Faster 2021 Toyota Supra arrives

Toyota has taken the wraps off the faster and more potent 2021 Toyota GR Supra – but you’d be hard-pressed to pick the difference without opening the bonnet.

The key performance upgrade for Toyota’s flagship two-seater sports car is an engine tweak that boosts power from 250kW to 285kW and quickens acceleration.

It also now has a pair of strut braces under the bonnet which, according to Toyota, is designed to “prevent the chassis flexing during cornering”.

A stiffer suspension tune is part of the upgrade but Supra fans will note the only external visual change is the application of a Supra logo to the red front brake callipers on the GTS model.

There are price increases of $2590 for the upgraded 2021 Toyota GR Supra, with the GT and GTS variants pegged at $87,126 and $97,126 respectively, both not including on-road costs.

The power boost to the Supra’s BMW-built (B58) 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine puts it on par with its cousin, the BMW Z4 M40i, with 285kW produced between 5800rpm and 6500rpm.

Engine recalibrations include a lower 10.2:1 compression ratio, and although peak torque of 500Nm is unchanged, it’s generated across a wider rev range: 1800rpm to 5000rpm.

This sees the 0-100km/h acceleration time hasten by two tenths of a second in conjunction with launch control, taking 4.1sec to accelerate to 100km/h from standstill.

The extra power should give the Toyota Supra enough firepower to fend off a significant challenge from the upcoming twin-turbocharged V6-powered Nissan 400Z, which is set to launch in 2021.

It’s understood Toyota will make subtle performance changes to the Supra annually to keep interest in the sports car bubbling along – and to keep its rivals honest.

Minor changes to the suspension setup, which is now understood to be stiffer, is designed to improve handling dynamics, however, the cabin is untouched. That means Apple CarPlay or Android Auto are not offered.

It's understood Toyota Australia is studying ways to add these features in future.

Toyota is also set to reveal its next Gazoo Racing performance vehicle in the form of the Toyota GR Corolla hot hatch, which will target the US market first, given the Toyota GR Yaris is not offered there.

Following the local launch of the GR Yaris, which like the Supra sold out of initial stock very quickly – albeit at a 20 per cent discounted price – the Australian arm of the Japanese car-maker says the GR high-performance sub-brand will continue to grow its range of track-ready vehicles.

“Toyota Gazoo Racing and our GR brand portfolio of cars is all about pushing the limits and, where we can, we will deliver every ounce of performance potential,” said Sean Hanley, Toyota Australia’s sales and marketing vice-president.

“This upgrade for GR Supra will continue our quest to deliver ever-better cars, with more power and under-bonnet bracing that will further enhance the thrilling driving experience offered by this iconic car,” he added.

The second-generation Toyota 86 will also get a power hike and carry the GR 86 moniker when it arrives here in late 2021 or early 2022, packing a bigger 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine worth 170kW.

A top-flight Toyota GRMN Supra is also believed to be in the works, powered by the same S58 twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder powerplant as the BMW M3, which will be good for around 375kW and 600Nm.

Unlike the regular Supra’s conventional eight-speed automatic transmission, the Supra GRMN is tipped to get a dual-clutch auto. Pricing for that model could go as high as $160,000.

The beefed-up 2021 Toyota GR Supra comes in seven colours, including Suzuka Silver, Bathurst Black, Monza Red, Silverstone Yellow, Fuji White, Goodwood Grey and Nurburg Matte Grey, the latter for GTS only and in limited quantities.

How much does the 2021 Toyota GR Supra cost?
GT – $87,126
GTS – $97,126

*Prices exclude on-road costs