Evolution of the Toyota Supra: 1978-Present

The Supra was first introduced in 1978 and has gone through several generations of development and refinement. It initially shared its platform with the Toyota Celica but evolved into its own distinct model.

What is the meaning of the name Supra?

The origin of the name "Supra" for the Toyota sports car is rooted in Latin. "Supra" is a Latin word that means "above" or "over." Toyota chose this name to emphasize the sportiness and performance capabilities of the car, positioning it as a step above the Toyota Celica, with which it initially shared its platform.

Each generation of the Supra showcased advancements in design, performance, and technology. The fourth generation, known as the A80 (1993-2002), is often regarded as the most iconic and sought-after. It featured a striking and aerodynamic design, a powerful 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine, and became known for its tunability and performance potential.

After a hiatus from 2002 to 2019, the Supra made a highly anticipated comeback with the fifth generation, known as the A90 (2019-present). Developed in collaboration with BMW (Z4), the A90 Supra featured a sleek and modern design, a turbocharged inline-six engine, and advanced technologies. It offered a driver-focused experience and reintroduced the Supra to a new generation of enthusiasts.

Evolution of the Toyota Supra (Animation)

Here's a brief overview of the evolution of the Toyota Supra from 1978 to 2021:

First Generation (A40/A50, 1978-1981)

The first-generation Supra was based on the Toyota Celica and was introduced in 1978.

It was powered by a 2.6-liter inline-six engine and was available in two trims: the base model and the performance-oriented Celica Supra.

The design was influenced by the late 1970s styling trends, with angular lines and pop-up headlights.

The A40/A50 Supra was only produced for four years and was replaced by the second generation in 1982.

Second Generation (A60, 1981-1986)

The second-generation Supra was introduced in 1982 and was based on the Toyota Celica XX (known as the Celica Supra in the US). The second-generation Supra showcased a more streamlined and aerodynamic design compared to its predecessor.

It was powered by a 2.8-liter inline-six engine and was available in two trims: the base model and the performance-oriented P-type.

The second-gen Supra introduced fuel injection technology and was offered with optional features like digital dashboard displays.

The A60 Supra was produced for five years and was replaced by the third generation in 1986.

Third Generation (A70, 1986-1992)

The third-generation Supra was a significant departure from its predecessors in terms of design and performance.

It featured a sleeker, more rounded body with pop-up headlights.

The Supra Turbo model, introduced in 1987, featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged engine with impressive power output.

The A70 Supra gained popularity through its appearance in the movie "The Fast and the Furious."

The A70 Supra was produced for seven years and was replaced by the fourth generation in 1993.

Fourth Generation (A80, 1993-2002)

The fourth-generation Supra, often considered the most iconic, was introduced in 1993.

It featured a radical redesign with a long, low-slung body and distinctive headlights.

The A80 Supra was powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine, known as the 2JZ-GTE, which became legendary for its tunability and performance potential.

It gained a reputation as a high-performance sports car and was highly sought after by enthusiasts.

The A80 Supra was produced for nine years and was discontinued in 2002.

Hiatus (2002-2019)

After the discontinuation of the fourth-generation Supra in 2002, the model went on a long hiatus, leaving fans eagerly awaiting its return.

Fifth Generation (A90, 2019-Present)

The fifth-generation Supra marked the long-awaited return of the model after a 17-year hiatus.

It was developed in collaboration with BMW, sharing many components with the BMW Z4.

The A90 Supra features a sleek and modern design with aggressive styling cues.

It is powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine, producing impressive performance figures.

The fifth-gen Supra offers advanced technologies and features, including a driver-focused interior and a range of modern safety systems.

Throughout its history, the Supra has gained popularity not only for its performance but also for its appearances in pop culture, such as its role in the movie "The Fast and the Furious."

The Toyota Supra remains an emblematic sports car, known for its thrilling driving experience, powerful engines, and timeless design.