Exactly five years after the unveiling of the FT-1
Concept, Toyota has finally introduced an all-new Supra to the world. It was a long gestation period
but it’s safe to say the fifth-generation Supra A90 was worth the wait. By now
chances are you’re no longer a stranger to the new model’s design in light of
the recent leaks so we’ll focus on the performance part.
The influences from the FT-1 study are obvious on
the outside as the Supra has a very muscular appearance. The interior, however,
has a strong BMW vibe about it which is understandable given that the Supra
shares the underpinnings with the all-new Z4 roadster. Sure, a cabin inspired
by the FT-1 Concept would have been more spectacular but we should be grateful
this car exists in the first place.
The 2020 Toyota GR Supra debuts with a BMW-sourced
3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine that makes… wait for it, 335
horsepower. That’s 47 ponies less than the U.S.-spec BMW Z4 M40i. The
peak torque is 494 Nm, 6 Nm less than in the BMW.
Linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission with
paddle shifters, the straight-six engine allows the Supra to go from 0 to 96 km/h in an estimated 4.1 seconds, with a top track speed
electronically limited to 250 km/h. That would make it the quickest
Toyota-branded production vehicle to date. Japan will also get a 2.0-liter
turbo-four available in two states of tune: 197 PS and 258 PS, respectively.
The carmaker also promises the Supra will offer “an
exhilarating blend of power, precision, and agility” thanks to its
rear-wheel-drive design, low center of gravity and a 50:50 weight distribution.
The 2020 Supra will offer two driving modes, Normal
and Sport. The latter reduces intervention of the traction and stability
control functions as well as sharpening throttle response, increasing steering
weight, improving transmission shift crispness. It also tunes the active
differential more aggressively and amplifies the exhaust sound.
Speaking of the active differential, it uses an
electric motor and multi-plate clutches to control lateral torque. The diff
varies torque distribution between the rear wheels when cornering under both
acceleration and braking. The system also ensures neutral handling by reducing
both understeer and oversteer, according to Toyota.
The Supra features a double-joint spring strut front
suspension and multi-link rear suspension that are said to favor both precise
handling and ride quality. The Supra will feature 19-inch forged alloy wheels
as standard shod with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires sized 255/35 R19 at the front
and 275/35 R19 at the rear. Stopping power will be ensured by 13.7in (348mm)
front rotors with 4-piston Brembo calipers.
Since we mentioned ride quality earlier, you should
know all Supras come with an Adaptive Variable Suspension as standard, with two
settings available — Normal and Sport.
Going on sale in summer 2019, the 2020 Supra will be
available in two grades – 3.0 and 3.0 Premium, as well as a Launch Edition
based on the 3.0 Premium grade. All models will get standard features such as
Keyless Smart Entry, dual automatic climate control, auto-dimming rearview
mirrors, rear camera, rain sensor windshield wipers, garage door opener, power
folding mirrors, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
On the safety front, standard systems include
forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian
detection, lane departure warning with steering assist, automatic high beam and
road sign assist. Available active safety and convenience features are adaptive
full speed cruise control, blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert and
rear-end collision warning.
As for the infotainment part, the 2020 Supra brings
a standard 6.5-inch display operated by a rotary controller on the center
console. The 3.0 Premium grade gets an 8.8-inch touchscreen display with
navigation, rotary touch controller, Supra Connect telematics services,
wireless Apple CarPlay, a premium 12-speaker JBL audio system, and wireless phone
charging.
Toyota also announced pricing for the 2020 Supra in
the United States, with the MSRP starting at US$ 49,990. Those willing to get their
hands on one as soon as humanly possible will have to fork out US$ 55,250 for the
Launch Edition, which will be the sole trim level initially available in a
limited run of 1,500 units. Sales in the U.S. will commence in the summer, and
the Launch Edition will be offered in Absolute Zero White, Nocturnal Black or
Renaissance Red 2.0 paint jobs, with contrasting red mirror caps and 19-inch
black matte forged alloys.
The first two will get a red leather interior, while
the third color option a black one, both with carbon accents. Moreover, the
limited run Supras will get a plaque on the passenger’s side of the dashboard
with the car’s serial numbers along with a graphic of Toyota’s CEO Akio
Toyoda’s signature.