It’s been two generations since Supra has been on the scene.
My test-drive Supra was coated in stunning Nitro Yellow which costs an additional $435. There was one $1,195 options package called The Driver’s Assist Package which included Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with full stop-and-go capability, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Parking Sensors with Emergency Braking Function.
Standard equipment includes 19-inch forged-aluminum wheels, Michelin Pilot Super Sport summer tires, LED exterior lightning, keyless entry/ignition, black leather upholstery, leather-wrapped multi-functional steering wheel, shift paddles, and handy 14-way power adjustable seats.
The optional 8.8-inch touchscreen was easily read, and it was accompanied by a 12-speaker, 500-watt JBL HiFi Surround Sound system with AM/FM/SiriusXM. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay, navigation, Toyota Supra Connect service, and wireless charging pad.
The car sits very low with acres of hood. I could not seem to get comfortable or sit up properly to view all the features or read the prompts very well.
Supra is propelled by a 3.0-liter turbo inline-six mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission that delivers 335-horsepower and 365 lb.-ft. of torque. The 2020 Supra does 0-60 in 3.9 seconds. Each time I attempted this feat, my heart arrived about five seconds later, while taking another 6 or 7 seconds to get my feet off the ceiling. My week of driving netted me an average of 23 mpg.
Admittedly, I had some issues with the car. Not that anyone else should have any problems. It took me about 20 minutes to get into the car, with the neighbor kid helping me and the kid’s family helping to get me back out. Bad knees, bad back and experiencing 73 winters of life did me in.
My most comfortable position was lying flat on my stomach to drive. Rather lumpy but doable. Of course, driving like this was distracting and impractical. But to pass time, I just kept on changing through the 14-way adjustable seat.
This car is perfect for someone who wants to experience a powerful engine and superb handling. Also appreciate what it’s like to enjoy a professional and exotic ride. Please don’t get the idea that I didn’t have a good time driving this car.
In my 25 years of writing about cars I have never experienced the amount of attention and “Thumbs Up” as I did driving the Supra. Whether driving to get the mail or journeying over to Fort Worth, the number of smiles and V signs were everywhere. Once while waiting for a light, two lovely young ladies pulled up beside me.
The girl with long blond hair leaned out the window and yelled, “Mister that is a great looking car. You look so cool. Where do you live?”
“Close by,” I beamed. The light changed, the driver honked and they sped off waving.
I looked over at my wife who was shaking her head. “Did you hear that little cutie tell me how cool I was”?
“Yes,” my wife said with a smirk. “Too bad you didn’t have enough time to tell her about your bad back and your prostate surgery next week.”
My grandson had a ball game last Saturday. I drove over to the city ballpark. The minute I pulled in the parking lot, all eyes were on me and my yellow Supra. Fans turned around looking and talking in animation, while pointing at me. I hadn’t had this much attention since I inadvertently walked into the ladies room at the Love Field Airport. Well at least the authorities weren’t involved this time.
I pulled right up to the right field fence. There was not a time during the game that there weren’t several folks waiting to get in the car while others walked around the Supra asking questions.
After the game I heard someone yelling “Grandad! Grandad where did you get the great car?” I looked and saw a somewhat familiar young girl approaching. I turned to my wife and asked, “Who is the young girl?”
She is your granddaughter. Oh the one who hasn’t spoke to me in 12 years. Yeah, because you were so boring she replied. Wow I am no longer boring I yelled. Don’t count on it Bubba, replied the wife.
2020 Toyota GR Supra starts $49,900 for the base 3.0 model.
Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. He may be reached at this newspaper or durhlcaussey@gmail.com.
