The A90 Supra is a sports car on a mission, boasting stunning aesthetics, powerful engines and smooth transmission technology that makes driving it both around town and on race tracks an absolute pleasure.
This car offers an enjoyable driving experience at any speed, with wind and road noise well controlled. Additionally, driver-selected driving modes let users customize settings for power steering, transmission, and adaptive dampers to their preference.
The first Supra
Beginning its life in April 1978, Toyota first unveiled the Supra nameplate on an extended version of their Celica liftback coupe dubbed A40 chassis code. Equipped with an efficient 110 horsepower straight six engine and boasting agile dimensions for quick acceleration and maneuverability, this vehicle was capable of competing against more formidable performance sedans like the Nissan R32 GT-R.
Even with its relatively modest power output, the first Supra made an indelible mark on contemporary car reviewers. Car & Driver magazine named it to their Ten Best list twice during 1983 and 1984 comparison tests, surpassing rivals such as Ferrari 330/340 and Lotus Esprit in comparison tests.
As soon as the second generation Supra was unveiled in 1987, it had quickly established itself as an authentic sports car with its design more fitting of wedge-shape cars from that era. A turbocharged model was also available and quickly outclassed its competition in road-and-track comparison tests; its success in motorsport would help further strengthen its brand image and popularity.
The fourth-generation Supra was one of the most advanced front-engine, rear-wheel drive cars of its day, featuring a 2.0-liter inline-six with 220 horsepower that produced standard models; turbo models could deliver 320hp with vented bonnets instantly distinguishable by them; both could reach 60mph in under four seconds.
After 17 years, Toyota and BMW collaborated to bring back the Supra as part of a collaboration in 2019. Dubbed A90 Supra, it used BMW's Z4 platform and running gear while featuring Toyota-engineered twin-turbo inline-six engines and an aesthetic that had been toned down from 2014's scoop-heavy FT-1 concept car.
The second Supra
Many view the Toyota Supra as an outstanding performer in its field, fulfilling its duties effectively while looking good doing it. It commands attention, communicates clarity of purpose, and, with 295 lb-ft of torque available to it, is swift enough to reach 60mph in just 4.7 seconds as per Car and Driver testing; furthermore its brakes are outstanding, steering precise, and cooling sufficient for real track work.
People looking for a true sports car demand more than looks. True sports cars excel in that magical zone near the limit, inviting drivers to explore it with smooth and progressive breakaway behavior and constant communication between drivers and vehicle. Unfortunately, the Supra lacks this in terms of mid-corner bumps which appear to jar everything inside it.
As compensation, the third-generation Supra introduced a twin-turbo 2.5-liter engine dubbed 7M-GE that generated 172 horsepower at 7,000rpm - while top spec models offered even more power.
While the turbo model was an enormous improvement, it also brought other changes which altered its character as a sports car. For instance, its rear seat was moved further back for increased legroom in front seats while door handles were altered so as to open by pulling upward instead of pushing outward.
Although changes were made, the Supra continued to be an outstanding performer, with many owners upgrading it with suspension components from Recaro and Momo and interior upgrades from Recaro and Momo. Due to its success in SCCA Street Modified classes, many refered to it as the "BMW killer" or "Mustang killer."
The third Supra
The third Supra appeared in 1986, sending shockwaves through the sports car world. Powered by Toyota's 5M-GE inline-six engine producing 203 horsepower, you could choose either five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission and take advantage of their new TEMS system, which offered comfort or spirited driving settings for damper rates to personalize driving experiences.
The new Supra also introduced an innovative turbocharged engine option, and it became an instant success. Naturally aspirated 7M-GTE models produced 205 horsepower while turbocharged models produced an astonishing 232.
No matter which engine you select, the Supra remains one of the most enjoyable cars ever created. Its short wheelbase allows for rapid direction changes while its wide track provides ample grip - something we were reminded of while driving it on Jarama circuit's demanding test track.
Reliability-wise, the Toyota Supra hasn't experienced any major issues; however rust and corrosion could become issues on older models, while its oil pressure regulator can become damaged over time - thus necessitating replacement with an upgraded unit on older examples.
As for the fourth-generation Supra, it's an entirely different animal. While its chassis, engine, and transmissions share many components with that found on a BMW Z4, its driving experience differs drastically from either. While four-cylinder version may be quicker than six cylinder model; its driving experience lacks enjoyment as well as limited slip differential feature of 3.0 version; plus weight is slightly heavier while user friendly infotainment system has been reduced - perhaps for good as Supra should primarily focus on driver experience rather than anything else.
The fourth Supra
Toyota's 2018 revival of the Supra name came as much-anticipated resurrection of an old legend. First seen as the FT-1 concept car at 2014 Detroit Auto Show, 21 years later as an overtly aggressive coupe looks as though it were put through a meat grinder - although performance of course remains unparalleled!
Toyota's president recently stated that every Toyota must be enjoyable to drive, and this one certainly meets that standard. With its agile rear-wheel drive chassis and turbocharged inline six engine providing tremendous acceleration -- 60 miles an hour can be reached in under 4.8 seconds according to Car and Driver testing! Braking performance is outstanding while cooling appears capable of handling real track work as well.
This Supra features a straight-six engine, though its torque may fall short of those found in its more powerful predecessors. An eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters enables drivers to engage manual gear selection for a more engaging driving experience; those looking for maximum thrill can opt for the more muscular 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-6 that produces 295 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque instead.
As its designer, BMW's Harald Krueger would have desired, the new Supra is a pure sports car with its soft yet well-damped suspension converting inputs to steering response and cornering grip. At its best when taken up to its limit, where its active differential can coax gentle oversteer from lifting throttle while relieving rear tire grip for greater cornering grip; or alternatively you can disable its traction control system to enjoy some casual twisting action through twisty back roads.
The fifth Supra
The fourth-generation Supra, produced from 1992 until 2002, was an amazing sports car. As the first Toyota vehicle with a turbocharged inline-six engine and Getrag/Toyota six-speed manual transmission capable of reaching 60mph in just 4.1 seconds, this coupe set new standards.
Not the fastest car ever produced, Toyota's Celica was still an outstanding example of long-distance motorway cruising and track day performance, earning itself an esteemed reputation among motoring fans worldwide. Additionally, their sporting triumvirate of Celica, MR2 and Supra made waves at British Touring Car Championship races; cementing Toyota as an icon among racing greats.
The fifth-generation Supra may only recently have made its debut, yet it already seems to be living up to all of the anticipation it generated when first released. We recently spent a day lapping Summit Point Motorsports Park's Shenandoah circuit in it and found its handling to be truly astonishing - comparable to some of the greatest sports cars out there and perfectly capable as an excellent tarmac cruiser.
It is also an amazing road car, featuring a quiet cabin that filters out most wind and tire noise associated with sports cars. Additionally, its auto gearbox shifts smoothly for motorway travel, providing opportunities to overtake. Meanwhile, helpful driver assists such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and road sign assistance come standard - we cannot wait to see what the Supra does next; its legacy deserves our recognition.
