The Toyota Supra Mk7: A Resurrection Of Legend, But Not Without Its Quirks - Automotive News

The Toyota Supra Mk7: A Resurrection of Legend, But Not Without Its Quirks

The Toyota Supra Mk7: A Resurrection of Legend, But Not Without Its Quirks

The Toyota Supra, a name synonymous with legendary performance and iconic design, returned to the world in 2019 after a 17-year hiatus. This time, however, it wasn’t a purely Toyota creation. The Mk7 Supra, built on a shared platform with the BMW Z4, was a collaborative effort, marking a significant shift in the Supra’s history.

This new Supra, while undeniably captivating, has ignited passionate debates among enthusiasts. Is it a true successor to its predecessors, or a compromised compromise? This in-depth review delves into the Mk7 Supra’s performance, handling, technology, and overall experience to shed light on its strengths and weaknesses.

A Striking Silhouette, But Familiar Lines:

The Supra Mk7’s design is a blend of retro-inspired elements and modern aesthetics. Its long hood, short overhangs, and muscular curves evoke the iconic lines of its predecessors, particularly the Mk4. The low-slung profile, wide stance, and prominent rear diffuser scream performance, while the LED headlights and taillights add a touch of contemporary flair.

However, the Supra’s design isn’t without its detractors. The front fascia, with its large grille and aggressive air intakes, can feel somewhat derivative, especially when compared to the more distinctive and sculpted designs of its competitors. Some also argue that the overall design, while striking, lacks the timeless elegance of the original Supra.

Table of Content

• 1 The Toyota Supra Mk7: A Resurrection of Legend, But Not Without Its Quirks

Under the Hood: A German Heart in a Japanese Chassis:

The Supra’s most significant departure from its predecessors lies under the hood. Instead of a Toyota-developed engine, the Mk7 is powered by a BMW-sourced 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine. This engine, producing 382 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque in the standard model and 475 horsepower in the A91-CF Edition, delivers a thrilling driving experience.

The engine’s smooth power delivery, linear acceleration, and intoxicating exhaust note are a testament to BMW’s expertise in engine engineering. The eight-speed automatic transmission, also sourced from BMW, shifts seamlessly and quickly, further enhancing the Supra’s performance.

Handling: A Balance of Precision and Playfulness:

The Supra’s handling is where it truly shines. The car’s rigid chassis, precise steering, and balanced weight distribution make it a joy to drive on winding roads. The Supra feels planted and confident through corners, offering excellent grip and predictable handling.

The car’s suspension, tuned for a sporty ride, strikes a balance between comfort and performance. While it can be firm on rough roads, it remains composed and controlled, offering a rewarding driving experience.

Technology: A Blend of Modernity and Simplicity:

• The Toyota Mark III: A Timeless Classic Redefined
• The JDM Showroom: Where Japanese Automotive Dreams Come True
• The LEGO Supra MK4: A Brick-Built Dream Come True
• The Toyota Supra MK3: A Legacy Of Power And Style
• The Supra MK4: A Timeless Icon Of Performance And Style

The Supra’s interior is a mix of modern technology and driver-focused simplicity. The digital instrument cluster, featuring a large central tachometer flanked by digital displays, provides clear and informative readouts. The infotainment system, also sourced from BMW, is intuitive and responsive, offering navigation, music streaming, and smartphone integration.

However, the Supra’s interior falls short in terms of luxury and features. The materials, while adequate, lack the premium feel found in some of its competitors. The lack of advanced driver-assistance features, like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, is also a noticeable omission.

Driving Experience: A Symphony of Power and Precision:

The Supra Mk7 is a car that truly comes alive when pushed. Its engine roars with a satisfying growl, the transmission snaps through gears with precision, and the chassis feels incredibly responsive. The car’s handling is a revelation, offering a level of precision and engagement that is unmatched in its class.

The Supra is equally capable on the track and on the open road. It can tackle corners with confidence and agility, while still offering a comfortable ride on the highway. The car’s overall driving experience is a testament to the collaborative efforts of Toyota and BMW.

The Debate: A True Supra or a Compromised Compromise?

The Supra Mk7’s use of a BMW engine and platform has sparked debate among enthusiasts. Some argue that it compromises the car’s identity and heritage, while others believe it elevates its performance and technology.

The truth lies somewhere in between. The Supra Mk7 is a different car than its predecessors, but it is still a worthy successor to the legacy. Its performance, handling, and driving experience are undeniably impressive, and it offers a unique blend of Japanese and German engineering.

The Verdict: A Captivating Sports Car with Room for Improvement

The Toyota Supra Mk7 is a captivating sports car that offers a thrilling driving experience. Its performance, handling, and design are undeniable assets, but its reliance on BMW components and lack of certain features raise questions about its true identity.

Despite its quirks, the Supra Mk7 remains a compelling choice for enthusiasts seeking a driver-focused sports car. Its performance, handling, and overall driving experience are a testament to its unique heritage and collaborative development. However, it is essential to acknowledge that the Supra is not a perfect car, and its future success will depend on its ability to evolve and address some of its shortcomings.

Here are some of the key takeaways from this review:

Pros:

• Powerful and responsive BMW-sourced engine
• Excellent handling and agility
• The Toyota Mark III: A Timeless Classic Redefined
• The JDM Showroom: Where Japanese Automotive Dreams Come True
• The LEGO Supra MK4: A Brick-Built Dream Come True
• The Toyota Supra MK3: A Legacy Of Power And Style
• The Supra MK4: A Timeless Icon Of Performance And Style
• Striking design with retro-inspired elements
• Engaging and rewarding driving experience

Cons:

• Interior materials and features lack premium feel
• Lack of advanced driver-assistance features
• Design might be too derivative for some
• Shared platform with BMW Z4 raises questions about identity

Overall, the Toyota Supra Mk7 is a captivating sports car that offers a thrilling driving experience. However, its reliance on BMW components and lack of certain features raise questions about its true identity. Despite its quirks, the Supra Mk7 remains a compelling choice for enthusiasts seeking a driver-focused sports car.

Beyond the Review: A Glimpse into the Future

The Supra Mk7’s success will depend on its ability to evolve and address some of its shortcomings. Toyota has already announced a new GR Supra Sport Top model, featuring a more powerful engine and track-focused upgrades. This indicates a commitment to further developing the Supra and pushing its performance envelope.

The future of the Supra remains uncertain, but one thing is certain: the legend lives on, albeit in a slightly different form. Whether the Mk7 Supra will ultimately be remembered as a worthy successor to its predecessors remains to be seen. However, its captivating performance and unique blend of Japanese and German engineering suggest that it has the potential to carve its own path in the history of sports cars.

sure

Thus, we hope this article has provided valuable insights into The Toyota Supra Mk7: A Resurrection of Legend, But Not Without Its Quirks. We appreciate your attention to our article. See you in our next article!