The last time we saw the Toyota Supra grace showrooms in the US was during the 1998 model year after other sports cars from Japan like the Mazda RX-7, Nissan 300ZX and Mitsubishi3000GT had abandoned the market. However, with a number of Japanese performance cars like the Nissan 370Z, Nissan GT-R, Honda Civic Type R, Acura NSX and Subaru BRZ back on the market today, it seems like it’s about time a new Supra rolled out.
There’s been no shortage of rumors regarding a new Supra coming throughout the years and the FT-1 concept that Toyota uncovered a few years back looks like a fantastic start to what a next-generation car could look like. To further excite enthusiasts and confirm the return of the legendary nameplate, the Japanese car maker rolled out a new Supra racing concept at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show that “signals Toyota’s commitment to bring back to the market its most iconic sports car.”
While Toyota didn’t say anything about the forthcoming fifth generation of the Supra road car in Geneva, the GR Supra Racing Concept does put us one step closer to it. As we continue to wait patiently for details on the new production car, let’s take take a look at the history of Toyota’s most noteworthy performance vehicle.
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1979-1981 Celica Supra: The beginning
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On Jan. 1, 1979, Toyota officially introduced the Supra in the US as an offshoot of the Celica lineup with a base price of $10,118. A 2.6-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 110 horsepower and 136 pound-feet of torque powered the Celica Supra. A five-speed manual transmission was standard, while a four-speed automatic was available as an option. To accommodate the larger six-pot engine, the front of the car was stretched by approximately 5-inches over the standard Celica.
Toyota originally saw the Supra as a premium model in the Celica lineup with more power and standard features like air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, AM/FM stereo and optional leather interior and sunroof. The Celica Supra was also the first Toyota vehicle in the US to offer cruise control. Throughout the first model’s lifecycle, automatic climate control, power windows and power locks would join the options list.
For the final year of production in 1981, the first-gen car got a bigger 2.8-liter engine with 116 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. An optional sports premium package also debuted with a firmer suspension and front and rear spoilers.
1982-1986 Celica Supra: Two faces
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A new Celica Supra launched for the 1982 model year powered by a new 2.8-liter inline six-cylinder churning out 145 horsepower and 155 pound-feet of torque and started at $14,098. Engine output would steadily climb throughout this generation’s run to top out at 161 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque in 1986. A standard five-speed manual and available four-speed automatic remained as the transmission options.
Two versions of the Celica Supra were offered including a luxury L-Type and performance version. L-Type models featured a digital instrument cluster and interiors that could be trimmed with either plush velour or leather. Standard features on all Celica Supras included power windows, power locks, power mirrors, automatic climate control and cruise control. A five-speaker audio system with cassette deck, sunroof and two-tone exterior paint scheme were options.
1986.5-1992 Supra: Solo act
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Following production delays, the third-generation Toyota Supra launched as a 1986.5 model and stood alone from the Celica. While the Celica morphed into a front-wheel-drive sport compact, the Supra retained a rear-wheel-drive setup with six-cylinder motivation and began at $18,610. At launch, a 3.0-liter inline six with 200 horsepower and 196 pound-feet of torque provided power, but the 1987 model year saw the addition of a turbo model that pushed output to 230 ponies and 240 pound-feet.
A sports package was available on regular Supras, but standard on turbo cars to add a limited-slip differential, adjustable suspension system and headlamp washers. Standard features included eight-way adjustable sport seats, one-touch power windows, power mirrors and automatic climate controls. Antilock brakes, a targa roof and leather interior were available as options.
1993-1998 Supra: Becoming a serious performer
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Introduced in June 1993, the fourth-generation Supra, or MKIV to car enthusiasts, became a more performance-focused machine with a $34,225 base price. Engineers began by trimming weight where possible using aluminum for the hood, targa top (if optioned), front cross member, oil pan, transmission pan and various suspension bits. In addition, small details like a magnesium steering wheel and plastic gas tank were utilized. Compared to the previous model, the Supra lost approximately 200 pounds.
Two engine options were offered including a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder with 220 horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque connected to a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. A turbo 3.0-liter inline six served as the range topping powerplant with 320 horsepower and 315 pound-feet of torque that worked with either a six-speed manual or four-speed speed auto.
The star of the original “The Fast and the Furious” movie forged on in the US until 1998 when low demand made Toyota cease importation of its performance animal. Production in Japan continued until August 2002.
2014 FT-1 concept: Preview of the new Supra?
Enlarge ImageWayne Cunningham/Roadshow
At the 2014 Detroit Auto Show, Toyota rolled out the hot FT-1 sports car concept, which clearly leaned on the fourth-generation Supra for styling inspiration. With “FT” standing for Future Toyota, the company called the swoopy concept a “spiritual pace car” for upcoming designs.
The concept was unveiled without any specifications, but the design is unquestionablysporty with massive air intakes up front, long hood line, double bubble roof, massive automatic wing and rear diffuser. Like a proper show car, the package rides on huge 21-inch wheels.
Without any clues to what powerplant sits under the clear hood panel, the concept’s interior does hint to the way Toyota is leaning towards when it comes to transmissions. The lack of a traditional shifter on the console or a clutch pedal, and the inclusion of steering wheel paddle shifters suggest either a dual-clutch or automatic gearbox for any future car based off the concept.
GR Supra Racing Concept: A new Supra is coming
Enlarge ImageAndrew Hoyle/Roadshow
With the debut of the GR Supra Racing Concept, the speculation about a new Toyota Supra coming can definitively be put to rest. GR stands for Gazoo Racing, Toyota’s motorsports partner. Like previous Supras, this one will be front-engine and rear-wheel drive. What exactly will be providing power under the hood remains to be seen, but rumors say that it will be a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine. Rumors are also saying that a traditional manual transmission will not be available.
Visually, the concept’s body draws heavily from the FT-1 concept, particularly in the front and rear fascias. Since it’s a race car, the bumpers, splitter, diffuser and honkin’ rear wing are all developed with aero in mind. Additional motorsports-focused bits included center-locking BBS wheels wrapped with Michelin race rubber, racing exhaust system and Brembo brakes.
The cockpit doesn’t provide any hints to a road car at all with a purpose-built racing dashboard, an OMP driver’s seats, roll cage and carbon-fiber door panels. In fact, Toyota didn’t mention anything about the forthcoming road car. That means all we have is this concept for now.
