NEARLY 20 YEARS SINCE TOYOTA SUSPENDED ITS GROUNDBREAKING SPORTS COUPE, THE SUPRA IS BACK THE 2020 MODEL AN ADVENTURE IN HISTORY HONORING BODY DESIGN AND NEW ERA TECH

BY EVAN MONROE

For an interminable 18 years since the last of the fourth generation Toyota Supras was sold in 2002 ending the line’s then 24 year run as one of the most wonderfully gonzo and relatively low cost sport coupes in automotive history we wondered if this casualty of late 1990s disinterest in small sport models generally (not to mention a stronger yen, which pushed up prices considerably at the time) was ever going to make its way back to our shores.

That wait came to an end in January, when this fifth generation model was unveiled, though we were forced to tap fingers another seven months before cars went on sale in late July. Happily, hangers on were treated to body lines that combine the best of fourth gen looks and a dash of the landmark 1967 Toyota 2000 GT, a blast of a motor, and a feet of interior refinements. The one casualty is the loss of Supra’s formerly modest(ish) purchase price, which now starts at $49,990.

Available in 3.0 and 3.0 Premium grades, it’s powered by a 3 liter turbocharged in line six cylinder engine that kicks out 335 horsepower and 365 lb. ft. of torque hitched to an 8 speed automatic transmission (with paddle shifters; no manual is available, tragically). These combine for a 0 60 time of 4.1 seconds, which makes it the quickest Toyota production vehicle to date. A perfect 50:50 weight balance means that even sports younglings can throw this little gem around and feel confident that it’ll behave.

It was a great move to have the same engine in both models, the Premium instead distinguished by additional features such as an upgraded main touchscreen and color heads up display, Supra Connect services, and Apple CarPlay compatibility, as well as a 12 speaker JBL audio system (though the base model system is just terrific) as well as heated and leather trimmed seats.

Keyless Smart Entry is common to both models, as is dual automatic climate control, auto dimming rearview mirrors, a rear camera, rain sensing windshield wipers, garage door opener, power folding mirrors, and a leather wrapped steering wheel. Standard, too, is a pre collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning with steering assist, and automatic high beams. An optional Driver Assist Package adds dynamic radar cruise control, blind spot monitor, rear cross trac alert, and parking sensors.

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