Toyota GR Supra V (A90) 2.0 (258 HP) Automatic

Automakers that go through the intense process of reviving a long-gone sports car nameplate from the past typically like to wait a few years to let the accomplishment settle in with brand enthusiasts. But Toyota had other ideas. Just one year after reviving the legendary Supra nameplate, Toyota is back for the 2021 model year with massive improvements for its flagship sports car.

With a new 255-horsepower 2.0T at the bottom of the lineup and the 3.0-liter turbo-six retuned to develop a BMW Z4-matching 382 hp, the GR Supra is now both more attainable and mightier than ever before. Rear-wheel drive is still the standard (and only) option, as is an eight-speed automatic, and a reworked chassis means last year's sublime handling has been improved. While comparisons will always be made to the BMW Z4 and Nissan 370Z, the Supra has its sights set higher, challenging the established elite like the Porsche 718 Cayman for top sports car honors. Ahead of the official market release of the 2021 model, Toyota sent us a 2.0 and a 3.0 back-to-back to get to grips with the upgrades.

After debuting to much celebration and adoration for 2020, 2021 brings massive changes to the GR Supra lineup. Not only has Toyota bolstered the power outputs on the 3.0 models to 382 horsepower - up from last year's 335 hp and now matching the BMW Z4's output - and 368 lb-ft of torque, but the Japanese outfit has also introduced a special A91 Edition of the uprated vehicle with a choice of two paints (Nocturnal or an exclusive new shade called Refraction) which will be limited to just 1,000 units, 500 in each color. This replaces the now discontinued Launch Edition model of last year. The chassis on the 3.0-liter sports cars has been retuned to handle the additional power, giving a different feel to last year's model. Meanwhile, at the opposite end of the spectrum, the Supra has been made more attainable thanks to the inclusion of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder derivative with 255 hp and 295 lb-ft. This version of the Supra has been made lighter with smaller brakes, a simpler sound system, and a lack of equipment such as the adaptive suspension and active differential found on the 3.0 models. All models now feature an 8.8-inch infotainment screen, which was optional on last year's Supra.

A year on since the GR Supra first landed, and it's still as good to look at now as it was back then, with the dual tailpipes, ducktail spoiler, and double-bubble roof all coming together gloriously to highlight one of the best designs of the modern era. LED headlights still feature across the range with LED DRLs. 2.0 derivatives are differentiated by gloss black wing mirrors and polished stainless steel tailpipes, as well as 18-inch alloy wheels, while the 3.0s get matte black mirror caps, brushed stainless steel tailpipes, and 19-inch alloys. Further exclusivity can be had thanks to the new A91 Edition Supra which wears one of two special shades - one of which is exclusive to the A91 Edition - and gets a carbon fiber lip spoiler, matte black alloy wheels, carbon fiber mirror caps, and special C-pillar graphics with a black satin double-hash design.

In any shade, the GR Supra stands out, but it wears some shades better than others. For 2020 we see the addition of just a single hue, with Refraction joining the color palette as an exclusive A91 Edition shade that is striking enough to justify the price increase of the limited edition model. Elsewhere in the range, fan favorites return, such as Absolute Zero, Renaissance Red 2.0, and Tungsten, while Nocturnal is the only one of the eight hues that can be equipped on any model. Nitro Yellow is once again an additional-cost option for both the 2.0 and 3.0 derivatives at a price of $425, while Phantom is exclusively available on the 3.0 Premium and carries a steeper asking price of $1,495. Our back-to-back testers were decked out in Renaissance Red (2.0) and Absolute Zero (3.0), and while the white is subtle and flies under the radar with a Stormtrooperesque look, the red just looks the part on something as curvaceous as the Supra's body.

Last year's Supra was hardly slow, but with more power gleaned from the 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six (yes, the BMW-sourced one), it's now quicker than before. 0-60 mph finally occurs in under four seconds, with the claimed 3.9-second sprint now down two-tenths from last year. The difference is thanks to a mild suspension retune, as well as increases of 47 hp and three lb-ft over last year's engine. Meanwhile, the new 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that forms the base of the range is still pretty spritely, achieving the 0-60 run in a claimed five seconds flat. Toyota hasn't just focused on straight-line ability, though, and the lighter 2.0 is geared to be more nimble through the corners despite the loss of an active rear differential, while the 3.0-liter models get a suspension tune that makes them more supple, yet more capable through the twisty stuff. It's a winning recipe in either incarnation, taking everything we loved about last year's Supra and making it even better. As before, there's only rear-wheel-drive on display here, but unfortunately, there's still no option for a manual gearbox.

At 3,181 pounds, the Supra 2.0 is more than 200 pounds lighter than its six-cylinder counterpart. Most of the weight savings come from having two fewer cylinders under the hood, but shedding the 3.0's adaptive suspension and active differential helped shave off a few lbs. With less weight on the nose, the Supra 2.0 feels slightly more eager to change direction, and, if given the opportunity, we are sure it would shine as an autocross vehicle. Even without the adaptive suspension, the Supra 2.0 still rides beautifully over rough pavement as we've come to expect from last year's Supra. Without the active differential, we found the Supra 2.0 to be even more predictable when tossed into a corner, though the lack of power certainly became a bother when the road straightened out.

We still prefer Toyota's comfortable approach to suspension tuning over BMW's race-track derived stiffness and the retuned chassis on the 2021 Supra 3.0 has only reinforced this opinion. The 2021 Supra 3.0 features lightweight aluminum braces, tying the strut towers to the radiator and increasing the lateral rigidity. Other adjustments have been made to the electric power steering, Adaptive Variable Suspension, Vehicle Stability Control, and Active Differential in order to prevent the Supra from morphing into a tail-happy tire shredder. The COVID-19 landscape prevented us from discovering how all of these chassis changes improved the Supra on a racetrack, but we suspect the 2021 model is still geared more towards backroad barnstorming than setting lap records.

The steering still feels remarkably precise when benchmarked against any non-Porsche and the ZF eight-speed automatic still ranks up there with the best available dual-clutch transmissions, despite it being a torque-converter auto. Placing either of the two cars into sport mode tightens up the throttle and opens up the valves in the exhaust to add more concert to the driving experience. Though if we are being honest, the pops from the four-cylinder's exhaust sounded more like a cell phone speaker compared to the thunderous cracks of the inline-six. We also noted more rev-hang in the four-banger while the six-cylinder exhibited no such issues. Unless you are more interested in your monthly payment than fun, we suggest getting the Supra 3.0.

High-quality materials abound, from the soft-touch dash with carbon fiber trim to the black Alcantara and leather combination seats in both the 2.0 and 3.0 derivatives. Sadly, that's the only color choice you get, though, and even on the 3.0 Premium the full-leather upholstery is limited to black. Those in search of some color need to turn to the limited edition A91 Edition model, which doesn't quite get the bright red option of last year's First Edition, but gets black and blue combination Alcantara and leather sports seats with blue stitching on the seats, steering wheel, and other interior panels. 3.0 Premium and A91 Edition models also get sport pedals in place of the standard rubber items.

Price Range (MSRP):$40,000 - $55,250.