2021 Toyota GR Supra 2.0
Last year, we were charmed by the return of the Toyota GR Supra. We loved how it drove and got in to the whole mystique of the car’s legacy, including the collaboration with BMW to create a new icon for today.
We admit that we got carried away with the GR Supra. However, they improved upon this superb sports coupe for 2021. While they upped the performance on the turbocharged six-cylinder engine by 50 horsepower, they added a less expensive model…with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
A lot of Supra fans were shocked to see that Toyota would drop an engine with two less cylinders underneath the hood. We have always seen Supras powered only with six cylinders. However, this is a new Supra and some things must change.
We were curious whether a four-cylinder GR Supra was fitting of the badge itself.
No matter what it has underneath its clamshell hood, you cannot tell the difference between the four-cylinder and a six-cylinder Supra. The front end has three distinct deep grille slots creating a race-ready look. Two triple-bulb LED headlamp units grace the front end providing enough light ahead.
The taillights were squished between the hatchback and rear bumper. The hatchback sprouts a rear spoiler, while the lower part of the bumper has an aggressive diffuser with a center backup lamp and two chrome exhaust tips. Our four-cylinder tester came with its own distinctive set of 18-inch alloy wheels.
Inside our four-cylinder tester is a cabin that almost the same as the six-cylinder model. It remains a challenge for tall drivers to get in and out of. Once you do, you are rewarded with a cockpit made for drivers. That also includes the extra headroom made by the “humps” in the roof.
Seating is only for two. Four-cylinder models wear a mix of black alcantara and leather with red trim. You still sit low, however, tall drivers will find plenty of headroom underneath the “humps.” Each seat is heavily bolstered that will forgive over the miles to fit you right.
The cockpit starts with a thick steering wheel sitting in front of a fully digital instrument cluster. The speedometer is off to the side, as the tachometer dominates the screen. You do not get much information on the right screen, unless you are changing stations and going in-between tracks of your music files from your smartphone.
On top of the center stack is a tablet-like infotainment screen that is controlled by a large knob on the center console, a series of buttons around it, and some redundant controls on the steering wheel. The shifter is a giveaway of the collaboration with BMW, as are many of the controls all around the cockpit.
The hatchback opens up high to a 10.2 cubic feet of cargo space. It may seem like a small space, but it is sizeable enough for luggage for the weekend for two.
When you open up the clamshell hood, you will find the 255-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. This engine also puts down 295 pound-feet of torque, all fed through an eight-speed automatic transmission sending power to the rear wheels.
As much as we love last year’s six-cylinder GR Supra, we found the four-cylinder equally powerful and enjoyable to run. If you want dramatics, press the Sport button and work the paddle shifters from behind the steering wheel for a more engaging drive.
As for fuel economy, we experienced an average of 28.0 MPG.
What has not changed with the new engine is the driving dynamics package for the GR Supra. Even with the smaller engine, the GR Supra was planted and cornered extremely well. The steering system was sharp and offered a lot of control through the turns. We experienced a quick response in evasive maneuvers. Sport mode adds extra weight on the steering for even more precise control.
Braking is excellent in the GR Supra. Pedal feel is great with superb response down to the wheels. We found its stopping performance to be very strong, especially in panic situations.
The GR Supra’s suspension is best described as quite firm on rougher roads and balanced on smoother ones. In Sport mode, you will definitely feel the bumps as the dampers tighten up.
The 2021 Toyota GR Supra starts at $43,090 with a 2.0-liter engine and no options. Our four-cylinder tester came with a sticker price of $47,895. Six-cylinder models start from $51,090.
The GR Supra has made its presence known in the sports coupe market, despite its shrinking number of competitors. It continues to be compared to the Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman, BMW Z4, and Nissan 370Z. You could also throw in some 2+2 models, in particular the Ford Mustang with the EcoBoost engine.
There is a choice of Toyota GR Supras available for the enthusiast. If you need all the power in the world, the six-cylinder engine will satisfy your need for excellent performance. However, you simply cannot go wrong with the four-cylinder GR Supra. It will equally excite your soul.
Story Credits: CarSoup Editors
