Toyota GR Supra versus Toyota GT86

January 17, 2019

Following a seemingly interminable teaser campaign, Toyota has finally revealed its GR Supra. Indeed, the process effectively started with the FT-1 concept, which was unveiled five years ago.

The fifth-generation Supra will be built alongside the closely-related BMW Z4 by Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria. Deliveries are due to begin towards the end of summer 2019.

For the UK, standard equipment includes LED headlights, 19” forged alloy wheels, Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres and an active rear differential. Inside, the seats are covered in Alcantara, plus they’re heated and power adjustable. An 8.8” infotainment touchscreen, adaptive cruise control, a rear-view camera and the Safety+ suite of technologies are fitted too.

According to Toyota, most customers are expected to opt for the posher Pro trim grade. Compared to the regular model, it gains black leather upholstery, a head-up display, wireless phone charging and a twelve-speaker audio system.

A special version is also going to be available. The A90 Edition, which is based on the Pro, is distinguished by Storm Grey matt paintwork, matt black wheels and red leather. However, just 24 examples are coming to the UK and only people who have a confirmed GR Supra pre-sales reservation can order one.

Some observers might be wondering why the Supra even exists, given that Toyota already offers a similar-sized sports coupé in the form of the GT86. Well, as can be seen from the figures below, the GR Supra has 70% more output and a 93% higher entry-level price tag. Therefore, plenty of effort has been made to ensure that the two cars appeal to very different market segments.

That’s great, then… except one question remains: why not build a quicker GT86 instead? Such a task would be fairly easy to achieve. After all, the ‘FA’ 2.0 litre boxer engine used in the GT86 (and the identical Subaru BRZ) is already turbocharged for other production applications, resulting in 295 bhp (220 kW / 300 PS) with 400 Nm (295 lb/ft) of peak torque.

There are probably many good reasons why a ‘super’ GT86 didn’t happen. Perhaps agreement from Subaru wasn’t forthcoming, for instance. Also, the GT86 is now relatively elderly, having been launched in 2012. A faster variant simply wouldn’t have caused the furore that the new GR Supra has.

Model	GR Supra	GT86	GR Supra vs. GT86
UK OTR price
Base	£52,695	£27,285	+ £25,410
Pro	£54,000	£28,435*	+ £25,565
A90 Edition	£56,945	-	-
Dimensions
Length	4,379 mm (172.4”)	4,240 mm (166.9”)	+ 139 mm (5.5”)
Width	1,854 mm (73.0”)	1,775 mm (69.9”)	+ 79 mm (3.1”)
Height	1,292 mm (50.9”)	1,320 mm (52.0”)	- 28 mm (1.1”)
Kerb weight	1,495 kg (3,295 lbs)	1,222 kg (2,694 lbs)	+ 273 kg (601 lbs)
Seats	2	2+2	- 2
Engine
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol	-
Capacity	2,998 cc	1,998 cc	+ 1,000 cc
Cylinders	6 inline	4 boxer	+ 2
Induction	Fuel injection, single turbo	Fuel injection	-
Power	335 bhp (250 kW / 340 PS)	197 bhp (147 kW / 200 PS)	+ 138 bhp (103 kW / 140 PS)
Torque	500 Nm (368 lb/ft)	205 Nm (151 lb/ft)	+ 295 Nm (217 lb/ft)
Transmission
Gearbox	8-speed automatic	6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic	+ 2 speeds
Layout	Rear-wheel drive	Rear-wheel drive	-
Performance
0-62 mph (100 km/h)	4.3 secs	7.6 secs (man) 8.2 secs (auto)	- 3.3 secs (man) - 3.9 secs (auto)
Top speed	155 mph (250 km/h)**	140 mph (225 km/h) (man) 130 mph (209 km/h) (auto)	+ 15 mph (25 km/h) (man) + 25 mph (41 km/h) (auto)
* GT86 Pro automatic transmission option is £1,355.
** Electronically limited.