Toyota GR Supra

Toyota GR Supra Overview

The highly anticipated Toyota GR Supra is now available via official channel through UMW Toyota Motor in Malaysia with a minor refresh for the 2021 model year. Codename the A90, Toyota’s new performance sport coupé was first teased to the public as the FT-1 concept back in 2014 and it has been 21 years in the making since the iconic Supra nameplate last grace the road with the A80 Toyota Supra in 1993.

Toyota through its racing arm the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, has partnered up with BMW to develop the now fifth generation Toyota GR Supra. Underneath the expressive exterior, the Toyota GR Supra shares the same platform, engine, mechanical parts and a good majority of its interior with the latest BMW Z4. And unlike the previous generations Japanese thoroughbred, the new Toyota GR Supra will be assembled alongside the G29 BMW Z4 in Graz, Austria.

The 2021 model is priced starting from RM611,880 (OTR without insurance) or RM589,987 with SST exemption. It is easily the most expensive Toyota on sale in Malaysia today. It goes head-to-head with its German clone the BMW Z4 and other rivals including the likes of Jaguar F-Type, BMW M2, Porsche 718 Cayman.

Toyota GR Supra Exterior Design

The new Toyota GR Supra exterior design is the direct result of Toyota’s 'Condensed Extreme' design philosophy. The 'Condensed' theme is evident in the relationship between its large-diameter tyres, short wheelbase and overall length, while 'Extreme' is demonstrated in the car's wide stance, with tight cabin proportions.

Visually, the Toyota GR Supra is well proportioned, voluptuous and dare I say better looking than the BMW Z4. You can immediately tell of the driving configuration (front-engine rear-wheel-drive) purely by its suggestive long bonnet and a short rear overhang.

The lights were positioned inward as much as possible both front and rear to accentuate the fender volume, paying homage to the 2000 GT and the 1993 A80 Toyota Supra.

As opposed to the BMW Z4 retractable hardtop, the Toyota gets its very own unique swoopy double bubble hardtop and a seamlessly integrated rear lip spoiler. Its curvaceous silhouette is reminiscence of the works from Italian bespoke coachbuilder Zagato.

Fitted as standard are a set of 19-inch five twin-spoke two-tone alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres. 255/35 up front and a wider 275/35 at the rear. Colour options available are the White Metallic, Silver Metallic, Ice Grey Metallic, Black Metallic, Matte Strom Grey Metallic, Lighting Yellow and Prominence Red.

Dimension

Toyota GR Supra Interior

Toyota GR Supra interior is heavily influenced by BMW. Though not identical, they share most of the parts with its German counterparts albeit with a simpler layout.  Like the familiar BMW i-Drive system, steering wheel, indicator stalks, transmission control, climate control system and down to the door handles just to name a few.

Up front, the driver is greeted by Toyota’s very own high-definition digital driver’s instrument display, one of the few Toyota parts found in the cabin. A central positioned tachometer and shift-timing indicator reminds you that you are in a serious piece of machine.

Asymmetrical centre console envelops the driver while the padded pillars serves as a leg bolster when negotiating corner at speed. Black leather upholstery dominates the interior with carbon fibre trims. The 8-way power adjustable leather seats are racing-inspired, with integrated memory function for the driver.

Driving position is excellent with low sitting position but with less-than-ideal rear visibility. Interior space is adequate for two. For a performance sportscar, the boot is more usable than the humble 290-litre claimed volume suggests.

Toyota GR Supra Features

The new Toyota GR Supra comes standard with adaptive headlights, racing inspired eight-way power-adjustable seats with memory function for the driver, dual-zone climate control, a head-up display, an 8.8-inch centre touchscreen control, a reverse camera and a 12-speaker JBL sound system.

On the more technical side, standard equipment of the Toyota GR Supra includes Brembo brakes with ventilated discs, coloured front brake calipers with Toyota Supra logo inscripted, adaptive dampers and Electronically Controlled Rear Limited Slip Differential (LSD).

In terms of safety, the Toyota GR Supra comes fitted as standard with a full suite of driver assistance systems, including Forward Collision Warning with Brake Function, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control (All speed), Speed Limit Info, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist(BA), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRC), Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Tyre Presure Monitoring System (TPMS), and last but not least a 7 SRS airbag with front, front side, curtain and driver knee protection.

Toyota GR Supra Driving Performance

Engine

Powering the rear wheels is BMW’s ultrasmooth B58 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder twin-scroll turbo engine with direct injection, developing 388 PS at 5,800 rpm and 500 Nm of torque from 1,800 rpm. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h and century sprint is completed in 4.1 seconds with launch control function.

In sport mode, engine sound changes and throttle response sharpened, accompanied by a more aggressive shift pattern, damping, steering and active differential performance. A special "track" setting can be selected which reduces the level of intervention from the Vehicle Stability System.

Transmission

Power is sent to the rear wheel via a tried and tested 8-speed ZF automatic transmission with paddle shifters. Gearshift is smooth and refined but less performance oriented compared to the more effective PDK dual clutch transmission available in the Porsche 718 Cayman. Purist will be gutted to find that there is no manual version announced as of yet.

Toyota GR Supra Ride Comfort

The new Toyota GR Supra comes fitted with Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) featuring double-joint spring MacPherson struts at the front and a five-link axle at the rear.

Paired with lightweight aluminium and steel composite frame with high body rigidity allows for a more precise and detailed refinements to the suspension geometry. The overall result is a surprisingly supple and comfortable ride but also sporty when pushed near its limit.

The front suspension subframe and control arm mounting points have been made extremely rigid to ensure it corners with precision.

A perfect 50:50 weight distribution is achieved thanks to the front-engine rear-wheel-drive layout which allowed for a neutral and agile handling characteristic.

Toyota GR Supra Fuel Consumption

Toyota GR Supra Conclusion

The Toyota Supra is an iconic nameplate that has a rich history in Japanese car culture, mentioned alongside legends like the Honda NSX and the Nissan GTR. With the controversial BMW partnership, some may argue that the new Toyota GR Supra is no longer a purebred Toyota. But there is no denying that the Toyota GR Supra retains the original Supra spirit in its design concept and its overall execution. Putting the German influence aside, the front engine, rear-wheel-drive configuration with limited slip differential, paired with an effective 3.0-litre in-line-six engine, makes for a great driver’s car with high performance and great precision.