Toyota is gearing up to introduce the 2021
GR Supra at the Daytona International Speedway on February 13th. The company is
keeping details under wraps, but said they’re “racing into the new year with
fresh news” about their range-topping sports car.
That’s pretty vague, but the 2021 GR Supra
could be getting a performance oriented package or trim variant. Nothing is
official, but the teaser image shows the model will have dark alloy wheels
which are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires. We can also see red
brake calipers with contrasting white lettering that reads “Toyota Supra.”
Another possibility is an entry-level
model with a four-cylinder engine. That’s what happened in Europe last month as
the company announced plans to offer a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder
that produces 254 hp and 400 Nm of torque. The
engine is connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission which allows the
car to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 5.2 seconds, before hitting a
limited top speed of 250 km/h.
While the four-cylinder variant is down on
power, it’s 100 kg lighter and features a perfect 50:50 weight distribution.
At the time, Toyota said the changes improve the “inertia characteristics and
chassis balance for even sharper handling.” More importantly, the four-cylinder
variant is more affordable and this opens the Supra up to a “wider customer
base.” That’s important as the 2020 GR Supra starts at US$ 49,990 in the United
States and the high price tag has probably limited sales.
