette
Porsche Boxster
Porsche Cayman

Fab Features:
Superb street or track driving and handling
Powerful engine and acceleration
Attractive upscale cabin