The Evolution of the Toyota Supra: Japan’s Iconic Sports Car

Few names in the automotive world carry as much weight as the Toyota Supra. From its humble beginnings as a six-cylinder GT car to its rise as a turbocharged legend, the Supra has become one of the most beloved Japanese sports cars of all time. Let’s take a look at how it evolved over the years.

A40/A50 Celica Supra (1978-1981)

The first Supra wasn’t actually a standalone model—it was a stretched, six-cylinder version of the Toyota Celica. Powered by a 2.6L inline-six with 110 hp, it was more of a grand tourer than a true performance car.

A60 Supra (1982-1986)

Toyota refined the formula, giving the A60 Supra a more aggressive design, independent rear suspension, and a 2.8L inline-six producing up to 178 hp in the later P-Type models. This was the generation that started to hint at the Supra’s performance future.

A70 Supra (1986-1992)

Breaking away from the Celica, the A70 became a standalone model with a more powerful 3.0L inline-six, producing up to 276 hp in turbocharged form. It featured high-tech additions like electronically controlled suspension, ABS, and even a targa top option.

A80 Supra (1993-2002)

The legend. The A80 Supra is one of the most famous sports cars ever, thanks to its 2JZ-GTE engine, which was underrated at 276 hp (Japan) but actually produced over 320 hp in export models. With a sequential twin-turbo setup, a six-speed manual, and lightweight engineering, it was a true performance machine. Its role in The Fast and the Furious cemented its status as a JDM icon.

A90 Supra (2019-Present)

After a long hiatus, Toyota revived the Supra in collaboration with BMW. Powered by a BMW-sourced 3.0L turbo inline-six producing 382 hp (Europe/US), the A90 is fast, precise, and controversial due to its shared DNA with the BMW Z4. However, with a manual transmission option now available, it continues the Supra’s legacy of delivering thrilling performance.

From a six-cylinder Celica spin-off to a twin-turbo JDM legend, the Supra has always been about power, performance, and passion. Whether you love the tuner-friendly A80 or the high-tech A90, there’s no denying the Supra’s impact on the automotive world. Which Supra is your favourite? Let us know in the comments!