I Drive Toyota's Most Pointless Car: The Four Cylinder Supra. Am I Wrong To Doubt?

Summary

The video reviews the fifth-generation Toyota Supra, highlighting its connection to the BMW Z4 and its shared features, including the BMW-built engine. The presenter revisits the 2.0L Supra, previously criticized, and reflects on its performance, economy, and appeal, comparing it to the more powerful 3.0L variant. Despite its quirks, such as interior design and driving dynamics, the 2.0L Supra proves to be reliable and enjoyable for daily driving. The video emphasizes the car's value, particularly with its attractive finance offers, and praises its ability to balance performance with practicality.

Takeaways

• 🚗 The fifth generation Toyota Supra was met with initial excitement due to its iconic nameplate but later faced criticism for being too similar to the BMW Z4.
• 🔧 Despite sharing a platform and engines with the BMW Z4, the Supra has received significant input from Toyota, especially in the engine department.
• 🏎️ The BMW-built B58 3.0L straight-six engine with a twin-scroll turbocharger is highly praised for its performance in the Supra.
• 💨 The 2.0L 4-cylinder B48 engine option, which is a cutdown version of the B58, offers 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, providing adequate power for everyday driving.
• 🌟 The Supra's design has grown on the presenter over time, and the car has received more attention than expected, suggesting it has a unique appeal.
• 🛠️ The interior of the Supra is mostly derived from BMW parts, including an older version of BMW's iDrive system, which is still considered very good.
• 🚦 The car's proportions have been criticized for being narrower and visually taller compared to the concept car, affecting its aggressive look.
• 🛣️ The Supra's road manners are smooth and intuitive, making it an easy car to drive, with good visibility at the rear and sides, though the front is somewhat limited.
• 🏁 The 2.0L Supra has proven to be reliable and economical, with the owner reporting no issues and an average of over 4 miles to the gallon.
• 💰 The presenter suggests that the 2.0L Supra is a good value for money, especially considering its performance, reliability, and the remaining warranty.

Q & A

What is the primary criticism of the fifth-generation Toyota Supra discussed in the video?

The primary criticism is that the fifth-generation Toyota Supra feels too much like a BMW Z4 Coupe rather than a true Toyota sports car. Despite being highly anticipated, many felt disappointed that it shares so much with BMW, including the platform and engine.

What element of the Toyota Supra stands out positively, according to the speaker?

The engine, specifically the BMW-built B58 3.0L straight-six with a twin-scroll turbocharger, is praised for its power and performance, exceeding Toyota's official claims.

Why did the owner, Ian, choose the 2.0L Supra instead of the more powerful 3.0L model?

Ian chose the 2.0L model because it was available with a tempting finance offer at 0% interest, and he wanted a more economical car. Additionally, the 2.0L version was a good fit for his driving needs, and he could afford it with the money from his previous Subaru BRZ.

What were the initial concerns about the design of the Supra compared to its concept car?

The production Supra appeared narrower and taller than the concept car, losing some of the aggressive stance and proportions, which led to a somewhat disappointing visual impact.

How has Ian's Supra performed in terms of reliability over the years?

Ian’s Supra has been very reliable, living up to Toyota's reputation. Despite being built by BMW, it hasn't had a single issue in the two years and 26,000 miles he has driven it.

What changes did Ian make to his Supra, and why?

Ian changed the tires to Falkens and the wheels to ones from a company called Two Forged. He felt that the factory-fitted Michelin Pilot Super Sports became sketchy as they aged, and he preferred the new wheels' appearance.

What are some of the key features that Ian’s 2.0L Supra is missing compared to the 3.0L model?

The 2.0L Supra lacks parking sensors, electric seat adjustment, memory functions, and a heads-up display, which are available in the 3.0L version. However, it does have heated seats, cruise control, and a reversing camera.

How does the 2.0L engine in the Supra compare to the 3.0L in terms of performance?

The 2.0L engine is less powerful, producing 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, compared to the 3.0L's significantly higher output. While it's adequate for regular driving, it lacks the firepower of the 3.0L, particularly on open roads.

What was one of the speaker's corrections regarding the Supra’s vents?

The speaker initially believed that the Supra's vents could be opened up and had a functional purpose. However, after further inspection, he realized that the vents are entirely fake and do not serve any practical purpose.

Why does Ian prefer the smaller 2.0L engine despite its lower power?

Ian appreciates the 2.0L engine because it offers a more manageable power output for regular driving, especially in wet conditions, and provides better fuel economy, making it a practical daily driver.