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The Evolution of an
Automotive Icon: The
Toyota Supra

The Toyota Supra is a symbol of automotive evolution,

an iconic sports car revered by car enthusiasts
worldwide. From its debut as a high-performance
version of the Toyota Celica to its current state as an
emblem of Toyota’s commitment to performance, the
Supra has left an indelible mark on the automotive
world. This article will trace the history and evolution of
the Supra over its eventful lifespan.

First Generation of the Supra (1978-

1981): Birth of a Legend

Credit: https://mag.toyota.co.uk/history-of-the-toyota-
supra/

The Supra story began in 1978 with the Celica Supra (or
Celica XX in Japan). Essentially a longer and wider
Celica equipped with a 2.6L inline-six engine, the first-
generation Supra was a grand tourer rather than a pure
sports car. Although it shared many components with
the Celica, the Supra stood out with its luxurious
features, including power windows and air
conditioning.

Second Generation of the Supra

(1981-1986): Gaining Independence

Credit: Michael Mauro –

https://petrolicious.com/articles/this-1985-toyota-
supra-started-as-a-father-son-project-but-evolved-
quickly

The second-generation Supra, known as the A60,

arrived in 1981. It retained the Celica’s basic platform
but boasted more distinctive styling and a more potent
engine – a 2.8L inline-six producing 145 horsepower.
The Supra was gaining momentum, with the 1982
model earning Motor Trend’s “Import Car of the Year”
award.

Third Generation of the Supra (1986-

1993): The Supra Unleashed

Credit: https://www.carandclassic.com/auctions/1993-
toyota-supra-mk3-turbo-a70-manual-nRPGL8

With the third generation (A70), the Supra truly came

into its own. Now entirely separate from the Celica, the
new Supra was larger, more powerful, and more
technologically advanced. Its new 3.0L inline-six engine
delivered 200 horsepower, with a turbocharged version
pumping out 230 horsepower. The A70 Supra was also
the first to feature Toyota’s variable valve timing system,
known as VVT-i.

Fourth Generation of the Supra

(1993-2002): The Legend Peaks

Credit: https://www.topgear.com/car-
news/movies/toyota-supra-fast-furious-just-sold-550k

The fourth-generation (A80) Supra is the most iconic

and celebrated. Launched in 1993, it featured a sleek,
aerodynamic design and a twin-turbo 3.0L inline-six
engine delivering 320 horsepower. This Supra was a
serious performance car, capable of a 0-60 mph sprint
in under 5 seconds. It gained further fame thanks to its
appearance in the 2001 film “The Fast and the Furious,”
becoming a poster child for the tuner culture of the era.

The Hiatus (2002-2019)

Toyota ceased production of the Supra in 2002, citing
declining sales and increasing emission standards. For
seventeen years, the Supra was absent from Toyota’s
lineup, but it was far from forgotten. The legend grew,
with used models becoming highly sought after by
collectors and enthusiasts. The tuning ability and movie
film status grew the MK4 Supra to a JDM icon, along
with the Nissan Skyline R34 and the Mazda RX7.

Fifth Generation of the Supra (2019-

Present): The Supra Reborn

Credit: https://media.toyota.co.uk/a-car-for-driving-
purists-the-new-toyota-gr-supra-with-manual-
transmission/

After years of anticipation and speculation, the Supra

made a triumphant return in 2019. The fifth-generation
(A90) Supra, developed in collaboration with BMW, is a
cutting-edge sports car that pays homage to its
heritage. Powered by a 3.0L inline-six engine producing
382 horsepower, the new Supra is the most powerful
yet.

Its design nods to the A80, with a long hood, short rear
deck, and double-bubble roofline. Despite some
criticism for its BMW underpinnings, the A90 has won
praise for its superb balance, potent acceleration, and
driver-focused cockpit. It’s a worthy successor to the
Supra name, bringing the legend into a new era.

The new GR Supra from Toyota also adds an inline-four

2.0 litre engine producing 254hp, with the addition of a
manual transmission with new models.

Conclusion
The Toyota Supra’s journey reflects the broader
evolution of the automotive industry, from the humble
grand tourers of the 1970s to the high-tech sports cars
of today. More than just a car, the Supra is a symbol of
Toyota’s performance heritage and a beacon for car
enthusiasts worldwide. Its legacy of innovation,
performance, and style ensures that the Supra will
continue to excite and inspire for generations to come.

Looking for your next Toyota? Ron Brooks has a large

selection of new and used Toyotas in stock. Read more
motoring news on our blog.

Posted on June 22, 2023

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