The Iconic Toyota Supra is Returning in 2020
When a legend stages a comeback fans are sometimes disappointed. “Heavier,” they’ll say, or, “Doesn’t sound the same.” Well Toyota is hoping to avoid these complaints with the reincarnated Supra, and the numbers suggest they’ve got it right.
We’ll look at the new, just revealed, Supra in a moment. Let’s start though with a reminder of why the name resonates with enthusiasts.
Humble Beginnings to Supercar Status
The Supra started life in the 1970’s as a performance version of the Celica liftback. Car & Driver commended its handling, but it was no rocket. That changed in ’86 when the Supra became a unique model. The styling was angular, but equipped with a turbocharged 3.0 liter straight six it could hit 60 mph in 6.4 seconds.
’93 saw a new Supra, and this one was a serious performance machine. Curvaceous bodywork concealed another 3.0 liter turbo six that laid down 5.2 second sprints to 60. (For comparison, that was faster than the Corvette of the time!)
Sales faded as the new millennium dawned though, and 2002 was the car’s last year. It did however get to make a cameo appearance in the first of the “Fast and Furious” movies.
The Beast is Back
Okay, we don’t know how much of a beast it is, but the numbers are enticing and it looks great in the pics we’ve seen. Here’s what we’re talking about:
- Engine: a 3.0 liter turbocharged straight six (of course!) making 335 hp and 365 lb-ft.
- 8-speed ZF automatic transmission (no manual.)
- Weight: almost exactly the same as the last Supra at 3,397 pounds, 50:50 distribution.
- Claimed 0-60 time of 4.1 seconds
- Wheelbase: 97.2”, or 3” shorter than the legend. Coupled with torque vectoring, that should make for some exceptionally sharp turn-in!
As for looks, well we need only a single word: curvy. That’s a good curvy, like the last model Supra. It’s low and purposeful with muscled rear haunches and an aggressive stubby nose. We’ve not had a chance to drive it but it’s certain to be a blast on the track and a lot of fun out on public roads.
One other interesting tidbit: the new Supra was co-developed with BMW. Their version is the Z4. It’s similar but not set up quite like the iconic Toyota.
