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.
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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?
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