Toyota Supra: Then and Now
What on earth is there to do when there is an impending reveal that may or may not be a Toyota Supra, but that everyone is hoping is a Toyota Supra and have already taken to calling it a Toyota Supra? Take a trip down memory lane and admire the evolution of the Supra.
Celica Supra
The Mustang’s rise to fame after its introduction to the world in 1964 was swift. It has since become the poster child for the quintessential American pony car. The atmosphere was fraught with excitement and Toyota wanted in on the action.
The Celica, introduced in 1970, was Toyota’s response to the Mustang’s fame. After a few iterations it became the Celica XX in Japan, shortly thereafter referred to as the Celica Supra in the US.
Available to the public in 1979, the first Celica Supra put out 110-hp and 136 pound-feet of torque from a 2.6-litre 12-valve SOHC inline-6 on either a 4-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission. By 1980 Celica Supra options also included a 2.7-litre engine that put out 116-hp and 145 pound-feet of torque.
The second Celica Supra dubbed Mark II in America, was released in 1982 based on the previous platform and available in two distinct models: P-type for performance and L-type for luxury. They were mechanically identical and differentiated by different trims and options. The P-type was characterized by fiber glass fender flares over the wheel wells, limited slip differential and optional rear sunshade above the hatch glass whereas on the L-type you could find front and rear mudflaps to name a few differences. The Mark II was offered with a new 2.8-litre DOHC inline-6, this time with 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission on an independent suspension designed and tuned by Lotus.
Toyota Supra
As 1987 poked its head around the corner, it welcomed the arrival of the Toyota Supra. It was introduced in 1986 on its own no longer to be associated with the Celica except by that of origin. While the Celica went on to become front-wheel drive, the Mark III remained rear-wheel drive with a new naturally aspirated 3-litre DOHC inline-6 that put out 200-hp and 196 pound feet of torque. A turbo charged version of the engine allowed the Supra to put out 230-hp and 240 pound feet of torque with both engines being offered on either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. The turbo models included clutch-type limited slip differentials as standard whereas it remained a sport package option for the naturally aspirated Supras.
Though Fast and the Furious wasn’t to hit theatres until 2001, in 1993 we were introduced to Dominic Toretto’s ten second car. The Mark IV had two options: a naturally aspirated 3-litre inline-6 that produced 200-hp and 210 pound feet of torque on a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic or a twin turbo option that produced 320-hp and 300 pound-feet of torque on a 6-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.
Why dredge up history? Because Toyota is a terrible tease. They have whet our appetites and left us salivating with the possibility of a new Supra being introduced to us on March 6th at the Geneva Motor Show. We’ve been told to expect a ‘modern racing concept’ that will ‘bring back to the market its most iconic super car’. Screams Supra yes? Chances are it will be a concept and not a production car if the annoyingly short notice on their website is anything to go by. We also know that it is being developed alongside the new BMW Z4 and that it may not wear Toyota badging. With only a couple more weeks until Geneva, we’re excited for something spectacular and hoping Toyota will satisfy.
