Toyota GR Supra 3.0 Premium (A90)

Toyota GR Supra 3.0 Premium (A90)

The 2020 Toyota GR Supra, designated A90, represents one of the most anticipated and controversial comebacks in automotive history. When Toyota discontinued the beloved A80 Supra in 2002, enthusiasts spent nearly two decades hoping for its return. When it finally arrived, co-developed with BMW as part of a platform-sharing agreement that also produced the BMW Z4, the reaction was decidedly mixed — some celebrated the return of the inline-six, rear-wheel-drive formula, while others lamented the BMW powertrain and questioned whether it was a 'real' Toyota.

The engine at the center of the controversy is BMW's B58B30 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, producing 335 horsepower at launch (later bumped to 382 hp for 2021 and beyond). It is, by any objective measure, a superb engine. The single twin-scroll turbocharger delivers boost with virtually no perceptible lag, producing a broad torque plateau of 368 lb-ft from just 1,600 to 4,500 RPM. The engine is mated exclusively to a ZF 8HP51 eight-speed automatic transmission — Toyota's decision to launch without a manual was a sore point for purists, though a 6-speed manual option was eventually introduced for the 2023 model year.

Toyota's engineers, led by chief engineer Tetsuya Tada, were deeply involved in tuning the A90's chassis to feel distinctly different from the Z4 with which it shares its bones. The Supra received unique suspension tuning with stiffer springs, revalved dampers, thicker anti-roll bars, and additional chassis bracing. The result is a car that is notably more aggressive and direct in its responses than the softer, more touring-oriented Z4. The short 2,470-millimeter wheelbase — shorter than a Toyota 86 — gives the Supra remarkable agility and a willingness to rotate that flatters confident drivers.

The body is a double-bubble coupe design penned by Toyota's European design studio, with a dramatically sculpted profile that features a long hood, short rear deck, and wide rear haunches. The A90's proportions are undeniably striking, though the front end's large grille and complex surfacing divided opinions. The rigidity of the body structure is exceptional — Toyota claimed a torsional rigidity superior to the Lexus LFA, achieved through extensive use of high-strength steel and strategic aluminum components.

Inside, the BMW partnership is most evident. The iDrive infotainment system, switchgear, and instrument cluster are clearly BMW-sourced, though Toyota added its own steering wheel and some unique trim elements. The cabin is cozy and driver-focused, with an 8.8-inch touchscreen running BMW's operating system. Some enthusiasts felt this undermined the Toyota identity of the car, while pragmatists appreciated the proven quality of BMW's electronics.

On the road, the A90 Supra is genuinely fast and remarkably balanced. The combination of short wheelbase, 50:50 weight distribution, a responsive turbocharged six, and quick-shifting ZF automatic creates a car that is both devastatingly effective on a circuit and comfortable enough for daily use. Independent testing consistently showed the A90 running sub-4-second 0-60 times and low 12-second quarter miles, easily exceeding Toyota's conservative official claims.

The aftermarket community embraced the B58 engine with the same fervor they had shown the 2JZ in the A80 Supra. The B58 responds spectacularly to tuning — simple bolt-on modifications and a tune can push output past 500 horsepower, while dedicated builds have exceeded 1,000 horsepower. This tunability has helped bridge the gap between skeptics and supporters, proving that the A90, like its predecessor, is a platform with enormous potential.

The controversy over the A90's BMW DNA has gradually softened as the car has proven itself on the road and track. The addition of a manual transmission for 2023 addressed the most vocal criticism, and special editions like the A91 and the GR Supra 45th Anniversary Edition have added collectible appeal. The A90 may never fully escape the shadow of the legendary A80, but it has earned respect as a genuine sports car that carries the Supra name with honor.