Why the 2-liter Supra is the better concept compared to its predecessor models and why even the current top models from the same segment as the Nissan 370z are driving away.
The subject of downsizing is an old companion of the auto industry and Toyota also has such a vehicle in its own sports segment, starting with the Supra Pure.
With the "big" version of the new Supra A90, Toyota has already proven the potential of the vehicle and engine within a very short time. There are now tuning levels of up to 800PS and beyond, which is not least thanks to the sophisticated B58 unit from BMW.
True to the motto higher, faster, further, these are performances which are quite impressive, but for most of them often remain the playground of the tuning companies. And more expensive? Of course, people like to do without these superlatives. At 61,700 euros, the Toyota Supra Legend in its highest equipment form and as a 3-liter variant may be expensive for some, even if it is quite attractive compared to other vehicle brands in this segment.
The Toyota Supra Pure, Dynamic and Fuji
You are always well advised to judge the purchase of your personal dream vehicle in terms of its budget with a healthy level and so a look at the 2 liter engine could be worthwhile.
With a whopping 13,700 euros less at a starting price of 48,000 euros, Toyota enables the start into the Supra world with the Pure Supra variant. Additional equipment features are available with the Dynamics models and the Fuji model, which is limited to 200 pieces, at an additional cost.
With an output of 258 PS and a torque of 400Nm, the 4-cylinder Supra is not only about 100kg lighter, with the center of gravity further towards the center it is even more agile and toxic in its driving behavior, which is at least very close to it on the racetrack brings up to the performance of the top version. Thanks to the turbocharger that responds early, the Supra can easily reach top speed and a controlled rear breakout is also possible in corners.
The better concept for more performance
Regardless of the more modern technology, the new 2-liter Supra is distinguished by an important feature which makes it much better and more interesting in concept compared to the cost-intensive vacuum tuning as with the Supra MK4 non-turbo variant - the turbo engine.
The B58 has plenty of reserves, as it shares the genes and many technical refinements with the 3 liter GR Supra. It also has direct petrol injection, a twin-scroll turbocharger and the variable valve control Valvetronic.
The first possible tuning measure on the Supra is a map optimization by means of a software update, which is available for less than 1000 € and promises 40PS and 80NM without any further changes to the hardware.
The next expansion stage is optimized charge air cooling, which in the Supra does not take place via a classic air charge air cooler as usual, but indirectly via an improved cooling water circuit. Such an upgrade is also available for around € 1000 and provides a cooling volume that is over 100% larger than the standard part. This measure helps to reduce the system thermal overall and thus not only to measurably increase performance, but also to measurably increase stability, especially when the load is high, for example on the racetrack or long motorway journeys.
Another essential component to increase the efficiency of the turbo engine is just under the € 1000 mark - a sports catalytic converter with increased throughput, specially adapted to the requirements of an OPF exhaust system. The lower back pressure helps the twin scroll turbine to respond more quickly and is particularly noticeable in connection with a boost pressure that has been increased by the software.
If you want to tune the sound, you can use an exhaust system of your choice, whereby an enlarged pipe cross-section also has a performance-enhancing effect.
The modifications mentioned so far should provide a performance of well over 300PS in combination, so that the "little" Supra is on par with its stable rival in terms of acceleration due to its lower weight.
There is currently talk of a possible 500 horsepower, which can be achieved from this engine without any modifications to the engine itself. A performance that is more than sufficient for the road considering its weight.
Companies like Underground Racing from Hamburg with decades of experience in performance enhancement, mapping, customizing and, above all, in matters of TÜV are experts in such extensions.
Conclusion
As the Supra Community, we received the Supra Fuji for a weekend to test, which we took to a small JDM meeting. The Supra drew curious glances and in addition to the often heard "Live it looks really cool" knowledge, the 4 cylinder concept was met with great curiosity in relation to the price. The particularly attractive entry-level price with the Supra Pure enables interested parties to seriously think about a purchase instead of just dreaming about it
The 4-cylinder variant impresses across the board. Both in terms of price and technology. The performance holds up easily with the current top vehicles from the same segment as the Nissan 370z and even achieves better values in terms of torque and acceleration. Its agility and lightness give the driver the feeling of a powerful kart for the road.
The possibility of a simple and inexpensive increase in performance, which has been praised in the Supra scene, brings the owner long-term pleasure not only when moving the Supra, but also when making personal adjustments. After all, the Supra is a vehicle for the passionate owner.
So it is definitely worth throwing the old prejudices overboard and testing the Supra for yourself without prejudice. You will be pleasantly surprised.
