TOYOTA GR SUPRA RACES INTO 2021 WITH MORE POWER AND FIRST-EVER FOUR-CYLINDER TURBO MODEL

•GR Supra 3.0 Gets Power Boost and Revised Chassis Tuning

•New GR Supra 2.0 is First-Ever Four-Cylinder Version, with 255 Horsepower and Lower Weight

•New GR Supra A91 Edition with Exclusive Color and Design Features

•8-in. Central Display Screen Now Standard on All Models

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida (February 13, 2020) – Brimming with history and reverberating with the echoes of legends, Daytona International Speedway, where the Toyota-powered and sponsored AAR Eagle Mk. III GTP won the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1993, setting a 1:33.875 lap record that stood until 2019, seemed the ideal place for Toyota to launch the next phase of the GR Supra. For 2021, the six-cylinder GR Supra 3.0 models leap ahead with a power boost and retuned chassis, while a new GR Supra 2.0 four-cylinder turbo model joins the line.

The first 1,500 Mk. V Supras were Launch Editions, and for 2021 Toyota is offering 1,000 new A91 Editions. This special edition Supra will have the 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder engine and will be available in a choice of two colors, Nocturnal or Refraction, the latter exclusive to the A91 Edition and an all-new color for Supra. Accenting the Supra's concept car-inspired body are a rear black carbon fiber lip spoiler, matte black wheels, C-pillar graphics and carbon fiber mirror caps. The black Alcantara® leather-trimmed interior with blue contrast is likewise exclusive to this limited-availability model, and each A91 Edition will come with two exclusive key gloves and trunk mat.

On the 2021 Supra 3.0 Premium and A91 Edition, the front Brembo® brake calipers are painted red and feature the 'TOYOTA Supra' logo. All Supra models for 2021 will feature the 8.8-inch audio touch screen that is standard on the 2020 3.0 Premium model; the base model's 6.5-inch screen has been discontinued.

The 2021 GR Supra models are anticipated to start arriving at Toyota dealers in June. Here's what to brace for:

More Power. Because, Why Not?

The 2020 Toyota GR Supra brought the revered model back in a blaze of speed, with acceleration and handling performance that outshone even its illustrious A80 predecessor. For 2021, Toyota is keeping the pedal down, boosting output of the Supra's turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six from 335 hp at 5,000-6,500 rpm to 382 hp at 5,800-6,500 rpm, a 14-percent increase. Torque rises from 365 lb.-ft. at 1,600-4,500 rpm to 368 lb.-ft. at 1,800-5,000 rpm.

The increased output results from a slew of upgrades throughout the engine. The new dual-branch exhaust manifold, with six ports instead of two, improves heat management. A new piston design reduces the engine's compression ratio from 11:1 to 10.2:1.

The greatly revised engine produces higher torque at higher rpm and retains the eagerness to rev with turbine-like smoothness. Toyota projects that the new engine will reduce the Supra 3.0 model's 0-60 acceleration time to 3.9 seconds, from 4.1. The 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters carries over for 2021.

Retuned Chassis for Supra 3.0

The 2020 GR Supra won praise for its ride/handling balance, but even the exceptional can be improved. Seeking increased roll resistance and enhanced cornering stability, Toyota retuned the Supra 3.0 chassis, adding lightweight aluminum braces that tie the strut towers to the radiator support to increase lateral rigidity, along with front and rear bump stops and new damper tuning. Revised programming for the electric power steering (EPS), Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Active Differential works in concert with the hardware changes to make the 2021 Supra more stable through quick transitions, such as compound turns.

The First Four-Cylinder Supra Is Quick and Light

The 2020 GR Supra broke from the model's traditions in several areas, and the 2021 version seems to do it again with the first-ever four-cylinder turbo model. Or does it? The new Supra 2.0 becomes the entry model, returning a two-tier performance lineup that parallels the A70 and A80 Supra models.

The 2021 Supra 2.0 offers an intermediate model between the Toyota 86 and the Supra 3.0, giving the customer three distinct Toyota sports car choices.

The 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine shares much of its technology with the 3.0-liter inline-six, including a twin-scroll turbo, direct fuel injection and continuously variable timing on both the intake and exhaust camshafts. The variable intake valve lift system adjusts intake valve timing and duration. The bottom line is 255 hp at 5,000-6,500 rpm and a stout 295 lb.-ft. peak torque at 1,550 to 4,400 rpm.

The Supra 2.0 uses the same 8-speed automatic transmission as the 3.0, and Toyota projects 0-60 mph in 5.0 seconds, which will make it Toyota's second quickest vehicle in the lineup. The Supra 2.0 has the same electronically limited 155-mph top track speed as the 3.0, and its fuel consumption will be lower.

The Supra Lightweight

The 2021 Supra 2.0 offers much more than a lower price point. At 3,181 pounds, it is more than 200 pounds lighter than the Supra 3.0 while maintaining that model's exemplary near 50:50 weight distribution. That's because the weight reduction is spread throughout the car:

•The Supra 2.0 uses smaller front brake rotors than the Supra 3.0 (330mm x 24mm vs. 348mm x 36mm), and with single-piston calipers vs. four-piston.

•The Supra 2.0 does not have the Active Differential and Adaptive Suspension used on the 3.0 model.

•A four-speaker audio system is standard, vs. the Supra 3.0's 10-speaker system.

•Supra 2.0 seats are manually adjustable, vs. 14-way power-adjustable in the 3.0.

The Safety and Technology Package is new for MY21 and will be available on the 2.0 and 3.0 grades. That package includes:

•Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (Full speed)

•Blind Spot Monitor (BSM)

•Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)

•Parking Sensors with Emergency Braking Function

•Navigation

•12-speaker 500-watt JBL Audio System

•Wireless Apple CarPlay® compatible (iOS only)

•Supra Connected Services: up to four-year trial includes Remote Services, Remote Maintenance, Automatic Emergency Call, Real Time Traffic Information, Concierge, Stolen Vehicle Recovery, and Map Updates.

The Driver's Assist Package will still be an available option on the 3.0 Premium and A91 Edition. That package includes:

•Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (Full speed)

•Blind Spot Monitor (BSM)

•Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)

Straight to the Racetrack

Customers don't have to wait long to get their hands on the new GR Supra GT4, as it will go on sale in the U.S. starting in August. It is based on the GR Supra and is developed and produced by TOYOTA Motorsport GmbH (TMG).

A three-liter inline six-cylinder engine with single twin-scroll turbocharger has been tuned to 320kW (430hp) with a 7-speed sports automatic transmission with paddle shifters and the mechanical limited slip differential driving the rear wheels. An Akrapovič exhaust system will be fitted and Ravenol will provide first-fill lubricants.

The front splitter and rear wing are made of natural fiber composite, contributing to an overall weight of 1,350kg (2,976 lbs.). Following the specification of the GR Supra road car, the front suspension will be MacPherson strut, and rear suspension will be multilink with KW dampers at the front and rear.

The braking system is enhanced using a dedicated brake caliper for racing, six-piston front and four-piston rear, while running on Pirelli tires.

Safety will be a priority and the GR Supra GT4 will be installed with a high-strength roll cage on the lightweight steel body, and an FIA-standard racing seat with six-point harness. The interior will feature a carbon fiber instrumental panel with a display and steering wheel specifically designed for GT4 competition.

by Toyota

Production began in 1979 on the Toyota Supra, a rear driver sports vehicle based on a six cylinder engine that enhanced the sports car world immensely upon its arrival. Eventually receiving dual turbos, the Supra crossed over into the true performance car market. Inspired by Toyota's former super sports car the 2000GT, the Supra was created and designed to reach the same status.

Based on the Toyota Celica liftback, the Supra was constructed longer by 5.1 inches with the doors and rear section the same length as the Celica but with different rear panels. The Supra replaced the Celica's 4-cylinder engine with an inline 6. The original vision for the Toyota Supra was to make it a competitor to the very powerful and popular Datsun 240Z.

The 1979 Mk 1 was first equipped with a 110hp single overhead cam inline-6 motor, the 2.6L 4M-E. In 1981 the Mk 1 was updated and received the 2.8L 5M-E which increased hp to 116 and 145ft·lbf of torque. In Japan the Mk1 was available with the 2.0L M-EU engine MA45 chassis code, and the M-TEU turbo. The Mk 1 featured either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, much like all subsequent versions of the Supra. The Mk-1 also came standard with 4-wheel disc brakes, though it retained the T series solid rear axle configuration of the Celica in the MA45 version and a large F series in the MA46 and MA47. '81 was the final year that the Celica Supra could be bought equipped with an 8-track stereo.

For the second generation of the Supra, the Celica name was still used, but the Supra stood well apart from its parent. Featuring an all-new design, the Mk 2 was a huge success in the US and was awarded the Import Car of the Year by Motor Trend. For 1983 and 1984 the Supra also made Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list.

The engine was changed in the US from the SOHC 2.8L 5M-E to the DOHC 2.8L 5M-GE. Available in two types, the MK 2 was available as either the Performance type; the P-type or the L-type; Luxury type. The P-type featured fiberglass fender flares over the wheel wells while the L-type featured simple smaller flares modeled into the metal above the wheel wells. The P-type came with either 4.10:1 or 4.30:1 rear gearing, and the L-type came with 3.727:1 rear gearing. Both of these models were available with either the W58 manual 5-speed transmission of the A43DL/A43DE 4-speed automatic transmission. The P-type Supra came with 14X7 wheels and 225/60/14 tires while the L-type came with 14x5.5 wheels and 195/70/15 tires. The suspension was specially designed by Lotus.

The Mk 2 came with a variety of other engines when sold around the world. Sweden, Switzerland and Australia retained the Mk1's 5M-E, while the MK2; MA-63 was available with the option of the turbocharged SOHC M-TE engine in Japan, or the 2 liter twin turbo 1G-GTE; GA61. The Mk 2 was badged as the Celica XX in Japan, and a few came with the 2.0L 1G-GEU since taxes were less on lower-displacement engines.

Non-US 5M-GE's achieved around 170hp, while the US-market versions, to comply with emission requirements made around 145hp since the exhaust systems was more restrictive. '84 and '85 US models had about 165hp due to 9.2:1 compression versus the former 8.8:1.

1985 was the final year for the Mk2 but due to delays in the manufacturing of the Mk3 led to leftover '85 Mk 2s being offered for sale in the beginning half of 1986. These 1986.5 models featured minor cosmetic changes along with the addition of the rear-mounted third brake light on the hatch. A total of 33,283 of these models were produced for this year.

The 6M-GEU, a 190hp 3.0L version of the 5M-GE was a popular engine replacement for the Mk 1. Offered in the JDM-only Crown and Chaser models, this engine was never available in the MK 2.

Toyota was ready to release its next version of the Supra, the Mk III in 1986. Now two completely separate models, the Celica and Supra no longer shared any ties. The Supra kept its rear wheel design, while the Celica changed to front wheel drive. A more powerful version than the previous 2.8L and 3.0L engine with two version, one with a CT-26 Turbo and one without, the A60 (Mk II) and the A70 (MK III). Both available with an optional automatic transmission, the A34E, the non-turbo 7M-GE models came standard with the W58 manual transmission, while the 7M-GTE came standard with the R154. In the 1989 model year, the car received new tail-lights, front bumper, badging and side trim along with other features.

The Turbo-A model was introduced in 1988 and featured a special design that was aimed at winning the Group-A touring car championships around the world. Only 500 Turbo-As were ever produced. The fastest Japanese road car until the Nissan Skyline R32-GTR, the Turbo-A was a special 7M-GTEU with 27PS. Produced only in black, the Turbo-A model featured a luxurious all-leather interior, a front intercooler inlet, was only available as a hardtop and only used MAP engine sensors. The Turbo-A also featured higher boost (7.8psi), long lift cams, larger injectors, larger intercooler and a high flowed version of the CT26 turbocharger.

In Japan the A70 Supra was available in two non export models, the JZA70 with a 2.5L 280hp twin turbo 1JX-GTE, known as 2.5GT Twin Turbo R, and with a 2.0L 210hp twin-turbo 1G-GTE.

A great deal of new technology was showcased in the third-generation of Toyota Supra vehicles. While airbags became standard in 1990, the 1986 Supra's were already equipped with ABS, and TEMs (Toyota Electronically Modulated Suspension). With 6.8 psi of boost, the 7M-GE MA70 is capable of propelling itself 0-60 in just over 6 seconds.

For the 1990 model year a driver's side airbag was made standard, while cruise control moved back to a column mounted stalk. For smoothness, fluid filled engine mounts were added, while the power steering boost was trimmed for feel at high speeds. A total of 6,419 units were produced for the 1990 model year.

For 1991 new five-spoke wheels with Goodyear GS-D Z-rated tires were made standard along with ABS on Turbo models. Optional was an out-sliding power sunroof while the Sport Roof and pop-up sunroof are still available. 3,623 units were built for 1991.

The final year for the third generation, the 1992 Toyota Supra featured the revision of Automatic transmission shift points. Made optional for this year was a ten-speaker stereo system with the ETR/Cassette/CD systems. 1,193 models were produced for the year.

Introduced in 1993, the third generation of the Toyota Supra featured new softly rounded styling along with a more compact look wrapped around a 2+2 body style, though only children or small pets could fit in the back seat. For 1993 a total of 2,901 units were produced. For 1994, 3,422 models were sold.

Toyota took a huge leap in the direction of a more super sports car in the MK IV. Designed from the ground up, the fourth generation of Supra featured two completely new engines, the naturally aspirated 2JZ-GE 220hp and 210 lb-ft of torque, or a twin turbocharged 2JZ-GTE which reached an amazing 320h 315 lb-ft of torque. Able to achieve 0-60 in 4.6 seconds, the turbocharged variant could reach the ¼ mile in just below 13.1 seconds at over 109 mph. Stock turbos are capable of running around 400bhp with an unrestricted airflow/exhaust system and an aftermarket boost controller which is commonly known as a BPU system.

Actually operating in sequential mode rather parallel mode as the ‘twin turbo' name usually implies, the MKIV Supra's twin turbos operated just as the first turbo starts spooling at low rpms and as the rpms increase the second turbo joins in. This was effective in reducing turbo lag. Most vehicles which are advertised as ‘twin turbo' operate by having two equally sized turbos consistently running in parallel, meaning that the turbos spool up at the same time. For the MKIV generation, the Toyota Supra received a new 6-speed Getrag transmission on the Turbo models.

For 1998 the Supra underwent a few minor changes that included the removal of the Anniversary emblems on the front fenders. On the interior, a new 3-spoke steering wheel replaced the previous 4-spoke wheel. Cloth sports seats now featured a bolder design, and the radio was redesigned. Modified to produce over 1200hp, MKIV Supras can reach the ¼ mile in 7.9 seconds. Toyota ceased to export the cars from Japan in 1998, and ended production altogether in 2002 due to a decline in sales. For this year, a total of 1,232 models were produced.

There is some speculation at the possibility that Toyota will base the future Supra on the next generation Altezza, which would be powered by a Twin-Turbocharged V6 Engine. Others speculate the future Toyota Supra will become the next flagship model for the company, pushing the Toyota Century off the flagship spot.

A few possible concepts for the new Supra were featured in 2006. This new model is speculated to have both a convertible and coupe version with 2 engine models. The rumored price falls around $50,000 for the V8 and $40,000 for the V6.

by Jessican Donaldson