2020 Toyota Supra

2020 Toyota Supra Exterior

It's pretty obvious that the new Supra draws inspiration from the FT-1 concept from 2014.

You can recognize the show car’s influence up front, mostly in the nose and the headlamps. Although smaller, the nose extends over the fascia, while the headlamps are shaped in a similar fashion, with light strips extending toward the center.

The bumper is a unique design, with an almost square center vent flanked by larger outlets onto the sides. Toyota designers added two angled, vertical vents at the outer edges of the headlamps too, a feature seemingly inspired by Lexus roadsters. An aggressive splitter with vertical canards onto the sides rounds off the front fascia. The headlamps are particularly interesting due to their six-lens design with integrated daytime running lights and turn signals.

The Supra borrows the black A-pillars and the double-bubble roof from the FT-1 concept

Moving onto the sides, we can see more of the FT-1’s influence in the overall shape, the cabin, the glasshouse, and the rear fenders. The Supra is notably shorter though, while the roofline isn’t as aggressive. The rear fenders retain the original design though, giving the coupe a muscular look. On the other hand, the vent in the door is smaller and fake, with no actual purpose. Another vent was added to the side panels of the engine hood, a feature unique to this model.

The Supra also borrows the black A-pillars and the double-bubble roof from the FT-1 concept. Toyota says the latter is actually a tribute to the iconic 1967 2000 GT. This is a common feature among race cars and it’s become popular with road-legal sports cars in recent years.

We can see more of the FT-1’s features around back. The slim taillights that become wider toward the sides, the massive, arching spoiler, and the trapezoidal center bumper and diffuser are also taken off the concept. It also retains the vents that extend from the taillights toward the bumper. It doesn’t have the retractable wing though. The diffuser is almost as aggressive as the FT-1’s, featuring the same F1-inspired light in the center and the four vertical winglets. Toyota moved the exhaust outlets closer to the center though.

The old Supra was long, wide, and sleek, while the new coupe is more muscular

Although Toyota claims that the new Supra bears a strong connection to the previous sports car, there aren’t many similarities beyond the swept-back headlamps and the GT-style profile. The old Supra was long, wide, and sleek, while the new coupe is more muscular. The new Supra is also shorter overall and features shorter overhangs. It’s narrower too. In fact, it’s only a tad larger than the Toyota 86, so it’s really difficult to establish a connection with the previous grand tourer. This is one of the main reasons I can’t consider the new coupe a true-blue Supra.

Still, if you’re in the market for one, you can choose between a few interesting colors, including the bold Renaissance Red 2.0, Nitro Yellow, and Downshift Blue. Other options include Absolute Zero White, Tungsten Silver, Turbulence Gray, Nocturnal Black, and Phantom Matter Gray.

2020 Toyota Supra Exterior Dimensions

2020 Toyota Supra Interior

The dashboard is low and narrow, just like in a proper sports car

Early interior spy shots revealed quite a few features borrowed from the BMW Z4, on which the Supra is based under the skin. The Japanese coupe had an identical steering wheel, gear selector, and instrument cluster graphics. Toyota revised these features, but they’re still obviously based on the Z4. Thankfully, the dashboard sports a unique design. Low and narrow, it’s the kind of dash you’d expect to see in a proper sports car. Toyota nailed it, going with a simple and clean design. The infotainment display placed high above the center stack is a bit disruptive, but the design remains attractive overall.

The center stack is also somewhat clean. The upper tier includes two A/C vents, while the lower tier features to command panels. The one in the middle is obviously borrowed from the Z4. The center console also seems similar to the BMW’s, especially the revised gear selector and the big knob on the passenger side. The console itself is asymmetrical, with an additional separation wall on the driver’s side, for a driver-centric layout.

The small-diameter steering wheel also looks a lot like the BMW Z4’s. Sure, the spokes look a bit different, but the controls are almost identical. The instrument cluster no longer looks like the Z4’s. It has unique graphics with a center-mounted rev counter and a shift-timing indicator to the left.

The seats are clearly race-inspired, featuring a narrow main section and big shoulder bolsters.

The standard seats are wrapped in Alcantara in the base 3.0 trim, but the Premium versions adds leather upholstery. They’re also heated in this trim.

Moving over to technology, the base model comes with a 6.5-inch infotainment display with Bluetooth and iPod capability.

The 3.0 Premium grade adds a larger, 8.8-inch screen with navigation, the rotary touch controller, telematics, and Apple CarPlay.

It also features a premium, 12-speaker JBL audio system and wireless phone charging.

Other premium features offered as standard on both trims include keyless smart entry, dual automatic climate control, auto-dimming rearview mirror, rear camera, rain sensor windshield wipers, garage door opener, and power folding mirrors.

As you’d expect from a sports car, luggage space is limited. Toyota didn’t release dimensions yet, but says that the trunk is big enough for a weekend getaway for two people. It also claims that the trunk is large enough for a track day tool kit. The luggage area is accessible via a lightweight, composite hatch so you don’t have to get out of the car to grab items.

All told, the Supra’s interior looks modern and it’s definitely oriented toward the premium market. However, it’s not as fancy as the BMW Z4 it’s based on, with much of the metal trim replaced by hard plastic in the Japanese car.

2020 Toyota Supra Drivetrain

As previously mentioned, the Supra is actually a BMW Z4 under the skin. Not only it rides on the same platform and suspension, but it also features the same engines.

In the U.S., Toyota offers a turbocharged, 3.0-liter inline-six engine. Shared with the BMW Z4, the twin-scroll turbo unit produces 335 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of twist.

That’s similar to the European M40i trim of the Z4, which comes with 335 horses and 369 pound-feet. On the other hand, the U.S.-spec M40i generates notably more at 382 horsepower.

The inline-six mates to the same eight-speed automatic that BMW offers in the Z4. This gearbox enables the Supra to charge from 0 to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds, making it the quickest Toyota in production yet. How does it compare to the Z4? The U.S. version is definitely quicker thanks to the extra 47 horsepower and AWD system, hittng the benchmark in 3.9 clicks.

However, the Supra is notably quicker than the Porsche 718 Cayman, the car that Toyota reportedly wants to take on with this new coupe.

Notably less powerful in base trim, the Cayman hits 60 mph in 4.5 seconds with the PDK transmission and the Sport Chrono package. The Cayman S is actually a tenth-second quicker with the same features, but it’s also notably more expensive as well.

While Toyota doesn’t mention it, the 4.1-second mark is likely achieved with the launch control feature that enables off-the-line acceleration with optimum traction.

Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph, on par with the BMW Z4 and many sports cars available right now. The 718 Cayman is faster though, with top speeds ranging from 170 for the base model to 177 mph for the S version.

Besides launch control, the Supra can also be fitted with an optional active differential. This feature controls torque distribution between the rear wheels when cornering under acceleration or braking and enables greater momentum, while reducing both understeer and oversteer.

When driven in Sport mode, the Supra becomes a track-ready coupe by reducing the intervention of traction and stability control systems, sharping throttle response and increasing steering weight.

Outside the U.S., particularly in Japan and probably in Europe too, the Supra also features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.

Also borrowed from BMW, this unit generates 197 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. Torque is similar to the entry-level Z4 sDrive20i, while output sits a bit higher as the Bimmer comes with 189 horses. However, BMW offers a more potent sDrive30i version with the same engine but rated at 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of twist.

The specs of the base Supra caused some commotion among enthusiasts, as this trim is less powerful than the theoretically inferior Toyota 86. Naturally, this version is also slower, charging to 62 mph in 6.5 seconds. That’s a tenth-second quicker than the sDrive20i and almost a full second slower than the sDrive30i.

2020 Toyota Supra Specifications

2020 Toyota Supra Suspension and Brakes

The suspension setup is again similar to the BMW Z4, down to the double-joint spring struts at the front and the multi-link layout to the rear. The latter includes a five-arm construction of lightweight aluminum to reduce weight with steel added to key areas for extra strength and durability.

Toyota's Gazoo Racing division made a few changes to the setup though, starting with a race-proved tuning for the shock absorbers.

The front subframe and control arm mounting points were also revised for even more precise cornering.

All Supras come standard with Adaptive Variable Suspension. This system instantly adjusts damping force based on driver input and road conditions in of two settings: Normal and Sport.

Braking power comes from motorsport-inspired rotors and calipers at all four corners. Up front, the rotors measure 13.7 inches in diameter and feature four-piston Brembo calipers. There’s a good chance that the Supra has a sportier suspension setup overall, at least when compared to the entry-level BMW Z4.

2020 Toyota Supra Safety

Toyota didn’t have much to say about the safety features available in the Supra, but it released a short list of active systems. The standard package includes the usual features you get with most vehicles in this price range, such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning with steering assist, and automatic high beam and road sign assist. The options list includes adaptive full speed cruise control, blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, and rear end collision warning.

2020 Toyota Supra Pricing

The Launch Edition is based on the 3.0 Premium and costs $55,250

U.S. pricing for the Toyota Supra starts from $49,990. Initial rumors claimed a $40,000 sticker, but I guess development got a bit expensive. For this amount, you get the entry-level 3.0 variant.

If you want the 3.0 Premium trim, which adds the bigger 8.8-inch display, navigation, telematics, wireless Apple CarPlay, the JBL sound system, wireless charging, and leather seats, you’ll have to pay $53,990.

You can also buy a Launch Edition model. It’s based on the 3.0 Premium and limited to 1,500 units, all uniquely numbers and fitted with distinctive feature. This one retails from $55,250.

The figures above do not include the delivery, processing, and handling fee of $930.

Individual options listed so far include a Driver Assist Package at $1,195, available for all models, and the Navigation and JBL Audio, available at $2,460 for the entry-level model.

The Supra Mk. 5 will become available in the summer of 2019.

First Car Auctioned for Charity

The first production unit of the 2020 Supra was auctioned for charity at the Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona, on January 19. The sports car went under the hammer for a whopping $2.1 million, or the price of 38 Launch Edition models. In addition to the first Supra, bearing VIN number 20201, the winning bidder also receives a full VIP race track experience, a customized professional racing suit, a pair of VIP and hot passes to the Toyota Owners 400 - Richmond Raceway, and a chance to drive the race’s pace car with Michael Waltrip.

All proceeds from the auction go to a number of charities, including the American Heart Association and the Bob Woodruff Foundation.

2020 Toyota Supra Competitors

Believe it or not, but finding a head-on competitor for the Supra isn’t as easy as it sounds. And that’s because at the time of this writing there aren’t any proper sports cars in this segment and, more importantly, in this price bracket. But let’s have a look at some of the alternatives.

BMW Z4

Since the Z4 and the Supra are built on the same scalable platforms, it’s only natural to consider them rivals. But although they share underpinnings and engines, the Supra is a coupe only, while the Z4 is convertible. So we already have two significantly different cars. The Z4 is equally aggressive on the outside, while it’s interior sports more premium features. They have similar engines though. While the 3.0-liter inline-six in the Euro-spec M40i is almost identical to the Supra’s output-wise, it cranks out notably more power in the U.S. Specifically; it delivers 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of twist, which accounts for a 47-horsepower increase over the Japanese coupe. The Z4 is also a bit more expensive. Sure, the entry-level roadster is similarly priced at $49,700, but it features the four-cylinder engine. Pricing for the M40i trim is not yet available, but it should cost more than $50,000, at least $10K more than the Supra.

Read our full review of the 2019 BMW Z4.

Porsche 718 Cayman

Due to the fact that the Supra Mk. 5 is smaller than its predecessor, we can cross-shop it with the Porsche Cayman. Sure, it has a mid-engined layout and four-cylinder engines, but it comes in at a similar sticker in entry-level trim. Revised for the 2017 model year, it features a sportier exterior and new tech, as well as turbocharged, four-cylinder engines under the hood. The base model comes with a 2.0-liter unit rated at 300 horsepower and 280 pound-feet, while Cayman S boasts a 2.5-liter engine that generates 350 horses and 309 pound-feet. While the Cayman is slower to 60 mph, needing 4.5 seconds to get there with PDK and Sport Chrono, the Cayman S hits the benchmark a tenth-second quicker in exactly four clicks. The 718 Cayman starts from $56,900, while the Cayman S comes in at $69,300.

Read our full story on the 2018 Porsche 718 Cayman.

Acura NSX

The NSX and Supra are radically different cars. Not only the NSX competes in a different niche in terms of pricing, but it also has a different drivetrain layout, with the gasoline engine mounted behind the seats. However, there is one thing that makes them similar. Much like the Supra, the NSX returned to the market after a little more than a decade. And it’s a completely different vehicle too, now using a combustion engine and no fewer than three electric motors to move about. The gas unit is a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V-6, while two of the three electric motors spin the front wheels. The hybrid combo sends 573 horsepower to all four wheels, while the V-6 alone generates a whopping 406 pound-feet of torque. Sprinting from 0 to 60 mph takes around 3.5 seconds, while top speed is rated at more than 180 mph. The big issue with the NSX, when compared to the Supra, is that it retails from $156,000.

Read our full story on the 2017 Acura NSX.

Next-Generation Nissan Z

While the current 370Z is a bit too long in the tooth for the upcoming Supra, a next-gen model would be the perfect competitor. However, while Nissan is definitely planning to build one, the Z nameplate is shrouded in mystery. While some rumors say that Nissan is looking to place it higher in the market just so it can compete with the Supra, other voices claim that the Japanese firm is actually aiming to provide a more affordable alternative. With the range-topping GT-R likely to be significantly more expensive in the new generation, a slightly pricier Nissan Z makes a lot of sense. On the flipside, there’s a scenario in which Nissan turns the Z into a crossover, so the Supra’s traditional rival may no longer exist in a few years. But as long as no specific plans have been confirmed, we can hope that Nissan is actually a working on a rival for the Toyota Supra.

Read our full review on the next-generation 2019 Nissan Z.

Conclusion

When it comes to exciting news, a new-generation Toyota Supra is as good as it gets. It’s been really painful to read all the rumors regarding a revival ever since Toyota discontinued the fourth-gen car in 2002, and the Supra is finally back on the market. But things aren’t working as planned though. Hardcore enthusiasts aren’t exactly happy with the fact that the Supra is a BMW underneath and the reactions toward the new design haven’t been too enthusiastic either. I can definitely understand that. Fans of the nameplate wanted a Japanese sports car and, needless to say, they didn’t get one. But be that as it may, the new Supra looks and sounds promising. The BMW underpinnings combined with Gazoo Racing’s expertise should result in a nimble sports car that will set some impressive lap times on the world’s most coveted tracks. It’s a bit expensive though, so it remains to be seen how popular it remains once all the hype dwindles away.

• Love it
  • * The Supra legend returns
  • * Aggressive, supercar-like styling
  • * Powerful six-cylinder engine
• Leave it
  • * Just a BMW under the skin
  • * Kind of expensive

References

Read our full review on the 1993-1998 Toyota Supra.

Read our full review on the 2014 Toyota FT-1 Concept.

Read our full speculative review on the next-generation BMW Z4.

Read more Geneva Motor Show news.

Brief Toyota Supra History

First Generation

Aimed at customers looking for a larger, more comfortable car, the first-gen Supra was offered with three engines

The first-generation Supra was launched in April 1978, and unlike its predecessors, it was heavily based on the Celica liftback. Aimed at customers looking for a larger, more comfortable car, the first-gen Supra was offered with three inline-six engines until production ended in 1981. All three were naturally aspirated, and transmission options included a five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic. The 2.0-liter unit generated 123 horsepower, while the larger, 2.6-liter engine was rated at 110 horses.

The Supra was first exported outside Japan in January 1979. In August 1980, less than a year until production was stopped, the Supra received a 2.8-liter inline-six that cranked out 116 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. Unlike the 2.0-liter version, this one was sold in the U.S. too.

Read our full story on the first-generation Toyota Supra.

Second Generation

The second-generation model went into production in late 1981 with a new exterior and a revised engine lineup

The second-generation model went into production in late 1981 with a new exterior and a revised engine lineup. Still built around the Celica’s platform, the second-gen Supra was launched with new versions of the 2.0- and 2.8-liter inline-six engines. The former was rated at 125 horsepower, while the latter developed between 145 and 174 horsepower, depending on the market where it was sold.

Toyota made various changes to the car until 1986, with all engines gaining more oomph throughout the years. By the time production came to an end, the 2.0-liter was good for up to 160 horsepower, while the 2.8-liter version generated up to 178 horses. Various variants of the previous five-speed manual and four-speed automatic transmissions were offered.

Check out our full review of the second-generation Supra.

Third Generation

In 1987, Toyota launched the first turbocharged model

The Supra was once again redesigned in 1986, gaining a more modern appearance and upgraded technology. More importantly, the Supra was no longer based on the Celica. Another big change was the switch to front-wheel drive. In 1987, Toyota launched the first turbocharged model, an event associated with the Supra name becoming an international legend.

A version of the old 2.0-liter inline-six engine was kept in production with 160 horsepower, but the twin-turbo version that followed in 1987 delivered an impressive 205 horses. The 2.8-liter was replaced with a 3.0-liter engine, rated at 200 horsepower and naturally aspirated trim and 230 horses with forced induction. In 1990, a third engine was launched. This was the legendary 1JZ-GTE, a twin-turbo, 2.5-liter inline-six rated at a whopping 276 horsepower and 268 pound-feet of twist. All engine options were available with five-speed manual and four-speed automatic transmissions.

Read our full story on the third-generation Toyota Supra.

Fourth Generation

The final and probably most celebrated Supra arrived into dealerships in 1993

The final and probably most celebrated Supra arrived into dealerships in 1993. Redesigned by Isao Tsuzuki, it looked modern but incorporated some cues from Toyota’s first grand touring sports car, the Toyota 2000GT. Equipped with modern tech and a brand-new engine, the iconic 2JZ-GTE, the fourth-gen supra was also the first Toyota vehicle to include a passenger airbag as standard.

The new 3.0-liter inline-six came with 220 horsepower and 210 pound-feet on tap, but Toyota also offered a twin-turbo version with 276 horses and 318 pound-feet of twist. For the export markets, Toyota upgraded the Supra turbo’s engine with smaller, steel-wheeled turbochargers and bigger fuel injectors, which increased the power output to an impressive 320 horsepower and 315 pound-feet in the U.S. and 326 horses and 325 pound-feet in Europe.

The fourth-gen Supra was sold in the United States until 1998 when it was retired due to declining sales

The turbocharged variant needed only 4.6 seconds to hit 60 mph from a standing start and just 13.1 seconds to complete the quarter mile (at 109 mph). The car was tested to reach over 177 mph, but customer cars were restricted to 112 mph in Japan and 155 mph in North America and Europe. A new six-speed manual was introduced alongside the usual five-speed manual and four-speed automatic.

The fourth-gen Supra was sold in the United States until 1998 when it was retired due to declining sales. Production continued in Japan until August 2002, when restrictive emissions standard forced Toyota to put an end to the fourth-gen car and the Supra nameplate altogether.

Check out our full review of the fourth-generation Supra.

Update History

Toyota Supra Prototype at the Goodwood Festival of Speed

Toyota Supra Testing on the Nurburgring

Spy Shots

April 11, 2018 - Toyota Supra caught testing at Nurburgring.

March 20, 2018 - Toyota Supra caught during some winter testing

February 20, 2018 - Toyota Supra starts dropping camouflage

October 24, 2017 – Little Change, Lots of Hope

New Taillights… that’s all it is. As you can see from this latest round of photos, the engineers over at Toyota have apparently been sleeping on the job. In more than a month, they have changed next to nothing on the outside of the upcoming sports car. It still sports the new LED headlights we saw last time, while the rest of the body has gone untouched with the exception of the rear lights, which are now official LED production units. They feature a rounded triangle layout in the corners that lead into a single strip of LEDs that shoot inward toward each other. Whether or not this strips actually connect and extend across the bottom of the rear deck remains unseen, but it certainly appears that way.

On a side note, the chances are that Toyota spent the all this time perfecting the things under the skin and tweaking various parts of the chassis, engine, and transmission. Are we close to production ready? I think so. I bet we’ll see it makes its big debut in Tokyo in the next few days, but I could be wrong. All of the exterior panels are decoys that have been riveted to the real body underneath, so it’s quite likely that the new Supra is all ready to go now that it has all of its exterior lights. We’ll just have to wait to see what happens.

August 9. 2017 – Toyota Supra Sports Some New Headlights

March 17, 2017 - Toyota Supra caught up close and personal

January 24, 2017 - Toyota Supra caught testing once again

September 7, 2016 - First testing session

Updated 04/11/2018: Our spy photographers caught the upcoming Toyota Supra testing on Nurburgring.

Updated 03/20/2018: Our spy photographers caught the upcoming Supra out for a new testing session, this time during some cold winter conditions.

Updated 02/20/2018: Our spy photographers caught the upcoming Toyota Supra out for a new testing session. As you can see the car starts dropping some of its camouflage, so we can now have a better look at the front bumper and the rear fenders.

Updated 03/16/2017: Our spy photographers caught the upcoming Toyota Supra hanging out somewhere at a station gas. Of course, this was the perfect opportunity to take some nice pictures of the upcoming coupe.

Updated 2/3/2014: We have just created several new renderings of the anticipated Supra.

Updated 1/14/2014: Toyota revealed its FT-1 concept in Detroit yesterday that we all agree is obviously a preview of what will eventually be a concept version of the next-generation Supra.

Updated 07/03/2012: A few days ago BMW and Toyota signed an agreement for co-developing a new sports car. And now, Automotive News is reporting that the next generation Toyota Supra could be built using the BMW 6-series architecture: "Anything is possible. The key factor is that the products of both companies retain their own individual character, despite jointly developed technologies."

Updated 01/24/2017: Our spy photographers caught the upcoming Toyota Supra out for a new testing session, this time during cold winter conditions.

Updated 12/13/2011: MotorTrend has offered new details on the new generation Supra set to be released in 2015. It seems that the car is being tested with a 3.5-liter V-6 hybrid system generating over 400 hp. It has also been rumored that the car will feature a design close to the FT-HS concept revealed at the 2007 Detroit show.

Updated 12/05/2011: The return of the Supra name has been denied and confirmed by Toyota so many times, it’s equivalent to watching a tennis ball endlessly shooting over the net - back and forth, back and forth. Now, however, that game may finally be coming to a close. During the official debut of the GT 86, Chief Engineer Tetsuya Tada, said there was room for a three-tier sports car line-up in the Toyota range, with one car sitting below the 86 and one above it: "Right now the 86 will be a mid-size sports car. I would like to have one smaller and one larger. One would probably be a Supra follower. Nothing has been decided yet. It would [be] like a Supra successor.

We’ll see how long this story rides before Toyota throws another game into the set.