Supra nova: 2021 Toyota GR Supra boasts array of upgrades

MANILA: A year after the successful launch of the GR Supra , Toyota ups the bar for the 2021 GR Supra. For the GR Supra 3.0 Premium, the six-cylinder model features a revised chassis and power boost. The new 2021 GR Supra 2.0, on the other hand, is the first-ever four-cylinder turbo version while the new GR Supra A91 Edition features an exclusive color design and other distinct attributes.

The special-edition Supra will be available in two colors, Refraction or Nocturnal, wherein the former is unique to the A91 Edition and an all-new color for Supra. It is expected to arrive in Toyota dealerships soon, and the auto brand has confirmed that only 1,000 units of the A91 Edition will be rolled out in the market.

The rear black carbon fiber lip spoiler, carbon fiber mirror caps, C-pillar graphics, and matte-black wheels serve as accents to the concept car-inspired body of the Supra. On the A91 Edition and the 2021 Supra 3.0 Premium, the front Brembo brake calipers have been painted red and include the “Toyota Supra” emblem.

The black Alcantara leather-trimmed interior with a contrasting blue color is unique to this limited-edition model, and every A91 Edition will also have two distinct key gloves and trunk mat.

For 2021, Toyota is elevating the output of the turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six from 335hp to 383hp, a 14% spike. Torque also increases from 495Nm to 499Nm.

The enhanced output is an outcome of the slew of updates on the engine. The new dual-branch exhaust manifold, consisting of six ports rather than two, enhances heat management and airflow. The eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters has also been carried over for 2021 Toyota GR Supra.

The 2020 GR Supra has been acclaimed for its handling or ride balance, though it still underwent improvement through the retuned Supra 3.0 chassis. The purpose of the retuning is to enrich cornering stability and roll resistance of the Toyota model, as lightweight aluminum braces that connect the strut towers to the radiator support are added. These braces improve lateral rigidity, along with new damper tuning and front and rear bump stops.

As for the light and quick four-cylinder 2021 Supra 2.0, it has become the entry model for the comeback of a two-tier performance lineup that matches the A70 and A80 Supra models.

The Supra 2.0 engine shares a more significant portion of its technology with the 3.0-liter inline-six, which includes direct fuel injection, twin-scroll turbo, and constant variable timing on the intake and exhaust camshafts. The variable intake valve lift system regulates intake valve duration and timing. The 2021 Supra 2.0 engine generates 255hp of power output and 400Nm of peak torque.

The Supra 2.0 also utilizes the same eight-speed automatic transmission that the 3.0 version uses, and Toyota anticipates zero to 97 kph in five ticks, making it the second-fastest vehicle of the auto brand in the lineup. Moreover, the fuel consumption of the Supra 2.0 is lower compared to the 3.0 version.

The Supra 2.0 also utilizes smaller front brake rotors as compared to the 3.0 version. In contrast to the four-piston calipers, 10-speaker system, and the 14-way power-adjustable seats of the Supra 3.0, the Supra 2.0 has single-piston calipers, a four-speaker audio system as standard, and manually adjustable seats.

The Supra 2.0 also does not have the adaptive and active differential suspension utilized on the 3.0 model.

All the 2021 Supra models will include the 8.8-inch audio touch screen that was a standard on the 2020 3.0 Premium model. The 6.5-inch display of the base model has been discontinued.

The 2021 Supra has attained more excellent stability through rapid transitions as compound turns and some hardware modifications that go with the active differential, vehicle stability control, adaptive variable suspension, and modified programming for the electric power steering.

Supra connected services (for a four-year trial) include map updates, stolen vehicle recovery, concierge, real-time traffic information, automatic emergency call, remote maintenance, and remote services.

The Driver’s Assist Package will be an available option on the A91 Edition and 3.0 Premium. Advanced driver assistant safety features include parking sensors with emergency braking function, rear cross-traffic alert (RCTA), blind-spot monitor, and dynamic radar cruise control (full-speed).

Photos from Toyota

Also read: Toyota launches more powerful and dynamic 2021 GR Supra in US