Like many Supra fans, I was glad to hear Toyota was bringing it back after a long 21-year hiatus in 2020. I had mixed feelings when I discovered it is built in Magna Steyr’s Austrian assembly plant alongside the BMW Z4. They share a common platform, power train, and some interior elements. It didn’t take long for me to get enthusiastic about it and with the new changes for the 2021 Supra there is even more reason to get excited about this phenomenal sports car.
The 2021 Toyota GR Supra is upgraded with a more powerful turbo inline-six (47 more horsepower) and a few modifications to assist with the extra power. There is a new four-cylinder base model as well. Other updates include the formerly optional 8.8-inch infotainment display being made standard. It still runs BMW’s last-generation iDrive technology. There’s also a new A91 Edition limited to 1,000 units and painted in exclusive Refraction Blue.
The highlights for me were all about the driving experience. This car is a genuine performance machine and it handles as well as it accelerates. Toyota states that the GR with the upgraded 3.0L Twin-Scroll Turbo Inline 6 cylinder engine can do 0-60 in 3.9 seconds and it can. The car gets a lot of attention and I tested the Nitro Yellow which stands out in a crowd.
Exterior
The exterior design has style that lead designer Nobuo Nakamura calls “condensed extreme”. The profile is sleek and the long nose of the car streamlines into a compact cockpit. The car is beautiful and I especially like the way it resolves into the rear ducktail-style spoiler. The Bulging front fenders draw attention to the GR Supra’s wide stance. The six element LED headlights help enhance the wide stance. The rear end looks like it was race car inspired and brings function to the style. When you see this car you want to drive it.
Interior
The interior is definitely built for drivers. The seats are comfortable and I felt really secure and stable while driving, especially accelerating around sharp turns. There are a lot of seat adjustment options so it is easy to find that perfect individual setting. The Supra comes with a standard 8.8-inch infotainment display. The three dimensional tachometer is really cool and gives the Supra that futuristic look and the displays can be customized to give you the information you want. I really liked the leather wrapped , tilt / telescopic steering wheel as well.
Engine / Powertrain
The GR comes with the 3.0L Twin-Scroll Turbo Inline 6 cylinder engine.
There is 382 Horsepower and 368 lb-ft of torque which translates into a lot of speed and performance which you can expect the stated acceleration of 0-60 in 3.9 seconds. The 8 Speed Automatic transmission is smooth and the paddles make the driving experience more fun and similar to a manual transmission without the clutch aspects. I would like to see what this car could do with a manual transmission. The gas mileage is better than expected at 22 city 30 highway and 25 combined MPG.
Safety
Toyota has included a ton of safety features in this vehicle. Some of these include Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Parking Sensors with Emergency Brake Navigation.
Conclusion
Starting at a MSRP of $43,090 (as tested $57,185) the 2021 Toyota GR Supra is pure driving pleasure. Toyota stays true to it’s racing roots and GAZOO Racing. You even get a complimentary 1 year membership to NASA (National Auto Sports Association ). The Toyota Supra has made one impressive comeback and with an aggressive roadmap of development it seems the Supra will be around for many years to come. This car is definitely worth consideration if you are a sports car enthusiast or simply want an affordable , beautiful sports car.
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