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Toyota Supra GT 2020 Review

Rob Fraser

2020 Toyota Supra GT  Toyota Supra, a joint development with BMW Z4, continues the sports car heritage dating back to 1967 with the 2000GT.

Launched in September 2019, the latest variation has shaken off any previous misconceptions and is an uncompromising sports car that spearheads Toyota’s new GAZOO Racing performance brand as its first global model that was developed in collaboration with the brand’s motorsports arm

Coming in two models the Supra GTS and the Supra GT that we have for test. The difference is basically a bit of bling, larger wheels and upgraded infotainment system.

What does the Supra GT look like?

Well very different yet familiar is the short answer. Its unashamed coupe style evokes comparisons to previous Z4 models, even ‘E’ type Jaguars, with a long bonnet, low strong waist and the sit back cabin. Yet it also has a definite muscular appeal, with bulging wheel arches, side rear air vents and bonnet bulge.

The sculptured grill serves a definite purpose as well as providing more appeal, featuring slimline LED headlights and large openings necessary for cooling the high-performance engine.

I feel Toyota has been able to blend the dual requirements of style and aerodynamic design that assists in keeping the Supra planted on both racetrack and road.

It’s the balance of dimensions that sets the design. It measures 2470mm in the wheelbase with wide front and rear tracks of 1594mm and 1589mm respectively. Overall length is 4379mm, width is 1854mm wide and it’s fairly squat at only 1292mm in height.

The Supra GT wears 18-inch machined alloys with 255/40 ZR18 Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres on the front and 275/40 ZR18 tyres on the rear.

It actually seems to polarise people, they love it or don’t.

Supra is offered in a choice of seven standard colours. The names were chosen by Toyota Australia employees and include Fuji White, Suzuka Silver, Goodwood Grey, Monza Red, Silverstone Yellow, Le Mans Blue, Bathurst Black and Nurburg Matte Grey. These colours are all named after iconic racetracks to reflect its development by Toyota GAZOO Racing.

Supra is a sports car, is there much room inside?

No! Next section please.

This depends really on how big the occupants are. I’m 190cm tall and larger than the average bear and its VERY tight for me.

I would say the comfortable limit would be 185cm tall and about 100kg.

Toyota has designed the all-new GR Supra as a pure sports car without compromise. It is also focused on the driver engagement. Even for me as a tall driver I could just manage to get comfortable, there just wasn’t a lot of room for my left leg.

The steering wheel (and associated controls) is excellent as is the 8.8inch digital instrument binnacle. It provides a digital speedometer, central analogue-style tachometer and multi-information display.

Everything is within easy reach and having recently driven the BMW Z4, a lot of the interior looked vaguely familiar, as it should because of the joint development.

There isn’t a lot of room to put anything.

The heated sports leather seats have multiple electronic adjustments as well as excellent side bolsters. They are supportive and comfortable.

The wide centre console offers handy access to the transmission shift lever, switch gear and cupholders and features a large integrated knee pad on the driver’s side to offer additional support against lateral G-forces during fast cornering.

I am a fan of the simple large circular mouse-type controller for the infotainment multimedia system. Its ease of use for scrolling and zooming is excellent and is located on the centre console.

Superb sound comes from a 205w 10-speaker HiFi sound system with a 7-channel amplifier.

What Features does the Supra GT have?

It’s actually very well equipped.

Outside it has

Inside it’s comfortable with:

Infotainment / Multimedia includes:

What Engine and Drivetrain does the Supra have?

Supra is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre straight six petrol engine that produces power of 250kW between 5000 and 6000rpm and peak torque of 500Nm from 1600 to 4500rpm.This is delivered to the rear wheels through a close ratio 8 speed auto transmission.

In reality it’s a BMW Z4 straight six so it’s smooth and powerful.

Significant features are paddle shift levers, launch control and electronically controlled LSD that allows flexible torque distribution between the rear wheels of between 0 and 100 per cent.

Supra will sprint from zero to 100km/h in 4.3 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h. Fuel economy is ADR of 7.7l/100km1 with CO2 emissions of 177g/km2.

Suspension is a double-joint-type MacPherson strut arrangement at the front and multilink system at the rear. The suspension has been designed to provide an outstanding sporty feel without compromising ride quality to give drivers the best on both the track and road.

Additionally, Normal and Sport mode adjust throttle response, steering weight, transmission shift timing, suspension damping and the operation of the LSD according to driving behaviour and conditions.

Going fast is good, stopping fast is better. To that end, high performance Brembo brakes have been fitted with large ventilated discs with four-piston calipers on the front and single piston calipers on ventilated discs at the rear.

OK let’s get to the good bit, what is the Supra like to drive?

Heaps of FUN!

For most that is enough, but for the enthusiasts there is more.

It’s an experience, right from the approach where the uncompromised coupe style sets the tone. The bulging wheel arches, aggressive yet sleek front end and twin tail pipes continue the tone. The tight cabin, snug sports seats add to the ambiance.

Start the engine and it crackles out the dual tailpipes. You know you’re in for some fun.

The relationship between the transmission and engine torque characteristics allows maximum use of that low down torque. This has the dual benefit of simply pottering around and explosive acceleration with the slightest provocation.

The ZF eight speed is smooth as but can be a little slow to change gears, ringing the maximum out along the way. This also adds to the audio experience that is an integral part of the experience.

This direct feedback to driver input from the engine is complimented by the direct feedback steering. Turn the wheel the Supra follows without hesitation. We often talk about steering weight. That is how heavy or light it is. The Supra is spot on. It also has speed dependent variable assistance.

Balance and performance are the key issues. Some cars are fast, but aren’t well balanced. The Supra has a perfect 50/50 in weight distribution. This combined with the long wide chassis stance, low centre of gravity with 119mm ground clearance and the suspension set up, ensure a sophisticated handling experience.

So performance gets the big tick as does handling, but what is the ride like? Often sports cars are harsh in the ride and you feel like you need a kidney belt after just a few minutes in them.

So the ride question? Surprisingly good is the answer. It is firm in the suspension, but reasonably (for a sports coupe) compliant at the same time. The relatively low weight at just under 1500kg helps.

Interestingly Toyota tells us that the torsional rigidity betters that of the ultra-high performance LFA supercar that was built on a carbon fibre monocoque chassis.

That covers the driving side. What is the Supra like to live with every day?

Well it’s tight, low and hard to reverse park, even with the camera and sensors. You really have no idea where the front is because of the long sloping rounded bonnet. In fact all round visibility is a bit Clint Eastwood like, looking through squinted eyes.

It has a very small boot, (just under 300L) which can fit more than you think, but still small. Weekends away requires some clever packing in soft bags.

Forget taking kids anywhere (that may be a good thing) as there is no facility for child seats. Around town it can be a little heavy on the fuel as you start to feel restricted and give it little bursts. I averaged about 12L/100K but if you potter that reduces. On a freeway drive it got down to just over 7l/100k. It has a tiny 52L fuel tank so you will become friends with the local servo really quick.

In tight carparks the long coupe doors can be problematic as they can’t open wide enough to allow elegant exit, think somehow sliding the legs out over the sill and using your elbows on the ‘A’ and ‘B’ pillars to lever yourself out.

Speed bumps can bring an onset of the chills as you navigate over them. Well maybe I’m exaggerating a touch, but you are very cognisant of the low ground clearance.

If you are tall (190cm) in my case and larger than the average bear, as I am, it can be a little tight. Also if you have a dodgy right knee (again as I do) you might find yourself doing the grandpa sitting, bum in first.

So you will look very cool arriving or departing, and all veneer of cool disappears when you have to get in or out.

Supra Safety Features

There is no official ANCAP safety rating, but Supra comes packed with the safety goodies:

Let’s wrap up my week in the Supra GT

Loved it and grew to be frustrated by it.

As a second car for weekend drives it is excellent. So much fun to drive and the whole experience is awesome.

I love the looks as well.

Driving along a freeway or twisty mountain roads in the Supra is pure heaven. Window down, listen to the engine crackle and revel in the sublime handling and oodles of torque.

The only thing that could be better is a convertible then you buy the BMW Z4.

As a daily commute it is frustrating. Why anyone would buy one as their only car is beyond me. They must be enthusiasts (read masochists).

What is good?

What is not so good?

Also look at

 Model: Toyota Supra GT

*MLP – Manufacturers List Price includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of any options.

Overall Rating    90/100

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