The revived Toyota Supra is one of the most consumer-anticipated vehicles of late. It’s attracted attention for its BMW-sourced materials, the legacy of its name, and its unusual design. Our friends over at Car and Driver were excited to test out the Supra, especially because Toyota launched an online customization tool that lets you add your own features, like driver assistance.

Car and Driver decided built an ideal version of the Supra, which we’ll discuss in-depth. The team made some surprising choices regarding add-ons. We want to know why they chose what they did and, more interestingly, why they didn’t choose certain features. 

Why does so much hype surround the Toyota Supra?

There’s a reason so many people are excited to see the Toyota Supra’s release in 2020. This vehicle has been around for nearly 40 years. Its origins trace back to the original Toyota Celica Supra from 1979. The Supra evolved for four generations, building a fanbase in the U.S. and Japan. The fourth-generation Supra Turbo was especially beloved for its style and power.

Though sales declined in the late ’90s — Toyota pulled the car from the U.S. market in 1998 — the Supra’s fanbase is alive and well. Enthusiasts are ready to see an updated, modern version of the car they love. 

Car and Driver’s version of the Toyota Supra 

As Car and Driver put it, “We set out creating our ideal version of the new GR Supra, choosing trim levels, colors, and options carefully to maximize the sports car’s value, aesthetics, and equipment.” They didn’t have much choice in the way of power. The Supra offers “only a single powertrain (for now) that consists of a 335-hp turbocharged inline-six and a six-speed automatic transmission.” However, they made up for it when choosing the trim.

Three trim options include 3.0, 3.0 Premium, and the special Launch Edition only included on the first 1,500 cars. While the Launch Edition is pricier, Car and Driver appreciated its red leather interior, matching red mirror caps, and potential to become a collectible. With this in mind, they chose the Supra Launch Edition, with an estimated price tag of $56,180. 

Car and Driver also got to test drive the 2020 Toyota Supra. They remarked on the impressive 3.8-second zero-to-60 mile-per-hour time as well as a 12.3-second quarter-mile time at 113 miles per hour.

Much of this speed and power was made possible due to the lack of a rear seat and modernized, slimmer dimensions, especially compared with the fourth-generation Supra, which weighed 108 pounds more. 

Why did Car and Driver pass on the Driver Assistance package?

One interesting feature Car and Driver did not include on their ideal Supra was Driver Assistance, which costs $1,195. As the only option package available, it includes “adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and parking sensors.”

Car and Driver passed on this option because the Supra is “a sports car that prioritizes driver engagement above all else.” But it’s bewildering that they chose every other aesthetic upgrade but turned down the only feature that actually affects a driver’s experience.

If the Supra is, in fact, prioritizing driver engagement above all else, why not allow the driver to remain as fully engaged as possible with the assistance of modern technology, particularly safety features? This choice can’t be about the price tag. Their Supra maxed out at $56,180 — a far cry from the base 3.0 model without any frills.

While we may have added the Driver Assistance package to truly allow for full driver engagement, this is likely a case of “to each his own.” Either way, we’re excited to see the Supra release in 2020, too.