2019 Toyota Supra

By Alex Forrest

By the time the first Toyota Supras were finally delivered to their ecstatic customers last September, anticipation among enthusiasts had erupted into a frenzy.

Driving it on Perth roads was a reminder of just rarely these are seen in the wild, with numerous keen observers adopting the same expression and movement as the agape clowns you might see at a side show.

You can’t blame them though. Though looks are entirely subjective, like it or not the styling is eye-catching, and much more so in reality than photos.

Despite drive away price tags of $93,740 for the Supra GT and $104,390 for the range-topping GTS, demand for the new Supra far outstrips supply. To get one, you have to pay a deposit to join a waiting list and you might not even get the colour you want.

As has become increasingly common among vehicle manufacturers in recent years, the new GR Supra is the result of a partnership with another car maker – in this case, BMW. In fact, the Supra shares its platform, engine, gearbox and much of its interior with the BMW Z4.

Both manufacturers have said neither sports car would have been possible without this collaborative approach.

For example, the Supra has a decades-old tradition of using powerful, in-line six-cylinder engines and wanted that to continue. But Toyota didn’t have one it could use in the Supra. BMW did though, enabling the new Supra to continue the in-line six lineage.

That engine is 3.0 litres in capacity, and it has a twin-scroll turbo that boosts outputs to 250kW and 500Nm (twin scroll means there are two nozzles in the turbo feeding the engine with fuel, one for good pick-up at low speeds, and one for better performance once underway).

These are not outrageously large outputs, but the Supra is petite car, and it’s in no way underpowered.

There are no back seats in the Supra, the boot is small and awkwardly shaped, it’s expensive and its availability is uncertain.

But the Supra is a stunning reminder of the benefits of merging the best of two major car makers to produce a sports car of few compromises, and one which has potential to engage a whole new generation of Supra fans.