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
didn’t the supra always competed with the likes of the gtr and the nsx? Now it’s just too far behind of those two
No they didn’t compete… the Supra was meant to be a grand touring car and the Skyline and NSX were meant to be full blown sports cars
Not bad. It would be great if it was released in 2014. Now tho
It’s good. Very good. But that’s it, and that’s a shame, since there are many great cars on market
I think that sums up my thoughts. To me it’s a bit like the new NSX, or the 2017 GT-R. At face value, a great car, but weighed up against the rest of that incredibly crowded segment? Opportunity cost is a b!tch.
Oooft, like those rear arches, its much nicer than I expected. Il just check if I can justify £50k on a new car………… damn.
I hope it does well as its one of the more interesting looking cars we have seen recently and will really stand out against the dull germans.
“Supra 3.0L” Does that spec name suggest that a bigger engine is coming?
I’d bet it suggests there will be smaller ones
Now this is a proper sports car…
Good one Toyota/Bimmer… And a new Shmeemobile.. 👍👍 can’t wait to see one on the road
someone needs to Photoshop it a little but lower (like on sport springs/coilovers)
I like the new Supra.
jeopardy theme finally ends
That is sick
Yes, we know
I don’t know what is up with the unreasonable hate
The new Supra is going to be good because of Tetsuya Tada, the man behind the MkIV Supra, which some of you guys forgot
Also while BMW provided the engine and transmission, Toyota did everything and even did the tunes to make this an even better car
I am quite excited that Toyota finally brought back the Supra and I am looking forward to getting one
And even better the Celica and MR2 is coming back
They must’ve made the car to be tuner friendly, let’s just see ;)