Born in the land of the Rising Sun, the Toyota Supra is not just a car, it’s an emotion, its culture and a testament to power. Over the years, the Supra has undergone several generations of development, each bringing advancements in technology, design, and engineering. 

Originally introduced in 1978 as a variant of the Toyota Celica, the Supra quickly evolved into a standalone model, earning a reputation for its blend of reliability and high performance. 

 From its early days as a sleek, rear-wheel-drive coupe to its legendary status in the 1990s with the turbocharged fourth-generation (A80) model, the Supra became a symbol of Japanese automotive excellence. After a hiatus in the early 2000s, the Supra made a triumphant return in 2019, rekindling its legacy with a modern twist. 

The current Toyota Supra, known as the A90 (and A91 for later variants), marks a thrilling chapter in the model’s storied history, blending modern engineering with nostalgic design cues. Unveiled in 2019, this fifth-generation Supra was developed in collaboration with BMW, sharing its platform and engine with the Z4 roadster. Which has led to people calling it the “BMW Supra.”

While this partnership sparked some debate among purists, the result is a car that delivers exceptional performance, agility, and cutting-edge technology. 

Unleash the Power

The A90 GR Supra is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine, producing 388PS and 500Nm of torque. It also offers a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine in some markets, catering to a broader audience. The car features a rear-wheel-drive layout, an 8-speed automatic transmission, and a near-perfect 50:50 weight distribution, ensuring exceptional balance and agility. This allows the Supra to sprint from 0-100km/h in just 4.1 seconds!

The power delivery is smooth yet explosive, with a satisfying growl from the exhaust that intensifies as you push the car harder. The Supra’s rear-wheel-drive layout and weight distribution make it an absolute joy to drive. 

The chassis is stiff, the steering is precise, and the suspension strikes a fine balance between sporty firmness and everyday comfort. Whether you’re carving through winding roads or cruising on the highway, the GR Supra feels planted and responsive. After all, this was made to go up against Nissan’s Godzilla, the GTR, a rivalry that has been around for ages.

We cannot tell you exactly how fast we went in this beast but all we can say is, “The chicken was still warm.” If you are unfamiliar with that line, a quick Google search will show you why that was Jeremy Clarksons most popular line amongst the car guys. 

A Nod to the Past, a Leap into the Future

The GR Supra’s design is a masterclass in blending heritage with modernity. Its double-bubble roof, muscular rear haunches, and ducktail spoiler are clear nods to the beloved A80 Supra of the 1990s. 

Yet, the A90 stands on its own with sharp, aggressive lines, a low-slung stance, and aerodynamic details that scream performance. The front grille and LED headlights give it a futuristic edge, while the rear’s wide hips and taillights evoke a sense of raw power. It’s a car that turns heads everywhere it goes, whether you’re a Supra fan or not.

Inside, the GR Supra’s cabin is a blend of sportiness and modern luxury. The driver-focused layout puts all controls within easy reach, and the seats offer excellent support during spirited driving. While the interior shares some components with its BMW Z4 cousin, Toyota has added its own touches, such as Supra-branded details and a unique dashboard design.

The 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system is intuitive and responsive, featuring Apple CarPlay, navigation, and a premium sound system. The digital instrument cluster provides all the essential information in a clean, modern layout. If you have ever owned or driven a BMW, these infotainment controls should not be an issue. If you are new to it, just play around with it for a few minutes and you will get the hang of it.

However, the cabin’s compact size and limited visibility may not suit everyone. If you are tall and big just like this writer, the low roofline might be an issue getting in and out of the car, making you look less sexy while doing so. Still, these are minor trade-offs for a car designed with performance in mind.

Driving Pleasure

The GR Supra is not just about straight-line speed; it’s about the overall driving experience. The car feels agile and nimble, with a level of feedback that makes every drive engaging. The turbocharged engine provides ample torque across the rev range, and the exhaust note is addictive without being overly intrusive. Although I wished that the exhaust note was a little louder for a small car with a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine.

On twisty roads, the Supra shines. Its precise steering and well-tuned suspension inspire confidence, allowing you to push the car to its limits while feeling completely in control, even though it is a rear-wheel-drive car. The optional adaptive suspension further enhances the ride, adapting to different driving conditions with ease.

The GR Supra’s collaboration with BMW has been a point of contention for some enthusiasts. While the shared platform and engine have undoubtedly contributed to the car’s performance and refinement, some argue that it dilutes the Supra’s Japanese identity. However, Toyota has worked hard to infuse the Supra with its own character, and the result is a car that feels distinct and true to its heritage.

Living up to the Supra Name

For enthusiasts who grew up idolising the A80 Supra, the A90 is a dream come true. And for a new generation of drivers, it’s a gateway to the world of high-performance sports cars. The GR Supra isn’t just a revival—it’s a reaffirmation of Toyota’s commitment to performance and a reminder that the spirit of the Supra is alive and well.

The Toyota GR Supra is a modern classic in the making, blending heritage, innovation, and pure driving joy into one unforgettable package.

Would we buy one?

The simple answer is yes. Why? Well because we are fanboys of nameplates such as the Supra and Skyline, so owning these cars would feel just right. As long as Toyota keeps doing it right, we will keep buying them, and as for the A90 Supra, Toyota did it right. 

If you have deep pockets and a burning passion for the Supra, the prices start from RM645,000 for the manual transmission and the auto transmission variant that we tested is RM655,000. 

Engine: 3.0-litre, turbocharged, inline-six-cylinder

Power: 388PS @ 6500rpm

Torque: 500Nm @ 5000rpm

Gearbox: 8-speed automatic

Top speed: 249km/h

Price (As tested): RM655,000

We like: Power and handling

We don’t like: Small interior and low roofline

Keputusan Toyota untuk menawarkan pilihan transmisi manual pada GR Supra telah membuahkan hasil, menarik peminat kereta sport yang menghargai pengalaman pemanduan yang autentik. Pada tahun 2024, 65% daripada GR Supra yang dijual di A.S. dilengkapi dengan transmisi manual, peningkatan ketara berbanding kadar 43% pada 2023.

Perubahan Strategik dalam Barisan GR Supra

Keputusan Toyota untuk menghentikan model asas empat silinder automatik sahaja pada separuh tahun 2024 menjadi faktor penting dalam meningkatkan pengambilan transmisi manual.

• Statistik 2024: Daripada 2,615 unit Supra yang dijual, 1,700 daripadanya adalah manual.
• Tumpuan pada Model Enam Silinder: Pengguna kini lebih tertarik kepada varian enam silinder yang menawarkan gabungan kuasa dan pengalaman pemanduan manual.

Trend Manual dalam Toyota

Kejayaan Supra dengan transmisi manual bukan kes terpencil. Beberapa model lain turut mencatatkan jualan manual yang menggalakkan:

1. GR86
   • 53% jualan model ini pada 2024 dilengkapi transmisi manual.
   • Sebanyak 6,056 unit GR86 manual dijual daripada 11,426 unit keseluruhan.
2. Toyota Tacoma
   • Walaupun transmisi manual hanya menyumbang 2% daripada jumlah jualan Tacoma, sebanyak 3,856 unit terjual menunjukkan permintaan yang stabil dalam segmen trak pikap.

Masa Depan GR Supra dan Model Manual Toyota

Pelancaran Supra “Edisi Akhir” di Jepun dan Eropah—yang menampilkan peningkatan kuasa, suspensi dinaik taraf, dan manual enam kelajuan sebagai standard—menandakan potensi bab baharu untuk model ini.

• Spekulasi Mk6 (Generasi Keenam): Harapan peminat tinggi untuk Supra generasi seterusnya yang lebih memfokuskan kepada pengalaman pemanduan tulen.
• Kembar Mekanikal BMW Z4: Dengan pengesahan bahawa Z4 akan dihentikan, masa depan Supra dalam pasaran A.S. menjadi subjek perbincangan hangat.

Manual dalam Era Elektrifikasi

Walaupun landskap automotif semakin beralih ke arah elektrifikasi, data menunjukkan bahawa transmisi manual masih mempunyai tempat dalam pasaran:

• Pengalaman Analog: Peminat menghargai sambungan langsung antara kereta dan pemandu, sesuatu yang sukar ditiru dalam kenderaan automatik atau elektrik.
• Strategi Toyota: GR Supra, GR86, dan Tacoma menjadi bukti komitmen Toyota untuk mengekalkan pilihan manual bagi memenuhi kehendak pengguna khusus ini.

Kejayaan GR Supra Manual mencerminkan semangat pemanduan analog yang tidak pudar, walaupun dalam era teknologi automotif yang serba moden. Toyota menunjukkan bahawa terdapat ruang untuk inovasi sambil mengekalkan tradisi, menjadikan model seperti GR Supra sebagai ikon pemanduan sejati. Kejayaan ini menekankan bahawa pedal klac dan kegembiraan manual masih relevan dan dihargai oleh pemandu berdedikasi.

The increased manual adoption coincides with changes to the Supra lineup. Toyota phased out the automatic-only, four-cylinder base model partway through 2024, potentially influencing the manual take rate. With the entry-level Supra no longer available, buyers seeking a purist driving experience gravitated toward the manual-equipped, six-cylinder models.

GR Supra Manual Success Mirrors Broader Trends

The GR Supra wasn’t Toyota’s only sports car to see strong manual sales. The GR86, a staple among driving purists, saw 53% of its 11,426 units sold with a manual transmission, equating to 6,056 vehicles. Even the manual Toyota Tacoma pickup made its mark, with 3,856 units accounting for 2% of the model’s total sales of 192,813.

These numbers reflect a broader trend: while manuals may be a niche choice, they hold a strong appeal for a dedicated subset of drivers.

Future of the GR Supra and Manual Enthusiasm

Toyota has yet to reveal its plans for the Supra in the U.S., but the model’s mechanical twin, the BMW Z4, is confirmed to end production soon. The recent launch of the “Final Edition” Supra in Japan and Europe, featuring increased power, upgraded suspension, and a six-speed manual as standard, has fueled speculation about the Supra’s next chapter.

Hints of a potential sixth-generation Supra—dubbed the Mk6—have fans hopeful for the model’s continuation, possibly with an even greater emphasis on driver-focused features.

As the industry shifts toward electrification, Toyota’s strong manual sales for the GR Supra, GR86, and Tacoma suggest there’s still a place for analogue driving experiences, even in a rapidly changing automotive landscape. For now, the GR Supra stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of a clutch pedal and the joy of a hands-on connection between car and driver.

Toyota will develop the GR Supra for Supercars’ Gen3 regulations, replacing the road car’s 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder engine with a race-tuned version of the brand’s 5.0-litre V8 from the Lexus F performance models and the Lexus LC500. This entry positions Toyota against rivals Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro, which have dominated the series since the closure of the Holden brand in 2020.

Toyota’s commitment to the series spans five years, and the brand’s decision to enter Supercars has been considered for over two decades. Toyota, the top-selling car brand in Australia for 21 consecutive years, brings a rich motorsport heritage, having competed successfully in the predecessor to the Supercars Championship, the Australian Touring Car Championship (ATCC), with cars like the Toyota Corolla and Celica in the 1980s and earlier.

Walkinshaw Andretti United will run at least two of the four GR Supras planned, with Chaz Mostert and Ryan Wood switching from their current Mustangs to pilot the new Toyota cars. The development of the GR Supra race car is underway, led by Toyota’s Australian design team at the Altona headquarters in Melbourne. A clay model of the car was revealed to the media, signaling Toyota’s seriousness in making a competitive entry.

The entry of Toyota in the Supercars Championship brings a new dynamic to the grid, adding more variety and competition to a series long dominated by Ford and General Motors brands.

Of course there are others as well such as the Mazda RX7 and Honda NSX, but one could argue that the four mentioned above are the ‘four heavenly kings’ of the era.

The Nissan Skyline needs no introduction and even the most self-confident Ferrari or Porsche driver will overtake one with caution. You don’t ever risk upsetting Godzilla, which, for the unaware, is what the Skyline GT-R is fondly known as.

The Skyline GT-R even dominated race series in Japan, America and in Europe. It was so quick that there are instances of race officials having to force the car to carry weight ballasts of up to 140kg just so that the competition had a chance of winning. Such bending of rules would have made the Verstappens proud.

The Mitsubishi Evolution and the Subaru Impreza made their name in the amazing world of rallying. In the hands of such legends as Colin McRae and Petter Solberg (among many others of course), Subaru was nearly untouchable in the World Rally Championship.

But Mitsubishi gave them a proper headache with the three-diamond marque having had its fair share of legends behind the wheel as well, such as Ari Vatanen and Tommi Makinen.

The Toyota Supra also made its name in motorsport but just like the Skyline, it competed in track events rather than in rallying. Though there have been instances where the Supra competed in rallying, however, it made a name for itself in sports car racing, particularly in the Japanese GT Championship, Super GT and even the iconic 24 hours of Le Mans.

The iconic sports car was born in 1978 as the Celica Supra. It got its name from the Toyota Celica, from which it also received its design inspiration. However, the Supra that gripped the world is the fourth-generation model which enthusiasts know as the Supra A80.

Despite its capabilities, the model was immortalised by pop culture when it appeared in the first instalment of the Fast & Furious movie franchise back in 2001. In the hands of Brian O’Conner (played by the late Paul Walker), the modified Supra out dragged and outclassed a Ferrari 355, and that not only sealed the Supra’s reputation, but also introduced it to a whole new generation of fans.

The fourth-generation Supra, or Mk4, was one of the finest sports car the world had ever seen, and just like the Nissan Skyline GT-R, it could do no wrong. Until the fifth-generation model was introduced in 2019, which is when all hell broke loose and the Supra went from the darling of sports cars, to arguably the most hated.

The fifth-generation Supra has been the subject of taunts, jokes and online hate ever since it was introduced. The negativity does not stem from the car or how it drives, in fact it drives rather nicely, and the design has aged quite well. But the hate stems from what underpins the car rather than the car itself.

Fans loved for the Supra for its design, the powertrain and of course, its performance. All of which was engineered and built in-house by Toyota.

And this is where the hate for the fifth-generation model stems from, the fact that it is not entirely made by Toyota but is a result of a collaboration between BMW and Toyota. The underbody for the Supra, the drivetrain, the electronics and even the interior fittings are all BMW. Only the design of the car and some of the performance bits are by Toyota.

In the modern world where billions are needed to create an entirely new model from scratch, it is quite understandable why Toyota would take that route. But for the enthusiast and keyboard warriors at home, it does not make sense. For some of them, it is more of a “make it a pure Toyota, or don’t make it at all”.

And after driving it quite extensively, I can see where the irritation comes from.

Toyota did very little to mask BMW’s presence around the car. You can spot BMW logos around the engine bay without breaking a sweat, the entire dashboard is identical to a Z4, the gear shifter and even the seats and their memory switches are by BMW.

Some argue that buyers are effectively paying for an over glorified BMW Z4, which curiously is built alongside the Supra in Austria by Magna Steyr.

However, it has been five years since the fifth-generation Supra was launched, and though there is still some glimmers of hate online in forums and comment sections, the Supra may just be starting to win some hearts.

The GR Supra is the second coming of the fifth-generation Supra, and while the first was available with a two and 3.0-litre straight-six engine, the GR is only available with the six pot engine but now offers a choice of manual or automatic transmission.

I recently drove the automatic version of the GR Supra, and I believe people should just get over the fact that it is a BMW in a Toyota suit. Because it is not just a suit, it is an MMA fighter in a sharp suit. For all you movie buffs, think of it as Jason Statham in the Transporter movies.

When I first drove the Supra some years ago, the design was not to my liking. It was too outlandish, and my mind kept thinking about the fourth-generation Supra and tried hard to find some connection between the two. There isn’t, and that led to some disappointment.

This time, I tried to forget that it was a Supra or a BMW underneath and approached it for what it is – a modern sports car. And it began to make sense.

The design, though unchanged, is still rather outlandish, but the Dawn Blue Metallic colour that you see here is just the right colour for the Supra’s curves. The blacked out 19-inch wheels suits the car as well, and are 1.2kg lighter at all four corners to reduce un-sprung weight, giving the GR Supra more ferocious acceleration than before. The car now sees off the 0-100kmh sprint in 4.1 seconds, which is faster than its German cousin.

The interior feels small and cramped, and taller drivers may find it difficult to get in and out of. But once inside, the sitting position is spot on, and you feel like your spine has been livewired to the car. That is something that I love, particularly the GT style driving position with the long front end.

But the interior is small, it does not have space to store something as simple as a smart tag. You could keep it in the glove compartment but that is quite a stretch away. Mix that up with storage for your phone and the cables to charge your devices, and suddenly the interior feels too cluttered. And that wreaks havoc for my OCD.

All that disappears as soon as you start the car and listen to the sweet melody of the 3.0-litre, inline six-cylinder turbocharged engine. It is a sound that is slowly being relegated to the ages of history, so I always allowed myself a minute or two to properly absorb it. You know, in case I wake up tomorrow to find that the Europeans have decided that anything more than four-cylinders are bad for their earth worms and have had no other choice but to introduce an overnight ban on new multi-cylindered engines.

The world is a weird place these days, so multi-cylindered engines are a great way of reconnecting with the good old days.

The engine creates 388PS and 500Nm of torque, which may not seem like much, but the joy is in the way the power is delivered. The steering wheel feels alive in your hands with tiny nuggets of information telling your palms exactly what is happening with the tyres at ground zero.

The suspension is also remarkably clinical, and the car reacts to every twitch of the steering wheel. However, your spine also picks up on all the tiny bumps, dips and ruts that litters our roads. You can say that that is the character of a sports suspension and I would agree with you, but when you’re a 40-year-old with a back problem, that is not a lot of fun.

Performance is, simply put, brilliant. It is not blinding or mind numbing, and the fact is some EV’s with their lightning quick sub-four second acceleration might put you to shame. But the car comes alive in the corners with its perfect 50:50 weight distribution. That means that you can dive late into corners and get on the power early without risking any under or oversteer. In the right hands and on the right roads, the GR Supra could put some supercars to shame. Particularly some fast EV’s like a Tesla Model 3 Performance.

And that is the point of the GR Supra. You may not like how it came about or how it looks like, but when it comes to driving it, the driving experience is still intoxicating, like that of the original Supra. Different of course but still intoxicating.

Having said that, just like the Supra’s of the past, the fifth-generation Supra is already proving its worth in motorsports around the world. In fact, it is not only racing, but it is also winning entire championships, and though haters may not like it, but the new GR Supra is definitely making its ancestors proud.

Specifications
Engine: 3.0-litre, turbocharged, inline-six cylinder
Power: 388PS @ 6500rpm
Torque: 500Nm @ 5000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price (As tested): RM655,000

We like: Driving position, styling
We don’t like: Small interior

Angka jualan untuk Toyota GR Supra di Amerika Syarikat telah menyaksikan penurunan yang ketara, yang menyumbang kepada keputusan untuk menghentikan pengeluarannya. Pada tahun 2021, Supra menjual 6,830 unit, tetapi jumlah ini menurun kepada 4,952 unit pada tahun 2022 dan seterusnya kepada 2,652 unit pada tahun lepas. Trend ini berterusan pada tahun 2024, dengan hanya 484 unit dijual pada suku pertama, menunjukkan bahawa jualan mungkin jatuh di bawah 2,000 unit menjelang akhir tahun. Sebaliknya, Toyota GR86 menunjukkan prestasi yang lebih kukuh, menjual 2,041 unit pada suku pertama sahaja, dengan 1,364 unit dijual pada bulan Mac.

Keputusan ini menimbulkan persoalan tentang masa depan kereta sport daripada Toyota dan BMW. Walaupun BMW masih belum menggariskan langkah seterusnya, potensi Toyota untuk berinovasi dan membangunkan Supra baharu secara bebas tetap menjadi tumpuan. Perkongsian antara Toyota dan BMW telah berjaya, menghasilkan dua kereta sport yang sangat dihargai. Walau bagaimanapun, ketika industri automotif beralih ke arah kenderaan yang lebih mampan dan berteknologi maju, masa depan kereta sport tradisional menjadi semakin tidak pasti.

Penamatan pengeluaran untuk Toyota GR Supra dan BMW Z4 akan dipantau dengan teliti oleh peminat dan pakar industri. Komitmen Toyota untuk menilai kemungkinan masa depan menunjukkan bahawa legasi Supra mungkin berterusan, berpotensi dalam bentuk baharu dan inovatif, selaras dengan landskap industri automotif yang berkembang. Dengan fokus yang semakin meningkat terhadap elektrifikasi dan teknologi hibrid, kemungkinan Supra akan dihidupkan semula dalam versi yang lebih mesra alam dan berprestasi tinggi.

Penamatan pengeluaran Toyota GR Supra dan BMW Z4 menandakan penghujung bab yang signifikan dalam dunia kereta sport dan mencerminkan perubahan dinamik dalam industri automotif. Walaupun ini adalah masa yang sukar bagi peminat model ikonik ini, ia juga membuka pintu kepada inovasi dan evolusi selanjutnya dalam segmen kereta sport, di mana pengeluar seperti Toyota mungkin terus memimpin dengan teknologi dan reka bentuk yang canggih.