The 1989 Toyota Supra behaves like a rocket when the 232 horses from the3-liter, 24-valve 6 spring to life and break into a full gallop as the turboboost kicks in.

The 1989 Supra turbo, however, requires deep pockets, because the baseprice of $26,470 quickly rises to $30,370 with a handful of the popularoptions headed by $1,130 antilock brakes.

You could opt for the nonturbo Supra and about 32 less h.p., and trim$4,000 from the sticker.

With the turbo, there seems to be none of the common lag between the time you step on the pedal and the turbo boost kicks in. There`s also no turbowhistle. No need for sound effects to imply quickness, because the engine isso lively on its own.

Yet the EPA rating is 18 m.p.g. city/23 m.p.g. highway, not bad for asports machine.

There`s an optional ($360) electronic suspension system. Push a buttonand you switch from normal to firm sports setting. We found the normal settinghad just the right mix-soft enough to cushion you on the open road, firmenough to grab the concrete in sharp corners and turns without letting go.

Standard equipment includes the powerful 3-liter, 24-valve, turbochargedV-6; 4-speed automatic; 4-wheel power disc brakes; double wishbone suspension;speed assisted power steering; unidirectional, 16-inch Goodyear Eagle radials;electric rear window defogger; power windows and door locks; air conditioning;dual color-coordinated electric outside mirrors with defoggers; deck lidspoiler; intermittent wipers; rear window wiper, tilt and telescoping steeringwheel- split folding rear seatbacks; 8-way power driver`s seat; cruisecontrol; AM stereo/FM stereo with cassette (compact disc player runs $800);and removable sport roof.

There were only two noticeable drawbacks. The rear seat offers no roomfor adults.

And the aerodynamically curved body lines may be esthetically appealing,but there`s no roof drip rail. After a heavy rain, you can expect a shower thefirst time you put the window down. In that regard, Supra is similar to theNissan 300ZX. An umbrella should be standard.