2024 Toyota GR Supra

In a 180-degree departure from Toyota’s typical output of family-friendly SUVs and fuel-sipping hybrids, the GR Supra takes elements from BMW to become a true driver’s machine. This is one half of a collaboration between Toyota and BMW, the other half being the Z4. Both are built in the same factory that also produces the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and several other classy vehicles.

So you could think of the GR Supra as a BMW, except it’s cheaper by several thousand dollars. GR stands for Gazoo Racing, by the way, a name from Toyota’s involvement in motorsport. The Supra name has been around since 1979 and has become something of an icon. The GR Supra, which debuted for 2020, is set to continue that tradition.

It’s been 45 years since the first-ever Supra launched, so Toyota has commemorated the occasion with a 45th Anniversary Edition. It’s a limited run with 900 units coming to the United States, based on the 3.0 Premium model and available in either Mikan Blast (orange) or Absolute Zero (white).

One rival was all-new last year — the Nissan Z (from $41K). The Ford Mustang (from $31K) is all-new this year, if much less of a direct competitor. Going the other way, the Chevy Corvette (from $66.3K) and Porsche 718 Cayman (from $68.3K) might be stretching the budget too far. The BMW Z4 is the soft-top equivalent of the GR Supra. The Z4 starts at $53.6K.

Before buying a new GR Supra coupe, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying. The ’Vette and Mustang have stronger resale values, but the GR Supra’s ability to retain its worth is as good as the 718 Cayman’s.

A turbocharged 2.0-liter engine propels the base GR Supra with 255 horsepower. There’s nothing wrong with this amount of muscle in a car of such modest dimensions. The sprint from standstill to 60 mph happens in five seconds flat. That’s only a tenth of a second off the Porsche 718 Cayman’s time, which is significantly pricier and has 300 horsepower. And not much slower than the new Nissan Z, which employs a 400-horsepower turbocharged V6.

This engine only has an 8-speed automatic transmission for company. The optional 3.0-liter 6-cylinder version offers a 6-speed manual (the Z4 does not), along with the automatic. This auto setup does have paddle shifters, though, so drivers can change gears whenever they want.

Since the GR Supra is essentially an enthusiast’s machine, then we’re happy to get enthusiastic about the turbocharged 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine. It generates a thumping 382 horsepower and enables a 3.9-second sprint to 60 mph (automatic transmission; the manual manages 4.2 seconds). That’s faster than the 350-horsepower 718 Cayman S.

The Supra is agile and precise with either engine, with a fine balance thanks to a front-engine/rear-drive configuration. For a greater range between commuting comfort and track-ready control, versions with the 3.0-liter engine also have an adaptive suspension as standard, plus Brembo performance brakes.

We have BMW to thank for a lot of this, since the Munich company’s contribution to this joint project includes drivetrains and suspensions. The GR Supra is based on the same platform as the Z4 convertible. And BMW sure knows how to make a driver’s car.

Fuel Economy

Premium gasoline is required for both engines. The 2.0-liter drivetrain achieves 27 combined mpg (25 city, 31 highway). The 3.0-liter version runs to 26 combined mpg (23 city, 31 highway) with the automatic transmission, or 21 combined mpg (19 city, 27 highway) with the manual transmission. All these figures are better than similar models in the Nissan Z and Porsche 718 Cayman lineups.

There’s seating for two in the GR Supra. It doesn’t bother adding the almost-useless small rear seats often found in other coupes. It’s still not especially spacious, but that’s to be expected from a machine whose main aim is sportiness.

An aim emphasized by carbon fiber trim pieces, simulated suede upholstery inserts, and the digital instrument cluster. Because the GR Supra is a joint project with BMW, it also gains some switchgear that’s a bit fancier than the usual Toyota fare. Our only real complaint is that the wide rear pillars hamper outward vision. We recommend opting for blind-spot monitoring. Oh, and more sound insulation would have been nice.

Luggage space is something of an afterthought in a car like this, but the GR Supra’s 10.2 cubic feet will hold a couple of weekend bags. We also like the handy hatchback access and the wide aperture.

The GR Supra comes solely as a coupe and so has that typical (yet still evocative) long nose/sloping roof profile. Some aspects of the design are functional, like the vents that help keep the brakes cool. And there are two humps in the roof to maximize headroom. The more aesthetic aspects we’ll leave to personal taste.

This year’s 45th Anniversary Edition is the latest in a series of limited runs. As well as the white or orange paint choices, it comes with wheels, brake calipers and a side-panel graphic all finished in black. It also adds an adjustable rear spoiler.

Engine choices
The engines available in the GR Supra are the same BMW units offered in the Z4. That’s a good thing. They’re lively, refined, and efficient. The 3.0-liter 6-cylinder example is particularly smooth and energetic.

Infotainment system
Like the engines, this system — based around an 8.8-inch touchscreen that comes in every trim — is essentially a BMW iDrive unit. It’s user-friendly and recognizes voice commands well.

NASA membership
No, not the space agency (wouldn’t that be cool?) but the National Auto Sport Association, which is cool in its own way. Everyone who buys a new GR Supra also receives a 12-month free NASA membership, ticket discounts for NASA-sanctioned events, and a high-performance driving experience.

Manual transmission
Manual transmissions still have an allure. They do enhance a driver’s involvement with the car. A 6-speed version is available with the bigger engine. BMW doesn’t offer one at all in the Z4, so this gives the GR Supra more enthusiast credentials.

Adaptive suspension
Only available with the 3.0-liter engine, where it’s standard, this sport-tuned adaptive suspension makes the weekday chores a little more comfortable than the 2.0 model’s setup, while sharpening reactions on a weekend track day.

Safety & Technology package
Available as an option in the lower two variants, this bundle includes blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, wireless Apple CarPlay, and a 12-speaker/500-watt JBL audio system. The top trims have the infotainment stuff as standard, with the driver aids as optional equipment.

The base model of the 2024 GR Supra has a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine making 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This links to an 8-speed automatic transmission.

The rest of the range employs a turbocharged 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine developing 382 horsepower and 368 lb-ft of torque. This engine offers the choice of the 8-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual transmission. Acceleration times and fuel economy are better with the automatic, but some purists will always love a stick shift. Both models have a rear-wheel-drive configuration; there’s no option for all-wheel drive.

3-Year/36,000-Mile Warranty

Toyota’s basic new-vehicle warranty is for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever happens first, with powertrain coverage of five years or 60,000 miles. These are usual terms from mainstream manufacturers. Toyota also includes free maintenance for the first two years or 25,000 miles, and two years of roadside assistance with unlimited mileage.

Safety Features

The GR Supra hasn’t been crash-tested by any agencies in the United States. Standard safety features include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection.