The Toyota GR Supra has been rocking the automotive world since it was announced, and subsequently put on sale at dealerships around the world, and the party isn't stopping yet. With the 2021 model year comes some pretty important changes, a bump in power, cosmetic changes, and a four cylinder option that bring a whole new experience to the table. With a new commemorative A91 Edition, a premium package level, and a lighter 4 cylinder option, there seems to be a Toyota sports car for everyone, now let's get in to the details.
First, Toyota released the Launch Edition last year with only 1,500 units available, and for the 2021 model year comes the A91 Edition with a ton of goodies that make the rare 1,000 examples that much more desirable. Split down the middle with 500 examples in two distinct colors, Nocturnal (Black) and Refraction (exclusive Electric Blue), the GR Supra A91 is sure to turn heads along with a carbon fiber lip spoiler, matte black wheels, C-pillar graphics, and carbon fiber mirror caps. The interior levels up for 2021 as well with Alcantara suede throughout with Refraction blue accent stitching for this model only, other exclusive interior tidbits include two exclusive key gloves and a set of matching floor mats for the A91 Edition. The real news most are wondering about is what is under the hood, and not just for the A91 Edition but across all six cylinder models is a substantial boost in thrust with horsepower going from 335 hp at 5,000-6500 rpm in the 3.0 Liter to 382 hp at 5,800-6,500 rpm, torque is also kicked up from 365 lb.-ft at 1,600-4,500 rpm to 368 lb.-ft at 1,800-5,000 rpm.
The upgraded power doesn't just stop with output figures, internally the compression has been lowered from 11:1 to 10.2:1. Heat exiting the engine is now managed by revised exhaust manifolds with six ports instead of two to help reliably deliver that power which in-turn lowers estimated 0-60 times from 4.1 to 3.9 seconds when using the engaging 8-speed automatic. But power isn't everything if it can't be controlled but the 2021 GR Supra also includes some added chassis upgrades on all 3.0 models including the Premium model like lightweight aluminum strut braces, front and rear bump stops, and new damper tuning. Revised as well are the various electronic systems that maintain speed and safety like Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), Electric Power Steering (EPS), and Active Differential which as a package make the GR Supra 3.0 more stable when pushed hard. And speaking of pushed hard, on both the A91 Edition and Premium model, the front Brembo calipers are painted red with the Toyota Supra logo that really pop through the spokes on the various wheels available.
Now for the other big news regarding the Toyota Supra, the 6.5 inch audio touch screen is discontinued and now replaced by a much larger 8.8 inch model... ok that is true but not the biggest news yet. For the first time, a Toyota Supra is available with a 4 cylinder engine, making for an even better balanced and lightweight vehicle that has all of the sporting DNA of it's bigger brother. Slotted between the Toyota 86 and Toyota Supra 3.0 models, the Supra 2.0 adds a third sports car to the brand for the first time in decades, and it is no slouch as the 2.0 itself comes with 255 hp at 5,000-6,500 rpm and 295 lb.-ft of torque at 1,550-4,500 rpm. The 4 cylinder employs much of the same technology of the six cylinder, like a twin scroll turbocharger, direct fuel injection, and continuously variable timing on both the intake and exhaust camshafts. The power under the hood is good enough to help move the Supra 2.0 to 60 mph in 5.0 seconds and still top out at the 155 mph governor limited top speed.
A badly kept secret in the automotive world on how to make a car fast is to reduce weight, this is one of the key attributes held by the Supra 2.0 as it shaves 200 lbs from the 3.0 model's weight to tip the scales at just 3,181 lbs. Toyota has done a lot to maintain the near 50:50 weight distribution and lower overall weight, up front the brake calipers go from 4 piston brembos to a single piston option that reduces rotor size from 348mm x 36mm to 330mm x 24mm. Removed as well are the Adaptive Suspension and Active Differential that should in-turn also reduce the price, inside the number of speakers are reduced from 10 to 4 on the 2.0 model. Bringing it closer to the 86, the Supra 2.0 does away with it's big brother's 14 way adjustable front seats and goes with lighter manually adjustable examples that are also capable to holding everyone in place comfortably.
Pricing has now been released for all three GR Supra models, with each being priced competitively in the sports car segment. The 3.0 Premium goes up just $500 with an MSRP of $54,490 while the standard 3.0 model comes in at $50,990. The A91 Edition's 1,500 examples will be go for $55,990 which is just $740 more than the launch edition from last year but just as, if not more rare. Lastly but certainly not leastly, the 4 cylinder powered GR Supra 2.0 will start at $42,990, inviting a whole new group of enthusiasts to try Toyota's latest and greatest sports car.
The options list had gotten just a bit longer for 2021 models with both the 2.0 and 3.0 models receiving an optional MY21 package that includes:
Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (Full speed)
Blind Spot Monitor (BSM)
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
Parking Sensors with Emergency Braking Function
Navigation
12-speaker 500-watt JBL Audio System
Wireless Apple CarPlay® compatible (iOS only)
Supra Connected Services: up to four-year trial includes Remote Services, Remote Maintenance, Automatic Emergency Call, Real Time Traffic Information, Concierge, Stolen Vehicle Recovery, and Map Updates.
The Driver's Assist Package will still be available on the Premium 3.0 and A91 edition and includes:
Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (Full speed)
Blind Spot Monitor (BSM)
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
Parking Sensors with Emergency Braking Function
New 2021 GR Supra 3.0 models are expected to arrive later this month and the 2.0 later this year, so keep an eye out at your local Toyota dealer or visit Toyota.com.
(Photos Courtesy of Toyota)
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