Toyota GR Supra 2.0 FUJI SPEEDWAY: First Drive Review

Toyota made a curious choice, to say the least. For the first limited edition of the new Toyota GR Supra, the Japanese brand selected the 2.0-litre, 258 hp four-cylinder engine rather than the 3.0-litre, 340 hp six-cylinder unit.

It is called the Toyota GR Supra 2.0 FUJI SPEEDWAY, with its name paying tribute to the famous Japanese circuit near the city of Shizuoka.

Was choosing the 2.0-litre engine for a special edition the right decision?

What sets the Toyota GR Supra 2.0 FUJI SPEEDWAY apart

Before getting behind the wheel, it is worth noting that, compared with the regular 2.0 Signature versions, the differences on this Toyota GR Supra 2.0 FUJI SPEEDWAY are purely cosmetic.

On the outside, this version is distinguished by its metallic white paintwork, which pairs neatly with the matt-black 19-inch alloy wheels and red door mirrors. Inside, the changes are similarly limited. The dashboard features carbon-fibre trim, while the upholstery combines red and black Alcantara.

In equipment terms, the Speedway version comes with every feature included in the Connect and Sport equipment packs available across the GR Supra range.

A matter of pride?

The Fuji Speedway edition was created to mark the arrival of the 2.0-litre engine in the GR Supra line-up - a model we have already tested in this video. Production is limited to 200 examples, with just two units allocated to Portugal. By the time you read this, they may already all have been sold.

It was an unusual move from Toyota. Manufacturers generally choose their most powerful versions as the basis for special editions, but that was not the case here.

“Perhaps because Toyota does not regard the GR Supra 2.0 Signature as a ‘poor relation’ of the GR Supra 3.0 Legacy.”

Having covered more than 2,000 km behind the wheel of the new Toyota GR Supra, I have to agree with Toyota. The 2.0-litre GR Supra is every bit as worthy as its more powerful counterpart.

As I have argued before, it undoubtedly lacks the output and torque of the 3.0-litre engine. The 80 hp and 100 Nm shortfall is noticeable. Yet do you know what is equally noticeable? This four-cylinder version weighs 100 kg less.

Those differences shape the way the less powerful Supra is driven. You can brake later, carry greater speed into corners and enjoy a more agile front end. It is still a model that allows you to step the rear out, too, as you can see in the video above.

Which one do I prefer? The six-cylinder version. It makes rear-wheel drifts easier to initiate and more dramatic. However, this Toyota GR Supra 2.0 FUJI SPEEDWAY is also hugely rewarding to drive.

The figures for the less powerful Toyota GR Supra

This is a sports car capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in only 5.2 seconds. Its top speed is 250 km/h, while WLTP CO₂ emissions range from 156 to 172 g/km.

“Does that sound slow to you? It is not slow. In a sports car, power is not everything.”

In fact, the smaller, lighter engine contributes to improved GR Supra dynamics. It makes the GR Supra 2.0 100 kg lighter than the 3.0-litre model - not only because of the smaller engine, but also due to items such as the smaller-diameter front brake discs. Furthermore, as the engine is more compact, it sits closer to the GR Supra's centre, helping to achieve 50:50 weight distribution.

As for the chassis, the Toyota GR Supra retains the same “perfect ratio” (Golden Ratio) regardless of engine choice. This attribute is defined by the relationship between the wheelbase and track width. Every GR Supra version has a ratio of 1.55, placing it within the ideal range.

All of which is to say that, if you are considering buying a Toyota GR Supra, you will not be disappointed by what this 2.0-litre version offers - whether in Signature specification or as this Fuji Speedway special edition.