Production Models

The launch of the Supra was among the most awaited events of 2019. The return of the most celebrated sports car from Toyota has generated a lot of excitement globally and among local car enthusiasts.

When it was first revealed to the world at the Detroit Motor Show, the excitement grew even more, especially locally. Will Toyota make the resurrected Supra available in the country?

And the question most asked: Will it be even more exciting in the metal?

Yes was the resounding answer - after the sneak peek at the Clark International Speedway during the Vios Racing Festival, and even more yesses when it was formally launched at the Manila Polo Club.

Many car enthusiasts loved that the new Supra retained much of what made the old Supra an iconic sports car.

A little shorter, a wee bit wider, and just a touch taller at 4379 millimeters by 1854mm by 1,294mm than its predecessor, the new Supra maintained the long bonnet, short deck design of iconic sports cars. It also sits low above the pavement with a 115mm minimum ground clearance.

Toyota also decided on a 2470mm wheelbase that is said to help allow a 50:50 front to rear weight ratio for better handling at speed.

The nosecone look is new. There are creases and air intakes, real and faux.

It's little curvier. But the placement and proportions, if not the whole design, of the LED headlamps with integrated daytime running lights still recall the headlamps of the old Supra.

The same goes for the slim integrated lights at the rear which comes with unobtrusive spoiler, LED rear fog lamp, backup lamp and high mount stop lamp, dual exhaust tail pipes, and distinctive bumper.

The exterior also comes with auto windshield wipers, outer door mirrors with dimming, heats and memory, color-keyed grip type door handles, glass type antennae.

The new Supra interior is as sporty as sports cars go with carbon and silver aluminum trim and seats upholstered in Alcantara material.

The seats with side bolsters and lumbar support keep occupants in place and in comfort. They come with 8-way power adjust function with memory.

The dash layout is best described as driver-centric. The instrument panel comes with 8.8-inch TFT LCD display that can show speedometer, tachometer and other vital info. A heads-up display provides the same info so driver need not look down on the drive.

The leather wrapped three-spoke steering wheel features paddle shifters and controls for audio, phone and cruise control. The steering column tilts manually and telescopes electronically.

The Infotainment system uses 8.8-inch widescreen TFT LCD touchscreen display and comes with USB and BlueTooth connectivity, Navigation software, JBL 12-speaker HiFi Surround Sound System.

Adding to comfort and convenience inside the fifth generation Supra are push start system, dual-zone airconditioning, accessory outlet in center console, automatic day and night rear view mirror, back monitor, power doorlocks, windows and outer mirrors, two bottle holders, door and seatback pocket, cargo hooks.

Much of the controls for various functions and displays can be controlled with what Toyota calls the Supra Command, which is basically similar to the BMW i-Drive system.

The new Supra powertrain stays true to the in-line 6 engines that made the old Supra so popular with sports car enthusiasts and racers.

The fifth generation Supra is powered by 2998cc, 6-cylinder in-line, twin-scroll turbocharged gasoline engine.

The engine generates 335 horsepower from 5,000 to 6,500 revolutions per minute and 500 Newton-meters of torque from 1,600 to 4,500 rpm.

All that power and torque drives the rear wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission.

The Supra also comes with a limited slip differential.

Stopping power comes from a brake system using front ventilate discs with four-piston fixed caliper and rear ventilated disks with 1-piston floating caliper.

The Supra suspension features double-joint type McPherson struts in front and a multi-link system in the rear. It also comes with adaptive variable suspension.

The latest generation Supra also features wide rear tires, 275/35 R19 tires wrapped around 10J x 19-inch forged aluminum tires. In front are 255/35/R19 tires wrapped around 9J x 19-inch forged aluminums.

For safety and security, the Supra is equipped with various airbags. These include SRS airbags for protecting driver, driver's knee, the passenger, as well as side and curtain shield airbags. The two 3-point seatbelts feature pretensioner and force limiters.

The Supra also comes with Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, and Anti-Lock Brake System.

Finally, it is equipped with Toyota Vehicle Security System and Wireless doorlock.

Many who have been lucky enough to test drive the 5th generation Supra agree that it has the horses, and ride and handling characteristics that live up to the Supra name. Does it deserve the 5 million pls SRP price? That boils down to budget and taste.