Round Top Rally In The Toyota GR Supra 3.0 Premium

by Michael Satterfield - Photos by Lucas Kepner - 08/20/2024

The 2024 Toyota GR Supra 3.0 Premium with the automatic transmission proved to be an exciting companion during our first-ever Round Top Rally. This event took us on some of Texas' most scenic backcountry roads. Despite the thrill of the journey, one wish lingered throughout the drive — we couldn't help but long for the manual transmission. While the automatic certainly holds its own, delivering smooth and quick shifts, engaging with a manual gearbox would have made the Supra experience much more visceral on the back roads. While not a lot has changed since I first drove the Supra back in 2019, it is still an amazing sportscar for the money.

That said, the Supra's turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, with its 382 horsepower, ensured we got all the thrills. The power delivery was immediate and relentless, allowing us to fully appreciate the car's agility as it darted through winding country roads. Its 0-60 mph time of just 3.9 seconds gave us the confidence to overtake slower traffic easily while maintaining a composed and balanced demeanor through tight corners. The adaptive suspension and Brembo brakes further instilled confidence, offering excellent handling without sacrificing comfort.

Driving through the pastoral landscapes of Round Top was the perfect backdrop for experiencing the GR Supra's 50:50 weight distribution, which provided incredible stability during high-speed maneuvers. The car felt eager to turn in, rotating precisely while maintaining superb grip — especially in Sport mode, where the tail playfully hinted at more power ready to be unleashed. The precise steering and responsive throttle allowed us to carve through bends with finesse, making every twist and turn a joy. On those long stretches, the Supra maintained its poise, delivering speed and a delightful soundtrack from its exhaust.

The interior of the 3.0 Premium trim made the drive even more enjoyable. We appreciated the heated seats and the inclusion of modern tech features like wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless charging, and a premium JBL audio system. Though the cabin is cozy and the high beltline might give some a sense of confinement, it only added to the "cockpit" feel, making the experience more immersive. However, we would have liked more luggage space for long drives like this, especially considering weekend getaways.

As we passed through small towns and open fields, the Supra's character came alive. Its firm yet comfortable ride quality struck a perfect balance, ideal for a country rally. With the suspension dialed down in normal driving modes, it absorbed the occasional rough patches on the road, proving that this car can be as much a grand tourer as a sports car when needed. Still, it transformed into a beast when pushed, making us wish to truly explore its limits on a racetrack.

In the end, while we did find ourselves imagining how much more engaging the rally would have been with the six-speed manual option, the automatic transmission still delivered an impressive performance. It’s quicker by a fraction and offers a more relaxed experience in day-to-day driving. But for enthusiasts like us, a manual transmission would have been the icing on the cake.