The 2024 Toyota GR Supra is a stylish and fun-to-drive sports car with a rich history in North America
The styling of the 2024 Toyota GR Supra clearly shows it’s built for speed.
When Japanese-based automakers – Datsun (now Nissan), Honda, Mazda and Toyota – broke into the North American market in the 1960s, their products were known for being small, practical, and inexpensive to buy and operate. This was in stark contrast to North American vehicles of the time, which emphasized style, power and image.
So it was a surprise when Datsun launched the 240-Z for the 1970 model year. Here was a Japanese-built car that had style that some compared to British sportscars like the MGB-GT and even the legendary E-type Jaguar. The cockpit was sporty with a full array of gauges. And it had a 2.4-litre six-cylinder engine, which made it fast.
It took a few years, but Toyota also decided to enter the sports car game when it introduced the Supra in 1978. It lasted until 2002. Then, after a long absence, the Supra was revived in 2019 as the GR Supra. The GR designation comes from Toyota’s motorsport division, Gazoo Racing.
 The interior of the 2024 Toyota GR Supra is comfortable and functional – and surprisingly spacious. |
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I recently test-drove a Toyota GR Supra. It’s small, fast, comfortable and luxurious.
The Supra is just 4,381 mm long (172.5 in) and sits on a wheelbase of 2,470 mm (97.2 in). It’s only 1,298 mm (51.1 in) high and has a ground clearance of a scant 119 mm (4.7 in).
Prices for the base GR Supra in Canada start at $61,089. That’s with a 255-hp turbocharged in-line four-cylinder engine. The next step up is the GR Supra 3.0 L, which has an in-line six-cylinder engine producing 382 hp. My test vehicle was the top-end Supra 3.0 MT, meaning “manual transmission” – a six-speed – along with the same 3.0L 382 hp engine. Both six-cylinder models start at $72,579.
Small doesn’t mean it’s a fuel sipper; after all, this is a high-performance two-seater. Natural Resources Canada rates the fuel economy at 12.7 litres per 100 km in the city and 8.8 l/100 km on the highway.
The GR Supra looks like a sports car, with excellent exterior styling. The hood slopes steeply, and there are huge scoops on the front and sides. The body flares out to accommodate the rear tires, emphasizing that this car is built to go fast. There’s a built-in spoiler at the back and large chrome exhaust tips. When parked, it looks like it’s ready to race.
So it’s no surprise that throttle response is outstanding. The steering, handling, and brakes are extremely responsive – just what is expected of a car that likes like this.
The interior is also outstanding. Even though it’s a two-seater sports car, it somehow doesn’t seem cramped, unlike the MG Midget I once owned. Toyota has done a lot of really good things that are often difficult to do in a very small car. The seats are heated and 14-way power-adjustable, along with power-adjustable side bolsters. The comfort of these seats more than makes up for the bumpy ride, which is unavoidable in a car with such a short wheelbase.
The convenience and entertainment features make for enjoyable driving. It’s very easy to find the various controls for the sound system – a 12-speaker JBL – and heating and A/C. And the leather-wrapped shift knob adds to the joy of the six-speed stick.
The 8.8-inch nav screen seems a bit small compared to many others on the market these days.
There’s not a lot of luggage room, but that’s to be expected in a vehicle like this. If hauling capacity is on your shopping list, there are plenty of other choices on the market.
But if you’re looking for a small, quick, stylish car that’s fun to drive, then check out the 2024 Toyota GR Supra.
Dale Johnson is an award-winning author, broadcaster and journalist who has worked in TV, radio, print and online. While the manufacturer provided Dale with a vehicle to test drive, the content of this review was not reviewed or accepted by the manufacturer.
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