CAR FIT FOR A SUPRA HERO
Toyota’s eye-catching newgeneration supra is arguably enjoying a second lease of life with the spirit of a sixties legend reincarnated into the high-tech body of a 21st century sports car. and it is living up to the challenge set by toyota bosses and engineers to make it ‘a pure sports car’ — for just over £50,000.
I have been testing it on the road in spain and on the former F1 spanish Grand Prix race track at Jarama, and it’s a rather exciting and special motor that’s easy to drive, forgiving and fun.
the basic underpinnings were developed between toyota and BMW, from which BMW built the open-topped Z4 roadster, while toyota went for the hard-topped GR supra coupé.
It’s the fifth generation to bear the supra name.
Getting in tests your agility, but the ‘double bubble’ concave roof space allows ample headroom for driver and passenger.
the new GR supra is powered by a capable turbo- charged 3-litre straight- six 6- cylinder petrol engine developing 335bhp and linked to an eight- speed automatic gearbox that enables the rear-wheel drive coupé to
sprint enthusiastically from rest to 62 mph in just 4.3 seconds, up to a limited top speed of 155 mph.
It claims fuel consumption of 34.45 mph and Co2 emissions of 170g/km — helped by stop- start technology. In ‘comfort’ mode it drives beautifully in a sporty, confident and well- balanced manner. Press the sport button and it comes alive, tightening up the ride and handling and unleashing the full roar of the engine.
It feels grippy, confidenceinspiring and joyful, taking the tightest corners with ease. Gunning for the likes of Porsche’s Cayman, the new GR supra is built by Magna steyr in Graz, austria. the standard model costs from £52,695 but nine out of ten UK sales are for the high- spec toyota GR supra 3-litre Pro costing £54,000.
safety features include a precollision warning system which detects pedestrians and cyclists, lane departure alert, road- sign assist, a blind- spot monitor and parking sensors.
the 2019 allocation of 300 cars is already committed and there’s a waiting list for 2020.