THERE are still a few new cars that really stand out from the crowd and our latest test ride was certainly one of those. In fact the GR Supra Pro is so striking it can make you feel a bit like a superhero with its Batmobile-like styling and ample reserves of power.
So stand out was the Supra that during a week with the curvy car I drew admiring gestures from members of the local ‘youf’ with plenty of grins and thumbs ups while stopped at traffic lights.
And with 254bhp on tap giving a 0 to 60 speed of 5.2 seconds plus a limited top end of 155mph you are not all that far from supercar territory in this very quick Toyota.
Our car had the 2-litre twin-scroll turbo four cylinder engine but there is an even quicker 335bhp version which can hit 60 in just 4.3 seconds thanks to two more cylinders in its straight six, three litre unit.
The eight speed automatic gearbox (available with both engines) is smooth and responsive plus an electronic limited-slip differential is standard on all models. Put the car in sport mode however and this, together with all other safety aids, is shut off and the exhaust note gets noticeably more gruff.
You also get adaptive dampers as standard which take on a firmer setting in sport mode which all makes the Supra a great GT car for cruising at motorway speeds with a relatively comfortable ride by sports car standards and a lot quieter than most of its rivals.
As the car is a collaboration with BMW and shares a lot with their Z4 sports car it is no surprise that the interior has plenty of BMW controls and displays, including the excellent iDrive infotainment system mounted high on the dash right in your line of sight.
The graphics and menus are also good on the Supra’s 8.8in central screen operated by a BMW-style rotary controller while the seating position (both heated) is bang on for sporty driving.
All versions include adjustable lumbar support and side bolsters, a reach and rake-adjustable steering wheel and you sit low in true sports car fashion looking at clear digital dials and a well laid out dashboard. Interior finish features smart-looking plastics and gloss-black trims that lift the ambience.
LED headlights and a rear-view camera are standard on all models plus a sports set up, cruise control and Toyota’s excellent safety systems.
Although it is only a two seater there is still a decent boot space and the 2-litre version will not cost a fortune to run, with an average mpg of around 38mpg, plus the purchase price of £50,485 means a lot of bang for your buck performance-wise.
The Supra comes with an impressive 10-year/100,000-mile warranty as standard beating all its rivals. Equipment-wise it is also in the lead with those heated sports seats, two-zone climate control, 18in alloy wheels, keyless entry, auto lights and wipers and power-folding door mirrors.
The 3.0-litre, at around £56k, gets 19in alloy wheels and wireless phone-charging plus leather seats, a head-up display, ambient lighting, adaptive cruise and extra safety kit.
No wonder then that a Supra can make you feel super!
More info at www.toyota.co.uk
By Motoring Editor Steve Howarth