The New, 335bhp A90 Toyota Supra Is Finally Here
Five years ago, Toyota released the achingly pretty FT-1 concept at the Detroit Auto Show. There wasn’t a doubt in our minds at the time: it was the new Supra. What we didn’t realise is just how long we’d be waiting to see the real deal.
But finally, after years of speculation, prototype reveals, leaks and teasing chats with engineers, it’s finally here in production form. So what are we looking at?
Due to the slow-burning nature of the car’s reveal process, most of this should sound familiar. On the engine front, we have a 3.0-litre BMW-sourced turbocharged straight-six putting out 335bhp and 369lb ft of torque to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox. 0-62mph happens in 4.3 seconds, while the top speed is electronically limited to the usual 155mph mark.
It sits on the same platform as the new Z4 as part of Toyota’s joint venture with BMW, although it emerged so long ago that the teams behind each cars haven’t spoken since 2014.
It certainly looks nothing like a Z4 from the outside, and the interior is quite distinct too, save for the odd inevitable BMW detail like the infotainment screen. We’re not so keen on that clumsy-looking steering wheel, though.
The Supra has a structure more rigid than the Lexus LFA’s, and a centre of gravity lower than the GT86’s. Toyota said it moved the engine as far back as possible - something which “introduced new production challenges” - to achieve the ideal 50:50 weight distribution. It’s not an especially light car, but it’s not ridiculously heavy either - it tips the scales at 1495kg without a driver, making it a little less bulky than a BMW M2 Competition.
At the front, there’s a ‘double-joint spring’ MacPherson strut suspension layout, teamed up with a multi-link arrangement at the rear. There are 348mm brake discs squeezed by four-piston calipers on the front axle, while the rear rotors are barely any smaller at 345mm, working with single-piston calipers.
You’ll find a 19-inch wheel at each corner, wrapped in Michelin Pilot Super Sport rubber. The tyres have been kept to reasonably modest dimensions, measuring in at 255/35/19 at the front and 275/35/19 at the back.
You get plenty of fancy gear with the entry-level ‘Supra 3.0L’ version, with an active locking rear differential, adaptive dampers, electrically adjustable Alcantara-trimmed sports seats and an 8.8-inch screen-based infotainment system fitted as standard. You also get a bunch of safety systems including blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and rear cross -traffic alerts.
Go for the posher ‘Supra 3.0L Pro’, and you’ll be given some leather seats, a 12-speaker JBL sound system, a head-up display, and wireless phone charging. Meanwhile, 24 examples of the ‘A90 Edition’ will be offered to all UK customers who went through Toyota’s pre-sales registration process. These are all as-per the Pro in terms of spec, but with the added niceness of a ‘Storm Grey’ matte paint finish paired with gloss black wheels and a red leather interior.
Speaking about the arrival of the new car - presumably just after getting out of his awesome Century GRMN company car - Toyota President Akio Toyoda said:
“Back in the day, I spent countless hours driving an old Supra at the Nürburgring to become a Master Driver. Supra is like an old friend that holds a special place in my heart. While other manufacturers were putting their beautiful new prototypes which they were going to introduce through their paces, I was driving an old Supra, just like a lot of other die-hard Supra fans around the world. I secretly wanted to make it happen.”
In the UK, prices start at £52,695. If you want the limited-run A90 Edition, you’ll need to stump up £56,945.
Comments
I can now say I was there for the return of a legend
At least we now know that they don’t put Prius-spec tires on their sports car again.
What’s wrong with that? I think it was a good recipe for fun done at low budget.
I think that was wise, particularly given the power output. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=HPh90yNX-mY
Auto….😭
Don’t see you complaining about the NSX and the GTR being Automatic smh
Engineer said they’re developing a manual
People moaning about it being auto most likely couldn’t afford it anyway.
manual swap it!
There’s also a manual available
António José (JDM Squad 🔰) (audibros)
Finally now Toyota can stop revealing it on accident
Dorifto kingo
Can’t wait to see it on Saturday at the Detroit Auto Show!
Jeez that interior feels straight out of a 2012 3 series.
Great looking otherwise
I also can’t help but think that it’s a bit of a poor man’s copy of the new TVR Grifith. The back especially.
The interior is beautiful, (other than the ugly stuck-on screen and strange gauge cluster)
I would not mind Toyota borrowing stuff like interior switch gears and infotainment system from BMW. Even a slightly outdated version of iDrive (NBT) is still miles better then the Toyota’s own infotainment system.
Design wise it looks like an old car.
The back is too squished and it has a small grill.
I agree, but that’s a good thing. Not a bad thing.
Honestly, they were probably trying to make it semi-similar in appearance to the Mk4. Have to appease the fanboys somehow.
Even the interior and the shifter is BMW, god damn it Toyota😭😭
Woah Toyota, we never would have guessed it looking like that. Nope.
…..yeah.