The 2020 Toyota Supra | Reborn or Reincarnated?

After 21 years, the Supra has returned to the Toyota lineup. In its former form, the Toyota Supra rose to the status of a global halo car. Thanks to appearances in films such as the Fast & Furious franchise, the lore of this incredible automobile has lived on. After two decades of demands from Supra enthusiasts, Toyota has decided to honor the legacy of the storied automobile with a full return to production for the foreseeable future, under the moniker GR Supra.  While the many adoring fans are excited about the Supra's return, just as many have erupted at the various points of controversy surrounding the Supra......and if it may really be a Supra at all. The 2020 Toyota Supra is the result of a partnership between Toyota and BMW; a rather unusual pairing. The result for BMW has been the development of the all-new 2020 BMW Z4 (which is already slated to end production, less than a year out from launch). On the Toyota end, consumers will have the benefit of the 2020 Supra. However, underneath the body and badging, what we're really getting is an Austrian built BMW Z4 platform. Toyota is responsible for some of the most beautiful and perfectly engineered cars in the history of the automobile. The Lexus LFA comes to mind when making this statement. So, it is understandable that many may see their partnership and sister-car entanglement with BMW as unnecessary. However, both of these cars are likely to be low volume sellers (as is evidenced by BMW's decision to pull the Z4 from production already). For low volume cars, it makes a great deal of sense to get the saving associated with producing twice as common many parts and then going separate ways in areas such as styling and branding. While the decision to do such a thing has forever altered the DNA os the Supra, this car was meant to be customized and tinkered with; Especially the 2020 Model, which has left plenty of room for third-party modifications and upgrades. Toyota themselves have essentially primed the cars for aftermarket customization. But with 335 Horsepower and a 4.1-second 0-60 time out of a 3 liter V-6, the standard version will do for most people.  The base price for the standard model is $49,990, and it won't get much more expensive than that, with the top end, Premium Launch Edition coming in at $55,250. For this price, you get the performance that you'd expect from any BMW.......or Toyota that is. In fact, the 2020 Supra is the quickest Toyota ever built. That must be thanks to the twin-scroll turbo and the 8-speed automatic transmission, both of which are bolted on to the only engine option. You will also get leather and Alcantara as standard on the standard interior. However, even with the top end launch edition model, which comes with JBL audio, Apple Carplay, Android Auto, and navigation, you'll have to shell out an extra $1,200 for the optional Driver Assist Package. When you take a look inside of the new Supra, you immediately notice the overwhelming BMW influence that is apparent in many parts of the interior design. Most notably, the steering wheel is a modified version of what you'll find in a BMW Z4; even down to the paddle shifters. The infotainment system is also a modified i-Drive system, harkening back to the commonalities Rolls Royce and BMW shared not too long ago. Thanks to some clever rebranding, those who have never used BMW's system will never be able to tell the difference. Another huge similarity it the use of BMW's electronic gear selector. In fact, all of the major switchgear seems to be lifted directly from the BMW parts bin. This includes the window switches, mirror toggles, turn signal stalk, wiper stalk, headlight control, and just about everything else. These revelations are enough to cause a deep depression amongst many Supra enthusiasts, but once again, this is the price we must pay for the name and glory of this automotive icon to live on and hopefully evolve in the coming years.