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Toyota Supra

One Step Away From Being The Best

ByPunta Dewa

Apr 5, 2022 #1978 Supra, #1979 Supra, #1980 Supra, #1982 Supra, #1983 Supra, #1984 Supra, #1985 Supra, #1986 Supra, #1987 Supra, #1988 Supra, #1989 Supra, #1990 Supra, #1991 Supra, #1992 Supra, #1993 Supra, #1994 Supra, #1995 Supra, #1996 Supra, #1997 Supra, #1999 Supra, #1jz Supra, #2.0 Supra, #2000 Supra, #2019 Supra, #2021 Supra, #2022 Supra, #2023 Supra, #21 Supra, #2jz Toyota, #3jz Supra, #80s Supra, #82 Supra, #83 Supra, #84 Supra, #85 Supra, #86 Supra, #87 Supra, #88 Supra, #89 Supra, #90s Supra, #91 Supra, #92 Supra, #93 Supra, #94 Supra, #95 Supra, #96 Supra, #97 Supra, #98 Supra, #99 Supra, #A90 Supra, #A91 Supra, #Abandoned Supra, #Abflug Supra, #Auto Supra, #Automatic Supra, #Awd Supra, #Best Supra, #Black Supra, #Blue Supra, #Buy Supra, #Castrol Supra, #Celica Supra, #Cheap Supra, #Cool Supra, #Fastest Supra, #Ford Supra, #Getrag V160, #Gr Supra, #Green Supra, #Grey Supra, #Grmn Supra, #Gt Supra, #Hks Supra, #Lexus Supra, #Lifted Supra, #M3 Supra, #Ma70 Supra, #Mazda Supra, #Mk6 Supra, #Mk7 Supra, #Mobil Supra, #Mrk2 Supra, #Mrk3 Supra, #Mrk4 Supra, #Nagata Supra, #Nascar Supra, #New Supra, #Orange Supra, #Pandem Supra, #Pauls Supra, #Red Supra, #Ridox Supra, #Smokey Supra, #Stradman Supra, #Supra 1, #Supra 1000hp, #Supra 1998, #Supra 2, #Supra 2.0, #Supra 2000, #Supra 2001, #Supra 2002, #Supra 2003, #Supra 2004, #Supra 2005, #Supra 2006, #Supra 2007, #Supra 2008, #Supra 2009, #Supra 2010, #Supra 2011, #Supra 2012, #Supra 2013, #Supra 2014, #Supra 2015, #Supra 2016, #Supra 2017, #Supra 2018, #Supra 2019, #Supra 202, #Supra 2020, #Supra 2021, #Supra 2022, #Supra 2jz, #Supra 3, #Supra 3000gt, #Supra 3jz, #Supra 4, #Supra 4k, #Supra 5, #Supra 80, #Supra 90, #Supra 90s, #Supra A60, #Supra A70, #Supra A80, #Supra A90, #Supra A91, #Supra Autotrader, #Supra Car, #Supra Cargurus, #Supra Cena, #Supra Convertible, #Supra Cost, #Supra Ft1, #Supra Gr, #Supra Grmn, #Supra Gt, #Supra Gt4, #Supra Gt500, #Supra Gt86, #Supra Hatchback, #Supra Horsepower, #Supra Hp, #Supra Jza70, #Supra Jza80, #Supra M3, #Supra M4, #Supra Mk1, #Supra Mk3, #Supra Mk4, #Supra Mk5, #Supra Mk6, #Supra Mk7, #Supra Mk8, #Supra Ml3, #Supra Ml4, #Supra Mobil, #Supra Models, #Supra Mr2, #Supra Msrp, #Supra Nascar, #Supra Pandem, #Supra Paul, #Supra Price, #Supra R, #Supra Racing, #Supra Rz, #Supra Sz, #Supra Trd, #Supra Turbo, #Supra V8, #Supra Years, #Supra Yellow, #Supra Z4, #Tom'S Supra, #Toyota 3jz, #Toyota A90, #Toyota Ft1, #Toyota Mk3, #Toyota Mk4, #Toyota Mk5, #Toyota Supra, #Used Supra, #V12 Supra, #Varis Supra, #Veilside Supra, #White Supra, #Yellow Supra
One Step Away From Being The Best

When it comes to iconic JDM cars, the name Supra rings one of the highest bells. In 1992, Toyota introduced the MKIV Supra to the world, forever changing the face of the Japanese performance automotive scene.

The A80 Supra came with the legendary 2JZ-GTE engine, a cast-iron block with twin-turbochargers. The engine proved capable of achieving great heights in the aftermarket, often reaching an excess of 800 horsepower on a stock block with the right upgrades. In 2019, after a 19-year hiatus, Toyota announced that the Supra is back in the form of the A90. The only problem was, the Toyota Supra would share a platform with the BMW Z4. True fans flipped, but it didn’t take long for the Supra to claim its spot as the rightful heir to its fourth-generation predecessor.

It’s only been a few years, and the Supra keeps getting better. Here, we review the 2022 GR Supra 3.0 Premium to see if there is anything beyond its looks, if the 2022 sports car would make a good daily-driver, and what Toyota needs to do to improve this platform.

Key Features

  • Adaptive Variable Suspension
  • ZF 8-Speed Automatic Transmission
  • Customizable Sport Mode
  • Twin-Scroll Turbocharger
Specifications

  • Engine/Motor: 3.0-Liter Twin-Scroll Turbocharged I6
  • Horsepower: 382 Horsepower @5,800-6,500 RPM
  • Torque: 368 lb-ft @1,800 RPM
  • Drivetrain: Rear Wheel Drive
  • Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic
Pros

  • Extremely Low End Torque Response
  • One Of The Best Automatic Transmissions
  • Near Perfect Chassis Balance
  • Great Brake System
  • Iconic Exterior Design
  • Pays Homage To MKIV Supra
Cons

  • No Manual Transmission Option
  • Cramped Interior
  • Poor Visibility
  • Interior is Too “BMW”

2022 Toyota GR Supra 3.0 Premium Engine Specs


2022 Toyota GR Supra 3.0 Premium Engine Compartment
Photo by Bassem Girgis

Paying homage to the twin-turbo 2JZ-GTE 3.0L inline-six engine in the fourth-gen Supra, the fifth-generation Toyota Supra sports a 3.0-liter twin-scroll single turbocharger inline-six-cylinder engine. Toyota also offers a 4-cylinder version of the Supra, but this is for another review. The DOHC 24-valve six-cylinder direct-injection engine works together with an 8-speed automatic transmission to send the power to the rear-wheels. The ZF transmission found in the Supra is by far one of the best automatic transmissions on the market today (we will explain below in our First Drive portion).


The Supra’s 3.0-liter engine delivers 382 horsepower between 5,800 RPM and 6,500 RPM, and 368 lb-ft of torque peaking at just 1,800 RPM and maintaining full torque until you reach 5,000 RPM before dropping. All conditions being perfect, the 2022 Toyota Supra 3.0 is capable of getting to the 60 mph mark from a stop in just 3.9-seconds with a top speed of 155 mph. On paper, the Toyota Supra is a blast, but does this paper tell an accurate story, or is it all just confetti?

What Makes the 2022 Toyota GR Supra 3.0 Special


2022 Toyota GR Supra 3.0 Premium Front
Photo by Kareem Girgis

Forget Japanese or German, let’s talk about some of the technology that make this vehicle excel. Shortly after forced-induction debunked the theory that there is no displacement for replacement, we, turbocharger enthusiasts, had to battle sacrificing boost response for the sake of more power. The need for more power meant we had to increase the size of the turbocharger, which meant sacrificing response and experiencing boost lag.


The twin-scroll turbo design under the Supra’s hood addresses this issue. In the simplest terms, a twin-scroll turbo features a divided inlet in the housing, paired with a well-engineered turbocharger manifold to improve response and efficiency. The first scroll goes to the front three cylinders, while the second scroll goes to the second three cylinders. This improves low-end response, increases power for the entire RPM range, and increases efficiency.


2022 Toyota GR Supra 3.0 Premium Shifter
Photo by Bassem Girgis

Not only is the Supra using one of the best automatic transmissions, Toyota also placed the 8-speed ZF gearbox in the right position to lower the center of gravity, and tuned it to perfection to deliver precise and aggressive performance.


To balance between daily-driving and track, the GR Supra comes with the Adaptive Variable Suspension. This suspension system is able to read road conditions a hundred times per second and adapt to give you the firmness when you need it, and the comfort when you’re cruising.

To enhance the handling further, an electronically-controlled rear differential monitors wheel speed, RPM, yaw rate, brake pressure, throttle opening angle, and steering angle to activate a multi-plate clutch and control the locking ratio between the wheels from 0- to 100-percent. With everything on the Supra engineered for performance, the available Brembo brakes make the car stop almost as quick as it goes. This system features four-piston front calipers and 2-piece 348mm vented disc rotors.


Related: The Best Features Of The 2022 Toyota GR Supra

2022 Toyota Supra 3.0 Premium Design


2022 Toyota GR Supra 3.0 Premium Sideview
Photo by Kareem Girgis

Using the word “curvy” to describe the 2022 Toyota Supra is a massive understatement. The Supra features a silhouette that is not only as sexy as it is aggressively-sporty, but it also pays tribute to the iconic MKIV Supra. Starting with the front, the headlights will remind you of the classic fourth-gen, but with the modern touch of the 6-lens LED light cluster. In the rear, the dynamic rear LED taillights along with the curved trunk make for quite the sighting, and with giant hips for fenders, you can’t deny the Supra’s back is its strong point.

19-inch forged billet aluminum wheels sit on all four corners, which are lighter and more durable than traditional cast-aluminum. One of the highlights of the exterior design sits on top of the vehicle. The classic double-bubble roof not only brings back memories, but also serves to optimize airflow and reduce drag, not to mention create more space for your helmet when you hit the track. All in all, the exterior design of the 2022 Toyota Supra is a work of art.

2022 Toyota Supra 3.0 Premium Interior


2022 Toyota GR Supra 3.0 Premium Dashboard
Photo by Bassem Girgis

While it takes roughly 12 hours to get from Japan to Germany, going from the exterior to the interior of the Supra will get you there in five seconds. The collaboration between Toyota and BMW is beyond apparent in the interior. In fact, it’s not so much collaboration as much as it is just BMW with a Toyota steering wheel. Everything from the infotainment system, the shifter, the gauge cluster, to the door handles screams BMW.

However, BMW has been making some of the world’s best cars for decades, and the Supra’s cabin is no different. We just wish there were more classic Toyota cues inside. The sport seats do as good of a job enhancing the design as they do holding you in place. Toyota claims the interior is driver-inspired; however, we can’t help but feel the driver seat feels disconnected from the center console.

The 8.8-inch display features wireless Apple CarPlay, and the screen is responsive and easy to navigate through. Bring your eyes lower, and you will see the wireless charge pad for your phone. It’s brilliant in functionality yet terrible in design. The pad works effortlessly, but the cover on top of it makes it impossible to grab your phone without touching the screen and potentially pressing something you don’t want to press (or is it on purpose, so you don’t grab your phone while driving?).


In addition to the tight squeeze from the cover, the lighter-port cap sticks out in the exact position where the phone needs to come out. We understand the cover makes it more efficient, like storing your wallet on top, but we would love easier access to the phone without pinching our fingers. With such impressive exterior design comes some other shortcomings, like the lack of visibility. You can’t see your blind spot, and the windshield is extremely small. All in all, sitting inside the Supra is a premium, cramped experience.

2022 Toyota GR Supra 3.0 Premium First Drive


2022 Toyota GR Supra 3.0 Premium Front
Photo by Kareem Girgis

The GR Supra 3.0 has two completely different personalities. In Normal mode, the Supra feels refined, smooth, quiet-ish, but in Sport mode, the Supra is pure angry in the best way possible. Drivers can modify their Sport mode in terms of Engine, Transmission, Suspension, and Steering. If you want the engine response, sport transmission, but you don’t want the firm ride and the heavy steering, you can simply customize it as such. The same goes for everything else.


Of course, the real fun is when everything is set to Sport. The result is pure confidence. Response is almost immediate. With traction control off, the Supra could be a handful; however, it’s a relatively easy car to drive. I’ve driven it on the track during its launch in 2019, and as aggressive as it is, it’s very well-mannered. This isn’t to say it won’t surprise you and point you in the wrong direction. Start slow and get to know the car first.

The Adaptive Variable Suspension is a must-have. It’s worth every penny. In Sport mode, the suspension will not be good for daily-driving. It gets extremely rough. However, it is exactly what you need around corners. The steering is impressively accurate. The entire car feels well-balanced and tight. It offers the same playfulness of the GR 86 chassis, but with much more capabilities, firmness, and performance. The brakes match the engine performance with more than enough stopping power.


2022 Toyota GR Supra 3.0 Premium Gauge Cluster
Photo by Bassem Girgis

The entire experience of driving the Toyota Supra is exquisite, but nothing compares to how well-tuned this ZF eight-speed transmission feels. In Sport mode, the transmission behaves exactly how you want it, when you want it. The shifts are snappy and quick, and the transmission downshifts brilliantly. It feels like it’s always in the right RPM whenever you need it, and you never have to wait for it. If you’re cruising on the freeway in 8th gear at 65 mph, a simple press of the Sport button will bring it down to 6th gear, ready to give you the acceleration you need on command. All in all, the 2022 Toyota Supra 3.0 is as close to perfection as you can get, with more than enough performance and refinement.


Related: Why We Love The 2022 GR Supra

The Bottom Line


2022 Toyota GR Supra 3.0 Premium Rear
Photo by Kareem Girgis

As car enthusiasts, we have to ask for that third peddle. Well, before we complain, we will make the bold statement that you will never, ever be able to shift a manual transmission as well as this ZF transmission does. This gearbox is faster, more accurate, and more aggressive than you can ever get. Despite this statement, we still want a manual transmission. Oftentimes, it’s not about the efficiency, but more about the fun.

With this car scoring extremely high in the fun-factor, a manual transmission should kill most competition. It’s already better looking and quicker than the M2, but the M2 offers a manual transmission. While we’re complaining, we know you’re thinking this is more BMW than a Supra, and it shouldn’t carry this iconic name. Well, this will never be the fourth-generation A80 Supra, it is much better (there, we said it!). This is a new era, and the Toyota Supra is living up to the challenge with flying colors.


It’s rare to find a 2022 vehicle that offers a raw driving feel. In spirited driving, the Supra is playful enough, yet well balanced to ensure you don’t make too many mistakes. The overall experience of driving this vehicle is extremely fun, and in spite of the cramped interior, you will always enjoy driving it.

With how well-engineered the Supra is, it’s not a question of should you buy it or not, it’s a question of which trim should you buy? We would usually encourage you to pass on the Premium and go with the 3.0, but given you lose the Blind Sport Monitor with this switch, we must recommend the Premium priced at $54,790. It’s almost dangerous to drive this car without a Blind Sport Monitor. If you’re after the looks and not so much the performance, you can always downgrade to the Supra 2.0, but if you want raw performance, spend the extra money, and you’ll be too busy having fun to overthink your decision.


About The Author

Bassem Girgis
(10 Articles Published)

Bassem has been writing in the automotive industry since day one of his career. The love for any machinery with wheels has been embedded deep into his heart at a tremendously early age by his father. Bassem has created content for a variety of sources in numerous styles, from pure entertainment to the most technical of topics. His work can be found on newsstands, websites, and social media, reaching millions of enthusiasts.

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By Punta Dewa

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