Photos by IZZRAFIQ ALIAS
AT the heart of it, the 2023 Toyota GR Supra is simply an experience to revel in.
It’s for those who can appreciate its rip-roaring, exhilarating performance blended with a surprising level of ride comfort, all wrapped in a stylish, exciting-looking package.
Fans of the GR Supra would be familiar with the fifth-generation front-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports car’s “Supra is Back” premier in January 2019.
The first global model of Toyota Gazoo Racing’s GR sports car series, the GR Supra aims to please with a “fun-to-drive” spirit powered by a fiery BMW-sourced B58 3.0-litre inline 6-cylinder twin-scroll turbocharged engine with a potent 388PS and a staggering 500Nm of torque, mated to a buttery-smooth 8-speed automatic from German transmission supplier ZF.
The two-seater sports car has a relatively short wheelbase, an ideal 50:50 front-rear weight balance, a super-wide stance and low center of gravity - contributing to its corner hugging performance.
Its long-nose, short-cabin silhouette as well as low-slung, sleek exterior design turns heads and draws admiring looks wherever it appears.
Once you sink into the driver’s seat, the interior design emphasis is clear: driving focus and engagement.
The small cockpit is snug, and the black leather sports seats were quite cosy for our 1.7-metre bodies.
There’s no divider between the rear cargo area and the cockpit, and you can simply shove your jacket and other items into the empty space behind the seats.
A luggage cover for the rear cargo area is provided to hide your valuables from prying eyes.
The cabin has a premium feel with soft touch surfaces, and high-quality fit and finish as well as a clear and concise layout.
Both seats are powered adjustable, and an 8.8-inch touchscreen sits on the dashboard for infotainment, navigation and vehicle settings.
A rotary controller is fitted also on the centre console, in addition to buttons and switches for Sport mode, the fuel-saving Auto start/stop function, and electric parking brake.
There’s Apple CarPlay support but Android Auto isn’t provided, and we found one USB-A port and a wireless charger.
Premium features and comforts include an awesome 12-speaker JBL HiFi surround sound system, and dual-zone automatic climate control as well as some nice ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems) technology.
These pleasant cabin amenities are just enough to keep you comfortable on longer journeys or congested roads but that’s not why you want the GR Supra.
Press the start-stop button, and a deep growl rumbles to life.
Once you plant your foot down, the power delivery is linear and relentless, propelling the GR Supra from 0 to 100kph in a blistering 4.1 seconds as the GR Supra surges forward with breathtaking speed and adrenaline-inducing engine roar.
The high-pitched exhaust snarl intensifies at higher revs as the digital tachometer needle climbs towards the redline, adding to the thrilling, blood-stirring experience.
Motoring on twisty roads is exhilarating, as the GR Supra weaves through bends with aplomb.
The ZF automatic gearbox is silky-smooth and responsive - seamlessly shifting gears.
Shod with 19-inch wheels and high performance Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres sized 255/35 (front) and 275/35 (rear), the GR Supra truly shines on winding roads where it feels incredibly planted and composed at speed.
The electric power steering is precise and communicative, as we carved road corners with laser-like precision.
The sports seats provide excellent support during spirited driving.
What’s also impressive is that unpleasant NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) intrusions are well minimised, and ride quality is somehow amazingly comfortable even on poorly maintained road surfaces.
There are Normal, Sport and Individual driving modes that adjust powertrain response, suspension damping, and steering settings.
Even in Sport mode, with the GR Supra revving more eagerly, noise insulation is still commendable, while the stiffer suspension settings still provide decent cushioning from road shocks, and the ride quality never hit kidney jarring levels.
The sport braking package delivers excellent stopping power and control, and inspires confidence in pushing the car spiritedly.
At cruising speeds, the cabin is relatively quiet while in stop-and-go traffic, the engine auto start-stop is seamless.
While the GR Supra can be an everyday commuter car, it is undoubtedly built for thrilling road trips on long, winding roads where the driver-machine connection stands out.
The GR Supra comes across as a gentleman’s sports coupe, which delivers high-performance driving fun in spades as well as refined occupant comfort.
Toyota GR Supra 3.0L (auto)
Engine: 2,998cc twin-scroll turbocharged, inline 6-cylinder, 24-valve DOHC, direct injection
Maximum power: 388PS from 5,800 to 6,500rpm
Maximum torque: 500Nm at 1,800 to 5,000rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
Acceleration (0 to 100kph): 4.1 seconds
Top speed: 250kph (electronically limited)
Suspension: Front double jointed MacPherson strut with stabiliser bar; rear multi-link with stabiliser bar
Suspension type: Adaptive Variable Suspension
Rear differential: Electronically controlled limited slip differential (LSD)
Wheels: 19-inch
Brakes: Front ventilated discs with 4-piston fixed callipers; rear single piston floating callipers
Kerb weight: 1,600kg
Fuel tank: 52 litres
Features: Adaptive LED headlamps, rain sensing wipers, dual tailpipes, auto retractable wing mirrors – electrocromic (reduce reflected glare for driver only) and reverse linked (auto tilt on passenger side), 8-way powered driver’s seat with memory, black leather seats, 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, 12-speaker JBL HiFi surround sound, dual-zone automatic climate control, heads-up display, 8.8-inch TFT colour display, one USB-A port, wireless charger, auto dimming rear view mirror, tilt and telescopic steering
Safety features: Forward Collision Warning (with brake function), Lane Departure Warning (with steering assist), Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Adaptive High Beam, Road Sign Assist, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRC), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), electric parking brake, reverse camera, front and rear parking sensors, Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), ISOFIX, Toyota Premium Security and Solar Film
Price: RM655,000 on-the-road without insurance
Warranty: Five years, unlimited mileage, 24SEVEN Road Assist
