#NAIAS: Is The 2020 Toyota Supra The BIGGEST Disappointment — EVER — Of One Of The MOST Anticipated Debuts?

#NAIAS: Is The 2020 Toyota Supra The BIGGEST Disappointment — EVER — Of One Of The MOST Anticipated Debuts?
Over the past 18 months, there's no question that one of the most highly sought after vehicles was the fifth-generation Toyota Supra. Whether it was leaked intelligence, spy shots or pure speculation, the content was gobbled up by auto enthusiasts of all stripes.

The Supra nameplate has been a fan favorite since the original car's debut. It has only swelled in recent years due to the fourth-generation Supra's inclusion in the Fast & Furious franchise. That cemented its legacy status.

CES Detroit Auto Show Photo Gallery

Expectations were riding high for the fifth-generation car. That's because everyone knows what is possible when Toyota sets its mind to something.

Leading up to the 2019 Detroit Auto Show (NAIAS) we became pretty acquainted with the 2020 Supra. The camouflage peeled off its exterior and then shots of its interior started to reveal what was in the works. There was an awful lot of BMW going on in the cabin. Perhaps it was just a mule?

Not the case.

When we heard it for the first time, it sounded exactly like a BMW inline six-cylinder exhaust note. No hiding that, folks. Although we knew it was a joint project car, just how much of the Supra would really be a Bavarian hiding in Japanese clothing? After Jalopnik did an inspection, it's apparent that just about all of it is BMW.

To us this is a peculiar position for the Supra. This should have been a vehicle that displayed the company's prowess to develop a product that is through and through Toyota.

What has Toyota been doing since 2007 when it displayed the FT-HS concept that foreshadowed the Supra? What about since 2014 when the FT-1 Concept was revealed?

Imagine if the production Supra stuck closer to the FT-1 Concept, it developed 450-500 horsepower and cost $70,000 USD? Much like the Lexus LFA it would have been considered a "gift to the world" and loved for generations to come.

All of this time, built up anticipation and we simply get a warmed over Z4.

So, I've got to ask, Spies: Is the 2020 Toyota Supra the BIGGEST disappointment — ever — of one of the MOST anticipated performance vehicle debuts?


CES Detroit Auto Show Photo Gallery






















































































valhallakeyvalhallakey - 1/18/2019 12:28:51 AM
+4 Boost
I think it is both. To many including me it is a bust. It is over styled and under Toyota'd. Others I am sure will be pretty happy the Supra is back and the different styling, suspension tuning etc... will be enough to distinguish it from it's German roots.


RunamukkRunamukk - 1/18/2019 12:56:20 AM
+6 Boost
The Supra deserved a lot better than platform sharing a chicks car from Germany.


runninglogan1runninglogan1 - 1/18/2019 1:33:33 AM
+4 Boost
I think it's premature to judge until we understand what it's like behind the wheel.


JaekoJaeko - 1/18/2019 2:34:46 AM
+3 Boost
For all those who waited, Toyota owes us a real Supra!


Section_31_JTKSection_31_JTK - 1/18/2019 5:35:22 AM
+4 Boost
This car should have been released 2 years ago and sold for $40K to start. The styling looks 1 generation old already.

And frankly the long lead-in time greatly took away from the anticipatory excitement.


PUGPROUDPUGPROUD - 1/18/2019 5:44:00 AM
+2 Boost
Right on. The people at the introduction for the unveiling showed no anticipation, emotion or excitement when the cover was pulled back. No clapping, low energy room. Like ho hum, its finally here and looks like what we've been looking at for well over a year. Not the way to bring a car to market.


qwertyfla1qwertyfla1 - 1/18/2019 7:45:16 AM
+2 Boost
The "2019 How NOT to Launch a Car" Award goes to Toyota!!!


MDarringerMDarringer - 1/18/2019 8:18:55 AM
+1 Boost
It's both one of the most anticipated debuts ever and simultaneously one of the biggest disappointments ever. It's an ugly car based on BMW's Barbie/hairdresser convertible of low expectations.


dstampferdstampfer - 1/18/2019 8:30:03 AM
+3 Boost
I don't care for the styling but it's not terrible other than the rear which is horrible.

Nothing wrong with the BMW bits. Bash the Z4 all you want, but the M40i reviews have been very positive and it is a driver's car if you give credit to the recent sub 8 min ring time.


MDarringerMDarringer - 1/18/2019 8:59:56 AM
-2 Boost
Shut up and go buy one so you can drive it to drinkiepoos this afternoon.


mre30mre30 - 1/18/2019 8:52:03 AM
+3 Boost
Why?

Would thought pairing Toyota styling (poor) with BMW mechanicals (excellent) and reliability (terrible) would be a good idea.

This is "Chrysler TC by Maserati" territory, folks. Couldn't be worse in my opinion.


MDarringerMDarringer - 1/18/2019 9:00:16 AM
-2 Boost
Bingo


dlindlin - 1/18/2019 11:45:53 AM
+3 Boost
That it makes me nervous to includes so many parts from BMW that's prone to break down after warranty?


mini22mini22 - 1/18/2019 7:55:40 PM
+2 Boost
There are parts of the styling I like. A little of the profile near the roof remind me of the original Toyota 2000. I do like the front end. I think it is not as nice as the show car but still looks good. The rear spoiler looks tacked on. The interior reminds me of a BMW that utilized a horizontal design and than added a Toyota steering wheel. I do like the double bubble in the roof. The problem is this is nothing more than a BMW with a Toyota designed body that is built in Graz Austria. So its reliability might be in question. I think they should have brought the 4 cylinder in with an available manual and charged $39,900 for it.


MDarringerMDarringer - 1/18/2019 11:43:40 PM
0 Boost
The 4 cylinder would have been a good move but $30K not $40K would be the correct price.


MBguyMBguy - 1/18/2019 9:14:02 PM
+1 Boost
For me, that lumpy growth on the tail is an absolute dealbreaker.

Unbelievably ugly. Who approved this??


MDarringerMDarringer - 1/18/2019 10:55:55 PM
-1 Boost
The car is unnecessarily busy and discordant with one go-fast cliche after another after another. This is the Edsel of sports cars. This is the Aztek of sports cars. This is the ZDX of sports cars. This is the Juke of sports cars. This is the new Supra.


mini22mini22 - 1/20/2019 9:18:35 PM
+1 Boost
I think the roof and greenhouse hark back to the Toyota 2000. I think the front end is strong. I dislike the rear and I hate the tacked on looking rear spoiler. I'm disappointed that its only a true Toyota or Japanese car in its styling. However I have no doubt it will drive at least as good as a Z4. I question the projected 4.1 0-60 time. The Z4 only weighs 100BLS more, has 382 HP(46 more) and does it in 4.4 seconds. It will be interesting to see how the handling and cornering shake out. If it decent then it may be a buy at $49,900. I understand why BMW is not wanting to go manual on the inline six for the US. What I don't understand is BMW is offering their turbo four for the Z4 at virtually the same price as the Supra. Surely Toyota could offer a 40K 4 cylinder supra. Even Mustang and Camaro offer turbo fours.
Copyright 2026 AutoSpies.com, LLC