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Toyota made significant changes to the new-for-2020 Supra just one year into its lifespan, adding a new, cheaper four-cylinder model and bumping the output of the previously solitary inline-six version. That’s not the only hardware change in store for the resurrected sports coupe, either.
For many, whether or not they ever get into a Supra will come down to price, and that’s where the new GR Supra 2.0 enters the fray.
Sporting a BMW-sourced turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, the lesser of the two Supras carries an after-destination MSRP of $43,945.
While that puts the model $7,000 below the 2020 six-cylinder model, changes for 2021 increase the power and pricing gap. Toyota and partner BMW massaged the 3.0-liter up from 335 horses to 382, with torque climbing modestly from 365 to 368 lb-ft. That extra oomph comes at a cost, however, as the base ’21 3.0 model starts at $51,945 after destination — $1,000 higher than this year’s entry price.
A $8,000 price gap makes for reasonable distancing between the two Supra flavors without encroaching on the much cheaper, already slow-selling 86. Toyota sees its sports car ladder as having three distinct rungs.
Springing for the 2.0L might feel like a wallet-constrained cop-out to some, but the lighter engine and front brake setup, smaller wheels (18-inchers), as well as other changes, means the Supra 2.0 sheds more than 200 pounds over its I6 sibling. This should make for near-perfect weight distribution, Toyota claims.
With the downsized engine overseen by the same eight-speed automatic found in the 3.0 model, 60 mph should come along in 5 seconds — 1.1 seconds slower than the newly up-horsepowered 2021 six-cylinder, and 0.9 seconds slower than the 2020 model.
For 2021, all Supras see an 8.8-inch touchscreen replace the previous 6.5-inch base unit. An exclusive A91 Edition (3.0L) appears for the new model year, with just 1,000 units bound for the United States. This model, carrying an MSRP of $56,945, dons a black rear lip spoiler and mirror caps made of carbon fiber, graphics on the C-pillar, and an Alcantara-filled interior.
Toyota says all 2021 Supras gain aluminum braces securing the strut towers to the radiator, with retuned dampers and front and rear bump stops added to keep body roll in check. It also tinkered with the programming for the steering and adaptive variable suspension, as well as stability control system.
Going on sale later this summer, the 2021 Supra is a more inclusive model than before — one with broader appeal in a segment where buyers are both few and picky.
[Images: Toyota]
BuT iTs NoT a SuPrA wItHoUt An I6
Well technically such a model has typically worn Celica badges. Putting Supra badges on your Celica (back when the models were related) would be akin to slapping 5.0 badges on your 2.3 Mustang LX.
It is funny though. Toyota couldn’t put one of their own V6’s in a Supra because people wouldn’t accept it (per.them) without the inline 6. Next year, here is a German turbo 4.
Your second statement is exactly my sarcastic point.
If they can sell this, why not a 3.5 V6?
Its also not a Supra because its a BMW.
With a BMW engine, is this a car to lease for a few years, not buy and keep for twenty, because it will turn into a money pit after the warranty expires?
Well, I’d assume that once the warranty expires all the fanboys will swap the BMW motor out for a 2JZ.
That seems expensive versus just fixing the BMW engine as needed.
BMWs are generally set up to give 6 years of “reliability”. I doubt many original owners are looking to keep a Supra for 15 years and 250k miles. The third owners will be the ones feeling the pain.
Next: 2L Supra TRD (turd)
No Manual, No Interest
+1 for me and +2 for all of us
A 4-cylinder with a manual would be awesome. I’m in the camp that this is a really attractive car. And I don’t particularly care that “it’s a BMW.” But no manual takes away any desire to own one. Wait ’till next year.
Toyota has said that they will do “something different” every year that the Supra is in production.
That’s why the 2.0 was introduced in the 2nd production year and not there from the start. There has been speculation that there might be a manual version introduced in the 3rd year of production.
Is there a BMW that gets the 2.0 and a manual? If not then no, there won’t be a Toyota with one and I can’t recall one.
I’d stay with the I6 personally.
The 2.0T could appeal to people that want something faster than a Miata/FRS but isn’t into the American pony car class. However, I think $44K is still a little spicy for that buyer.
Even as someone that prefers automatics I think the lack of a manual transmission does hurt as well.
There has been some rumors that the next gen BRZ/FRS will have a factory turbo model based off of Subaru’s 2.4T. If true there will be little market for a 4 cyl Supra.
Of course Toyota could decide not to have the turbo in a refreshed, redone FRS but if Subaru does – then Toyota’s FRS market disappears.
Given the nature of Toyota and Subarus relationship, I doubt they will decide to do anything that goes against what Toyota has decided.
Back in the day there was the Celica Supra, which had a four and the six-cyl Supra in a body that looked virtually identical. I like the idea of this car with a four, but I still can’t get my head around them being BMW engines. Toyota is legendary for their durable and reliable engines, while BMW is legendary for their exciting, often fragile engines. I can’t for the life of me figure out why Toyota would risk the most important part of their reputation.
“I can’t for the life of me figure out why Toyota would risk the most important part of their reputation.”
Money.
Like the other guy here said: Money. The cost of developing a new I6 internally would make the cost of the SUpra go up $10000 per car at least. It’s smart business to use a readily available, proven I6.
I’m surprised everyone harps on the engine and not the design. That’s where this thing needs improvement.
Considering that most of the Japanese reviews of the new Supra calling the turbo four version the superior choice due to its weight balance, I am actually looking forward to this version.
Still haven’t warmed up to its design though. The lack of manual is unfortunate too, even if BMW never had the best feeling of MT.
“[Get new and used Toyota Avalon pricing here!]”
Da fuq?
For $43k it’s not enough engine. If you are already that far into the $$ just spend the 20% more and get the good version. If you can’t afford the good version of the Supra get the turbo 6 stinger.
I went and played with the “Build Your Own” on Toyota’s website for the 2021 Supra and the only package available for the 2.0T is a tech/safety package for a shade under $4K. Every paint color except yellow was a no cost option.
The rear world MSRP (because I’m fairly certain every dealer is going to pick the tech package, for the JBL stereo if nothing else) will be mid $40s. It’s less compelling at that price.
I drive a F30 328i RWD with some upgrades and the balance and lightness is noticeable over the 335i. In terms of performance the 4cyl turbo does not lose much especially if tuned. Of course you can gain even more with the i6 but the weight savings are hard to compensate also.
The only downside really is the sound. The 4cylnder does not sound great and lacks some torque pull but I haven’t tuned it to gain more.
I really do prefer the weight savings and using money for a proper suspension versus raw power. No where to use it on the street.