By Steven D. Gatt, Automotive Editor
Driving the Toyota Supra Turbo is an exiting adventure; one that can take you from 0-60 mph in just 5.0 seconds. The Supra is a solid performer that can make even the average driver look like a professional; it is easy to drive this car fast.
The power comes from a inline 6-cylinder twin-turbo engine. This rather small 3.0 Liter engine produces a whopping 320 hp. The 3500 rpm is where the power band really begins. It takes this much time for the twin turbos to spool but once they do they really move you. The six speed manual transmission has short gearing. Driving the Supra hard in first gear doesn't last long and you really only begin to get to the power in first gear. Shifting quickly into second gear keeps the rpm's up so you don't lose much power. All of this will lead you to a quarter-mile time of 13.6 seconds at 105 mph.
The interior is appointed in a functional manner. In other words, it is spartan in ergonomic amenities. The dash is a flat black color and gauges are simple and straight forward. This is not to say that the Supra lacks anything, in fact just the opposite is true. The interior features power leather seats, combination cassette and CD player, tilt steering wheel, automatic climate control and power windows and locks.
Safety features include the usual dual airbags, side impact door beams, keyless entry system and large four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes. The Supra rides atop 17" tires with polished chrome rims including wheel locks and mud flaps. It was a surprise to find traction control on this all-out performance car; fortunately, it had an off switch. The suspension is 4-wheel independent and steering is rack and pinion progressive speed sensitive.
The exterior features front and rear spoilers. The rear spoiler is the only one that will be noticed; it is HUGE! Unlike the competitive model Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4, the Supra spoiler doesn't block rearward visibility. The spoiler is so tall that you look through without blockage. The evaluated Supra was a limited edition 15th anniversary model. This limited edition package included special badging, exterior deep jewel green exterior paint and ivory leather seating.
The Supra also featured a removable sport roof. This targa roof made the Supra almost convertible-like with plenty of wind and sun in your hair. It takes sometime to get the roof out; about 5 minutes. It locks into place in four locations and you have to use a special tool (provided) to install or remove the roof. When the roof is in place it is solid and you wouldn't even realize that the top is removable except for the access points. The roof when removed also stores conveniently in the rear hatchback, it locks into place then all but eliminates storage.
The Toyota Supra Turbo is one of the best handling sports cars in the world. It is easy to drive fast and makes the driver feel confident and secure when pushing the legal envelopes, it really is amazing. The competition includes the likes of the new Chevy Corvette, Porsche 911, Acura NSX and the aforementioned Mitsubishi 3000 GT VR-4. The price isn't as expensive as the majority of the competition with a recent price reduction the Supra is a down right super car bargain. The base price is $39,900. The total price-as-tested with options and destination was $40,866.