The brand new Toyota Supra for 2022 exhibits impressive strength and nimbleness with both of its turbocharged engines. This sports coupe from Toyota comes equipped with two seats. It stands as the more potent option among Toyota’s pair of sports cars. Notable competitors include the BMW Z4, Porsche 718, Jaguar F-Type, Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ duo, and even the Chevrolet Corvette. The Supra delivers top-notch sports car performance, showcasing dynamic handling and substantial power from either engine. While it may lack in spaciousness and has a firm ride, driving it is always an enjoyable experience. Now entering its third year in production, the 2022 Toyota Supra introduces the A91-CF (carbon fiber) Edition, limited to only 600 units. The model also includes updates in equipment allocation, with Apple CarPlay now completely covering the screen on models featuring the premium audio system.
The 2022 Toyota Supra captures attention with its bold lines, curves, and vents. This fierce sports car boasts an eye-catching design, although it does not quite achieve the elegance of the larger Toyota FT-1 concept that served as its design inspiration. Adorned with intricate surface details and vents, the Supra makes its presence known with authority. Rated at 7 for its style, the Supra impresses with its striking exterior and well-organized interior. With prominent rear haunches, the Supra exudes a predator-like appearance, poised to strike. Featuring classic sports car proportions emphasized by a lengthy hood and short deck, the Supra manages to pack a plethora of design elements into a compact space. Despite the numerous character lines, curves, and vents, which may not always harmonize, the overall design remains bold and handsome.
Sporting power, agility, and nimbleness, the 2022 Supra excels in autocross events. This sports car is designed with power distributed to the rear wheels, adhering to the classic sports car layout. As the more potent choice from Toyota’s sports car lineup, the Supra stands shorter and quicker than the 86, boasting enhanced grip. It demonstrates agility on an autocross track and offers a thrilling experience on a racetrack. The base model is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbo-4 engine, generating 255 hp and a substantial 295 lb-ft of torque. Accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.0 seconds, this engine works seamlessly with the quick-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission, providing readily available power. While the Turbo-4 models deliver swift performance, the 6-cylinder variants unleash a sudden surge of power. The 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 engine propels the car with 382 hp and 386 lb-ft of torque, capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 3.9 seconds. With peak torque available at 1,600 rpm, the same 8-speed automatic transmission ensures power is easily accessible. The turbo-6 engine also produces a melodious thrum during acceleration, punctuated by distinct sounds between gear shifts.
Built with a firm, compact structure, a double-jointed front strut suspension, a five-link rear suspension, and wide tires, the Supra maintains a strong grip and agile handling. The powerful thrust, particularly from the turbo-6 engine, can push the rear tires to their limit, allowing for thrilling drifts through corners. The short wheelbase can lead to the rear end sliding in sharp, high-speed turns, emphasizing the need for a steady hand at the wheel. While the Supra’s agility shines on an autocross circuit, it also demonstrates track-worthy performance. The ride quality, although firm and busy, manages to strike a balance without becoming overly harsh. Turbo-4 models feature smaller 18-inch wheels and tires, providing better absorption of bumps, albeit without the adaptive dampers found in other models. Additionally, these models lack the electronic rear differential.
The Supra, despite its powerful nature, maintains reasonable fuel efficiency due to its compact size. Although fuel economy is not the focal point of the Supra, it demonstrates impressive efficiency with the turbo-4 version achieving EPA ratings of 25 mpg city, 32 highway, 28 combined. The turbo-6 model delivers EPA ratings of 22/30/25 mpg. Given its status as a low-volume sports car, the 2022 Toyota Supra has not undergone crash testing by the NHTSA and IIHS. However, it includes essential safety features such as automatic emergency braking and active lane control. Optional safety additions include blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alerts, parking sensors, and adaptive cruise control. While buyers have the option to deactivate the stability control, we advise against it, considering the short wheelbase and powerful engine can result in challenging rear-end behavior.
The cabin of the Supra exudes simplicity, featuring a predominantly black color scheme, with the option for red upholstery. The dashboard follows a horizontal layout, showcasing an 8.8-inch touchscreen that rises from the top akin to a tablet. The spacious center console includes a buttress to offer driver isolation. This design element resonates with a BMW-inspired aesthetic, which may appear stark in an all-black palette but is offset by metallic accents and digital displays. Standard features include leather upholstery with black synthetic suede inserts, while higher-end versions feature full leather upholstery. The cabin boasts soft-touch surfaces and meticulous craftsmanship.
The Supra, being a compact sports car accommodating two individuals, offers limited cargo space. Entry and exit from the Supra can be challenging, with occupants potentially bumping their heads on the low roof. The seats are positioned low, requiring core strength to maneuver comfortably. While some may find the legs-out driving position less appealing, the seats provide adequate bolstering with eight- or 14-way adjustments for added comfort. A broad transmission tunnel separates passengers, necessitating broader leg positioning. Taller drivers may feel constrained in terms of legroom. Despite being a hatchback, the Supra provides a mere 10.2 cubic feet of shallow cargo space, significantly below the trunk capacity of a typical subcompact car.
Toyota offers a condensed range for the 2022 Supra, yet each version represents excellent value. The 2022 Toyota Supra is available in turbo-4 and turbo-6 models within a limited selection of trim levels. The lineup consists of the 2.0, 3.0, and 3.0 Premium trims, alongside the exclusive A91-CF Edition. Standard features in the base 2.0 model, priced at $44,185, include manually adjustable seats, leather and Alcantara upholstery, carbon-fiber interior trim, an 8.8-inch gauge cluster, keyless start, satellite radio, an 8.8-inch center display, a rear spoiler, and 18-inch alloy wheels.
The 3.0 Premium variant, offered at $55,685, adds features such as sport pedals, a head-up display, 14-way power-adjustable sport seats with driver seat memory, heated seats, a 12-speaker JBL audio system generating 500 watts, navigation, wireless smartphone charging, leather upholstery, and larger rear brakes. Priced at $64,275, the A91-CF Edition includes a carbon-fiber aero kit comprising a front splitter, side skirts, a ducktail spoiler, and front and rear canards. Additional features include matte black 19-inch wheels, red brake calipers, and a red and black interior. The Supra is backed by a standard warranty of 3 years/36,000 miles, inclusive of two years of complimentary maintenance.
The 2022 Toyota Supra stands as a unique offering, marking its return following a 21-year hiatus, much to the delight of enthusiasts. The integration of BMW components has notably enhanced the Supra’s already impressive legacy. The Supra excels in razor-sharp track performance, courtesy of its potent engines, predictable yet exhilarating handling, and tech features that enhance the overall driving experience. The collaboration between BMW and Toyota has resulted in a blend of the best elements from both brands, ultimately benefiting aficionados of both marques.
Image Source: Unsplash
