2023 Toyota GR Supra GTS review (video)

When it comes to iconic Japanese nameplates, the Supra is right up there. From internet-famous ’90s videos (typically downloaded on Limewire) to The Fast & The Furious film, we’ve seen Supras earn quite the reputation over the years. There’s been five generations of Supra, starting way back in 1978. We’re here to check out the 2023 Toyota GR Supra in top-spec GTS form.

The sleek coupe is one of the last hopes for rear-wheel drive, petrol-powered sports cars. So it’s certainly an important one for driving enthusiasts. The new generation Supra has been around for a few years now. So it’s a really good time to see how it’s settled in.

As you probably know by now, the GR Supra is a BMW and Toyota joint-venture that seems to use the best of both brands. The trim is all BMW, as is the powertrain and CLAR platform. But you can tell the design and character is all Toyota.

2023 Toyota GR Supra GTS: Specifications

Engine: 3.0-litre turbo inline-six
Output: 285kW@5800-6500rpm / 500Nm@1800-5000rpm
Gearbox: Eight-speed auto
Drive type: Rear-wheel drive
Wheels: F: 19×9.0, 255/35 R: 19×10, 275/35
ANCAP: Not tested
Tare weight: 1493kg
Power-to-weight: 5.23:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 7.5L/100km
Our consumption: 8.4L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 52L/95 RON

Power efficiency: 38.00kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 2.16 seconds*
0-100km/h: 4.09 seconds*
0-200km/h: 13.75 seconds*
60-110km/h: 2.47 seconds*
1/4 mile: 12.55 seconds at 191.8km/h*
Max acceleration: 0.976g*
100-0km/h braking: 35.37m in 2.74 seconds*
Max deceleration: -1.413g*
Decibel at idle (/sport mode): 56/58*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 92*
Starting price: $97,380

*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different

2023 Toyota GR Supra GTS: How much does it cost?

The 2023 Toyota GR Supra starts from $87,380 in GT specification, and the GTS model (as tested here) kicks off from $97,380 (both excluding on-road costs).

You can have your Supra mated with a six-speed manual transmission or an eight-speed automatic – both transmissions are a no-cost extra. Compared with the eight-speed automatic, the manual transmission is 18kg lighter. So if weight-saving is your thing you might want to consider the manual.

While that might seem pricey, the BMW Z4 twin-under-the-skin starts from $99,200. And that’s for a 2.0-litre turbo model. For the same 3.0-litre turbo engine as the Supra, the M40i will set you back a cool $139,800 (excluding on-road costs).

2023 Toyota GR Supra GTS: Interior & packaging

Let’s kick things off with the interior because, let’s face it, this is where we spend most of our time with any car. The Supra is a two-seat layout only and offers a good amount of room if you’re tall (like the person reviewing this car). Other cars in this segment, such as the Nissan Z, feel a touch more cramped.

In the Supra you feel nice and hunkered down, with all the controls landing right where you need them; gear selector, steering wheel, infotainment system. Much like the previous generation Supra from yonks ago, as the driver you feel like you’re cosy without being smothered in trim.

The boot is 296L and offers a fairly useable space thanks to the rear hatch opening up quite high. While it’s not deep, it’ll do for a golf bag (maybe) or a weekend bag or two to take on a quick trip away.

Some elements scream BMW. Let’s get that out of the way. It’s almost like being inside a BMW from 2015-2018; not the latest BMW stuff, but still very BMW. This is to be expected from a co-built model. While Toyotas are known for having fairly robust interiors, they’re not known for being too exciting. This is where the BMW connection really adds some lavishness to the Supra nameplate. And because it’s BMW, you know the interior fit and finish is top notch – no silly rattles and no loose fitment. It’s schmicko.

The Supra uses BMW’s iDrive 6 infotainment system. Users can hook up to Apple CarPlay and the like, and access everything via the 8.8-inch touch-screen or through the iDrive controller on the centre console. While cruising, and once you’re familiar, the iDrive system is still one of the best tools to navigate your way through things like music and navigation – even if the running software is a few years old.

The steering wheel, again, will be familiar to BMW users, both in look and feel. It has that nice BMW M vibe about it – though you won’t find any blue and red stitching. Beyond the steering wheel is a digital display, with the rev counter in the centre and speedometer to the left, making it easy to see when you need to change gears or, perhaps, slow down. It would be nice to have more customisable display options, given the technology is there.

Again, the fit and finish is nice, with just enough glossy carbon fibre, silver and leather touches to remind you why you forked out around $100,000 on a two-seat ‘Japanese’ sports coupe. One standout feature is the wireless charging pouch. So many manufacturers make it awkward, but this one works very well. The phone doesn’t move once it’s put in place.

One thing you won’t find inside is a spare wheel. And nope, it’s not underneath either. If you get a flat tyre you’ll need to use the tyre repair kit. We’re not a huge fan of this, but as with lots of modern cars room is an issue and weight-saving means things need to be cut.

For the 2023 model Toyota engineers have taken the opportunity to apply considered changes to improve steering feel and dynamics. The GR Supra’s electronic power steering and vehicle stability control systems have been more finely tuned to enhance turning response during initial steering input, along with changes to suspension bushes to promote greater steering feel.

All GR Supra grades now score ventilated sports brakes with red callipers, while the 19-inch dark silver alloys on the GTS grade are now 1.2kg lighter per wheel for further dynamic improvement. We must say, with the new wheels and the paint scheme on this test GTS model it’s certainly a car you check twice as you walk away from it. The wheels are some of the best stock items we’ve seen in a long while. They almost look aftermarket.

Three new exterior colours have been added to the GR Supra’s palette for 2022-2023, with Copper Grey, Azure Blue and Matte White replacing the existing Suzuka Silver and Goodwood Grey. GTS grades can also be had with a new tan interior colour scheme (as featured in this test car) which replaces the red trim.

2023 Toyota GR Supra GTS: Powertrain & handling

The Supra wasn’t reborn to muck around. It produces 285kW and 500Nm from its 3.0-litre turbo six-cylinder BMW ‘B58’ engine. It sounds good, goes hard, and isn’t just a poser – this is proper sports car that rips. Under full acceleration from a standstill it’ll make the rear tyres squeal or spin, depending on the surface and temperature.

In terms of performance numbers the GR Supra GTS shoots from 0-100km/h in a claimed 4.1 seconds. On a private road, we tested it in 4.09 seconds using a Vbox, as well as the quarter-mile in 12.55 seconds at 191.8km/h, and 0-200km/h in 13.75 seconds. It’s fast, there’s no denying that.

The eight-speed automatic model is this reviewer’s favoured transmission. While the manual is a vibe, the auto is just so slick. And in terms of rushing through the gears as you jet about, it makes it very exciting. The manual model brings more involvement, but for point-and-shoot performance the auto is no fuss and seriously rapid.

In the corners, with all safety systems on, it doesn’t act up at all. The 275/35 Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres on the back grip hard, even under full power, and the 255/35s on the front bite and turn very precisely. Turn off the stability control and it quickly becomes a drift machine. The engine brings so much punch down low that you don’t have to rev the bag out of it to get it sliding nicely. And it’s easy to control the drift with the throttle thanks the linear and very responsive delivery.

The brakes are there time after time when really leaning on them. And the steering communicates like a sports car should. You really feel the tiny little details in the road so you can position the car in the right place – even if you are steering the car with the rear wheels. You know those cars you just love to find an excuse to drive? This is one.

Fuel usage during our test averaged around 10.4L/100km. Which, considering we leaned on the throttle quite a bit, is vey decent. We saw it drop into the 8s on the freeway, but around the city it was drinking up to 12. For a turbo inline-six sports coupe with nearly 400hp, there’s not much to whinge about.

2023 Toyota GR Supra GTS: Key attractions/reasons to buy

One of the key attractions is the car’s styling. It’s unmistakably Supra, with its sleek and aggressive theme. The long bonnet, short rear deck, and distinctive double-bubble roofline give it a unique and head-turning look. Toyota has managed to capture the essence of the classic Supra while bringing it into the modern era.

The Supra is relatively easy to live with on a day-to-day basis. You could use it as a daily driver without too much compromise – boot space is probably the main hurdle, at 290L. The visibility is decent, and the sports seats are comfortable and highly adjustable.

The sports car segment is still quite competitive, even in the age of electrification. The Supra brings arguably the best sports coupe presence and the best handling of the bunch for its price. And the motor is a true gem – it really does hammer.

This is a slick coupe that delivers in performance like a proper Japanese sports car should but has an interior that will pull in admirers of European models.

2023 Toyota GR Supra GTS: Key considerations before you buy

It carries the legendary Supra nameplate and it certainly has its moments of glory. The styling is on point, and Toyota’s reputation for reliability and warranty should attract buyers – although much of the car is derived from BMW’s involvement, Toyota would not want its reputation jeopardised.

Toyota has positioned the Supra at a premium level, about $20-30k above the Ford Mustang, but about $20k less than the BMW M2. In other words, it is a pretty serious commitment.

The main areas to consider are the cabin space and boot volume. But really, there is not much not to like here. Particularly for a two-door coupe. It drives beautifully and sounds sensational, and you can even get it with a manual transmission which is becoming extremely rare these days.

2023 Toyota GR Supra GTS: Video