Toyota Announces Addition of a Four-Cylinder Model to the Supra Family
Published on Sun, Feb 16, 2020
By: Collin Morgan
A 2.0L four-cylinder variant will now join the 3.0L I-6 in the Supra lineup for 2021, but which one do you choose?
Toyota announced that the Supra has received a massive revamp for 2021. In addition to performance upgrades across the board, a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder joins the fray as an option if the 3.0L inline-six is a tad expensive for you. Toyota says that this 2021 GR Supra 2.0 bridges the gap between the GR Supra 3.0 and the Toyota 86.
This new Supra 2.0 is being marketed as the entry model, resurrecting a two-tier performance lineup much like the A70 and A80 Supra models. The 2.0L four-cylinder gets beefed up with a twin-scroll turbo, direct fuel injection and continuously variable timing on both the intake and exhaust camshafts. The Supra 2.0 puts out 255 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft of torque and should see no issues keeping up with the competition. The 8-speed automatic transmission makes a return in the 2.0 as well.
The big advantage the 2.0 boasts over the 3.0 is weight. The four-cylinder version is more than 200 pounds lighter than the Supra 3.0, while keeping that immensely important 50:50 weight distribution in tact.
Toyota is injecting a solid power boost into the existing 3.0L I-6, which now achieves impressive numbers. Output of the turbocharged 3.0L has been increased 14% from 335 hp to 382 hp, and torque is up from 365 lb.-ft. to 368 lb.-ft. To achieve these increases, a host of upgrades have been installed throughout the engine. A new dual-branch exhaust manifold boasts six ports instead of two to improve heat management. A new piston design has been implemented, reducing the engine compression ratio from 11:1 to 10.2:1.
The 3.0 also produces higher torque at higher RPM, while still retaining the eagerness to rev instantaneously. This new engine is projected to shoot the Supra 3.0 from 0-60mph in 3.9 seconds, faster than the previous model year’s 4.1 seconds. The 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters carries over for 2021.
A combination of components and some seriously smart tech improves the Supra’s handling for 2021. Some additions include adding lightweight aluminum braces that tie the strut towers to the radiator support to increase lateral rigidity, front and rear bump stops and new damper tuning. Programming has been revised for the Electric Power Steering, Adaptive Variable Suspension, Vehicle Stability Control and Active Differential. All these upgrades combined provide an even more exceptional cornering feel through tricky corners.
In addition to the 2.0 and 3.0 Supras, Toyota announced a limited A91 Edition Supra. Only 1,000 of these special editions will be produced and will be available with two paint colors, Nocturnal or Refraction. The A91 Edition will boast the 3.0L engine under the hood and will be accented by some cosmetic touches such matte black wheels and carbon fiber mirror caps. The black Alcantara leather-trimmed interior with blue contrast is also exclusive to this special edition.
The 2021 GR Supra models are expected to arrive on showroom floors at Toyota dealers around the country in June. Below are full specs in comparison to the 2020 model.