2022 Toyota GR Supra
Two years ago, Toyota made a huge impression upon the enthusiast community with the reborn GR Supra. While there were some who have criticized it for sharing a lot of its components with BMW – it is a joint effort after all – there were some that felt that Toyota got the short end of the stick.
Over time, some of its shortcomings were remedied though this joint venture. For 2021, the turbocharged six-cylinder engine got a power bump from 335 horsepower to 382 horsepower. BMW threw in a turbocharged four-cylinder engine for good measure. For 2023, Toyota will receive a manual gearbox for the GR Supra.
For our third straight year in-a-row, we not only received a GR Supra to review – we finally got the more powerful version of the six-cylinder. Let’s see if 382 horsepower makes the difference this time around.
The exterior design should be familiar to us by now. The GR Supra continues to be a distinctly styled sports car that stands out anywhere it shows up at. It starts with a nose that reminds us of a modern racing car. Two triple-bulb LED headlamp units grace the front end above three deep grille slots. A clamshell hood creates the illusion of a long front end that reminds us of classic sports cars of the past.
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. The taillights are infused in the overall shape. The result is a sports car that breaks tradition from past Supras for today’s enthusiasts.
Stepping inside the GR Supra is a challenge for tall drivers. The roofline is low, yet it is also accommodating. The “humps” on the roof allow for taller drivers to gain headroom behind the wheel. There’s only seating for two, and both seats offer deep bolstering that is comfortable and supportive.
The driver has access to a BMW-influenced cabin with several nods to Toyota’s co-development. Ergonomically superior, you have access to a digital instrument cluster, and controls for all functions with a hand’s reach. The infotainment system is also accessed by a dial, known as Supra Connect, and controls on the steering wheel. Though we wished the high-mounted infotainment screen was more canted to the driver and brighter to see.
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.
In contrast to the 2020 model we reviewed, the 3.0-liter turbocharged in-line six-cylinder engine now sports 382 horsepower. This engine revs high and acts with urgency with a commanding sound from the exhaust. We certainly felt the difference between the 2020 and 2022 six-cylinder models.
A ZF eight-speed automatic transmission sends power to the rear wheels. The shifts are smooth, and you do hear the downshifts from the exhaust system. For more excitement, press the Sport button on the center console for higher revs and a louder exhaust note. You can control the shifts with the paddles behind the steering wheel. We also experienced an average fuel consumption of 27.0 MPG.
Note that the 2023 GR Supra will come with a six-speed manual transmission on six-cylinder models.
We also love how the GR Supra is planted on the road. It corners extremely well. The steering system is sharp and offers a lot of control through the turns. The result is quick handling in evasive maneuvers. Sport mode adds extra weight on the steering for more precise control.
Braking is excellent in the Supra. Pedal feel is great with superb response down to the wheels. We found the stops as good as expected for a car in its class, with excellent response in panic situations.
The Supra suspension offers a firm ride that manages rougher surfaces well. If you want a firmer ride for the track, put the GR Supra in Sport mode. You may feel plenty of bumps as the dampers tighten up.
The 2022 GR Supra starts at $43,540. Our 3.0 Premium tester came with a sticker price of $57,915.
The return of the GR Supra two years ago may have stirred some emotions among the enthusiast set. It provoked Nissan to introduce the 2023 Z to match it head-to-head. Enthusiasts also have been shopping the Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman, as well as the BMW Z4 and Audi TT.
Whether you are holding out for the manual transmission version of the GR Supra, or truly want one no matter which engine or transmission is underneath the hood, Toyota (and BMW) has an exciting and fun sports coupe for you to release your inner enthusiast onto the roads.
Story Credits: CarSoup Editors
