We should be more humble in these difficult times. That could also apply to a car category in which "more" actually always means "better" and enough is never really enough - that is, sports cars and sporty coupes. At least in the case of the new one Toyota GR Supra 2.0 but you can see it differently.
Driving report of the new Toyota GR Supra 2.0
Since last autumn, Toyota has finally launched a Supra again. Why finally? For the younger ones among us: from 1978 to 2002, the Japanese built a sports coupe of the same name over a total of four generations. Initially, the Supra was just a kind of top-of-the-range version of the Celica coupe, from 1986 the model was marketed under the name Supra alone, in the fourth generation it was even a kind of expensive super sports car, in Germany at prices of over 100.000 Deutschmarks. And yes: no typing errors - it must be called DIE and not the Supra.
So much for the history and the big name that a Toyota model now bears again. However, the new Supra is a bit different; compared to the last generation, it is a bargain with base prices of less than 50.000 euros and the coupé has a sister that is called BMW Z4 and, unlike the Japanese, only competes as a convertible. In addition, both models are not built by BMW or Toyota, but by a specialist for smaller runs, namely by Magna in Graz. Perhaps almost too much of a compromise for a supra purist. So be it.
So far, there was only one motorization for the Supra, a 3,0-liter inline six-cylinder with 340 hp. If the liter / horsepower ratio seems familiar to you, you are right: it is a BMW drive. And this also applies to the weaker variant now called GR Supra 2.0. Where GR stands for the Toyota racing department Gazoo Racing and 2.0 unsurprisingly for a 2,0 liter four-cylinder with turbocharger.
With 190 kW / 258 hp, it produces exactly 82 hp less than the 3.0, but according to Toyota it also weighs 100 kg less. This seems to compensate somewhat, because with the standard sprint to 100 km / h the four-cylinder loses less than a second to the six with 5,2 seconds. In any case, the top speed is 250 at the end. Even if the 2.0 takes significantly longer for the last km / h towards Vmax.
In fact, the smaller BMW engine is also a wonderful piece of engineering, it - supported by a twin-scroll turbo - willingly pulls from the bottom to almost 7.000 revs. Up to 400 Newton meters are directed to the rear wheels, which have to struggle with this force for a short time in special situations, such as in a tight, not quite dry corner.
Nevertheless, the small Supra turns out to be a real driving machine, which yaws after every curve and thanks to the perfectly coordinated, short-stepped ZF eight-speed automatic also works out quickly from everyone. The smaller and lighter engine is noticeably lighter on the front axle than its larger counterpart - the weight distribution on both axles is ideal 50:50. The precise steering matches the driving pleasure, only the brakes are clearly too indifferent. Only a further investment of 4.500 euros in the sports package will remedy this, for this proud price you get not only much more saddle-resistant brakes but also an adaptive chassis and an active differential lock and a JBL sound system for the ears. The latter has the advantage that you can cover the rather pale sound of the driving machine with beautiful music. At this point, Toyota was clearly too careful.
Anything else to complain about? Yes, yes. As is so often the case with Japanese cars, the seat in the Supra is a little too high for a normal Central European. Not only is this less sporty, it also makes access more difficult due to the narrow door opening. Once inside, you shouldn't suffer from claustrophobia, because this is clearly cut at the waist.
The operation taken over from BMW with the well-known rotary pushbutton and attentive voice control is suitable for this. In addition to the motor / drive combination, the cooperation with the Bavarians has a very positive effect, particularly in terms of operation and infotainment.
Toyota calls for exactly 48.900 euros for the smaller Supra, with the recommended additional investment of 4.500 euros for the sports package, you still end up with relatively cheap 53.400 euros. For comparison: the GR Supra 3.0 has a base price of 62.900 euros. The decision to moderate is easy: less is enough in this case.
Toyota GR Supra 2.0 - Technical Specifications
Two-door, two-seat sports coupe; Length: 4,38 meters, width: 1,85 meters, height: 1,30 meters, wheelbase: 2,47 meters, trunk volume: 290 liters
2,0 liter turbo gasoline engine (twin scroll), 190 kW / 258 hp, rear-wheel drive, 8-speed automatic, 0-100 km / h: 5,2 s, Vmax: 250 km / h, maximum torque: 400 Nm at 1.550 - 4.400 rpm, standard consumption: 5,9-6,3 liters / 100 kilometers, CO2 emissions: 156-172 g / km (WLTP), emissions standard: Euro 6d-temp, efficiency class: n / a
Price: from € 48.900
Toyota GR Supra 2.0 - brief description:
- Why: revving engine, responsive 8-speed automatic, resilient chassis, great handling, significantly cheaper than the 3,0-liter variant
- Why not: difficult entry, narrow interior, pitiful sound, seating position too high, brakes could grab harder
- What else: but the Supra 3.0 or the open sister model Z4 from BMW
- When does he come: now
