Well, folks, this is it. The much anticipated 2020 Toyota Supra is finally official! Not only this fifth-generation Supra marks the return of the legend, but this handsome sports coupe also marks the first new Supra to hit the U.S. markets in over two decades. The 2020 Toyota GR Supra is the first Global GR Model Developed by Toyota GAZOO Racing, hence the ‘GR’ in the namesake. Unlike Nissan deadpan move, Toyota continues the Supra tradition by lending this sexy beast Supra-traditional in-line, six-cylinder engine: a 3.0L straight-six twin-scroll turbocharged motor.
However, unlike the 2JZ-GTE’s JZA80 motor that produces a maximum of 280 PS (276 HP) in domestic Japanese market, this new motor produces 335 horses and turns out 365 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque at a low 1,600 rpm, and it is paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters that enables this 3,351 lbs (1,520 kilograms) sports car to rocket from 0 a 0-60 in 4.1 seconds – an acceleration that is the quickest Toyota-branded production vehicle to date. Top speed, we heard, is electronically limited to 155 mph (249 km/h). Sadly, manual gearbox is not an option.
Anywho, for those who are not into gas-guzzling engine, there is a more fugal 2.0L, in-line 4, twin-scroll turbocharged engine option available in two tunes: a 258 PS (254 HP) and a 197 PS (194 HP) variety. While Toyota did retain the twin turbo 3.0L straight six and rear wheel drive configuration, the all-new Toyota Supra is a somewhat selfish ride with a two-seater configuration which results in a stretched hood with short cabin silhouette that looks more like a fastback, reminiscing that of the 86’ Toyota Supra Celica. Speaking of the configuration… Toyota claims the 2020 Toyota GR Supra managed to achieve a weight distribution of 50/50.
Other highlights include a high-rigidity aluminum and steel body, newly designed suspension (front: double-point spring strut; rear: multi-link), active differential with electronically-controlled multi-plate clutch, up to 19-inch wheels wrapped in low profile rubbers (up to 255/35R19 front and 275/35R19), shift-by-wire gearshift, and a driver-focused interior with “vertically slim instrument panel and a high, wide console,” an 8.8-inch TFT gauge display, and a large, full-color head-up display for a touch of futurism.
And now for the availability and pricing. As far as the U.S. market is concerned, the 3.0 model carries with it a starting price of $49,990 and the 3.0 Premium starts at $53,990. Super fans, however, will want to look out for the initial 1,500 production Supras for the U.S. called Launch Edition. This 1,500 lot will be uniquely numbered and signed by Toyota Motor Corporation President/Master Driver Akio Toyoda, and bears distinctive features to set it apart from the rest of the Supras that will be rolling out of the factory. But such exclusivity demands slightly more, at $55,250.
Exact availability is not known yet, though. However the first 2020 Toyota Supra off the production line is set to go under the hammer at the Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona, on Saturday, January 19. Here’s the tidbits of this very first Supra in the U.S. in over 20 years:
“This one-of-a-kind Supra will be the very first new Supra available in the U.S. in more than 20 years. It will feature a Phantom Matte Gray exterior with the red mirror caps, red leather-trimmed interior, matte black wheels, and will carry VIN number 20201. The carbon-fiber badge on the passenger dash will be numbered 1 of 1,500 with a graphic of Akio Toyoda’s signature. The top bidder also will receive an engine cover with Akio Toyoda’s personal signature that can be framed or installed on the car.”
All proceeds for the sale of the first 2020 Supra will goes to the American Heart Association and the Bob Woodruff Foundation.
All images courtesy of Toyota.
