The Toyota Celica Supra is a sports car produced by Toyota Motor Company starting in 1979. The styling of the Toyota Celica Supra was derived from the Toyota Celica. Starting in mid-1986, the Supra (in its third generation, MKIII) became its own model and was no longer based on the Celica. In turn, Toyota also stopped using the prefix Celica and began calling the car Supra.
The Supra also traces much of its roots back to the Toyota 2000GT with the main instance being its engine. The first three generations were offered with a direct descendant to the 2000GT's M engine. All four generations of Supra produced have an inline 6-cylinder engine.
The name is a combination of Celica and the word Supra. "Celica" is derived from Latin and its literal translation is "celestial" or "from the heavens". "Supra" is a word that is derived from Latin that stands for "over, above, beyond, or greater than". So a translation to English would be something like "from above the heavens" for the entire term.
Along with this name and car Toyota also included its own logo of sorts. It is derived from the original Celica logo (it's just orange instead of blue). Often people think it is some sort of swan, but it more closely resembles a dragon. The logo was on Supras until 1989 when Toyota switched to its current oval company logo.
In 1999, Toyota ceased sales of the Supra in the United States and in 2002 Toyota officially stopped production of the Supra in Japan.
The first generation Supra was based largely upon the Toyota Celica liftback, but was longer by 5.1 in (129.5 mm). The doors and rear section stayed the same length as Celica but rear panels differed. The most important change was the swap to an Inline-6 instead of the stock Celica's 4-cylinder engine. Toyota's original plan for the Supra at this time was to make it a competitor to the very popular Datsun (now Nissan) Z-car.
Drivetrain options for the Mark I were either a 5-speed manual (W50) or an optional 4-speed automatic transmission (A40D). Both transmissions featured an overdrive gear. The top gear in the 5-speed was its overdrive gear whereas the automatic transmission featured an overdrive gear that would engage at speeds over 35 mph. The drivetrain for the Supra retained the T series solid rear axle configuration of the Celica in the Japanese MA45 version and a larger F series (and optional Limited Slip Differential) in the MA46 and MA47. The car also came standard with 4-wheel disc brakes and featured a four-link rear suspension with coil springs, lateral track bar, and stabilizer bar. The front suspension consisted of MacPherson struts and a stabilizer bar.
On the inside of the Supra one had an option of power windows and power locks as part of the convenience package. The convenience package also included cruise control and special door trim with door pull straps, with an optional sunroof. As for standard features, in the center console there was an extendable map light and a fliptop armrest, which provided storage. Some other features were the tilt steering wheel, deep zippered pockets on the backs of the front seats, and tonneau cover under the liftback. The dashboard also contained a state-of-the-art (at the time) AM/FM/MPX 4-speaker stereo radio, analog clock, and tachometer as part of the instrument panel.
The changes for the 1980 US version were different, but mostly cosmetic. The interior received a redesigned center console and a digital quartz clock. On the exterior were redesigned side view mirrors, the 14x5.5 aluminum rims, which were optional in 1979, are now standard (the 1979s had steel rims with plastic wheel covers standard). In addition body molded mudflaps became available. On the copper metallic and white cars the mudflaps were painted the body color while the mudflaps were left black on all other colors. On the rear of the mudflaps, the word "Celica" was painted in white lettering.
The official Toyota Supra Site also notes that there was an addition of optional leather-trimmed seating and automatic climate-control.
Also in 1981, a new Sports Performance Package became an option, which included sport suspension, raised white letter tires, and front and rear spoilers. This also marked the last year that the 8-track cartridge was offered in any Supras.
| Code | Year | Engine | Power | Torque | Transmission | Market |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA45 | 1979 | 2.0 L (1988 cc) M-EU I6 | 110 hp (82 kW) | 136 ft·lbf (184 N·m) | 5-speed W50 manual 4-speed A40D automatic | JPN |
| MA46 | 2.6 L (2563 cc) 4M-E I6 | 110 hp (82 kW) | 136 ft·lbf (184 N·m) | USA | ||
| 1980 | 2.0 L (1988 cc) M-TEU turbo I6 | 145 hp (108 kW) | 156 ft·lbf (211 N·m) | JPN | ||
| 2.6 L (2563 cc) 4M-E I6 | 110 hp (82 kW) | 136 ft·lbf (184 N·m) | USA | |||
| MA47 | 1981 | 2.8 L (2759 cc) 5M-E I6 | 116 hp (87 kW) | 145 ft·lbf (197 N·m) | 5-speed W50 manual 4-speed A43D automatic | JPN USA |
In 1982, Toyota completely redesigned the Celica Supra as well as the entire Celica lineup. In Japan, they were known as Celica XX, but everywhere else the Celica Supra name stuck. Still being based around the Celica platform, there were several key differences, most notably the design of the front end and fully retractable pop-up headlights. Other differences would be the inline-6 still present in the Supra instead of the inline-4 as well as an increase in length and wheel base to conform with the overall larger engine.
On the inside this generation had standard power windows, power door locks, and power mirrors as well as a tilt steering wheel. The power door lock was located in the center console next to the power mirror control. The analog dash of this year only went to 85 mph in North America. The optional automatic climate control on the MK I was renovated and was now seen as a standard feature on the MK II. Cruise control was standard in this generation. Toyota also included the retractable maplight as standard, just like with MK I Supras. Some options included the addition of a sunroof, two-tone paint schemes, and 5-speaker AM/FM/MPX tuner with cassette. The optional cassette stereo featured a 105-watt power amplifier and a 7-channel graphic equalizer to control tone. The standard stereo was a 5-channel AM/FM/MPX tuner. Leather was an option on L-Types this year, but P-types were stuck with standard striped cloth.
As far as the outside goes there was no external antenna it was simply located in the front windshield. There was a key lock on the gas tank door and the hatch and bumper were black no matter what color the rest of the car was. The P-types were available with an optional rear sunshade above the hatch glass. The lights in the rear featured a reverse light in the center and the door handles opened the doors by pulling sideways. The front nose badge and B-pillar only read "SUPRA". Although it is believed mudflaps weren't introduced on this generation until 1983, all L-types had front and rear mudflaps.
On the inside of the car there were virtually no changes, but on the outside they decided to switch to a power antenna and it was the first year both the P-Type and L-Type had standard mudflaps. The B-pillar and nose badge were changed to say "Celica Supra" now and only L-Types were available in two-tone color schemes.
The most notable exterior change was the switch to wraparound front turn signals. Also on the outside the tail-lights were redesigned and the hatch received a billboard "SUPRA" sticker instead of the smaller sticker, which was previously positioned on the right. The rear hatch and bumper was changed and received the same color as the rest of the car (instead of the black of previous years). The door handles were also switched around, opening by pulling up instead of sideways. This year Toyota also decided to offer two-tone paint schemes on both the P-Type and L-Type.
Some interior controls such as the steering wheel, cruise control, and door lock switch were redesigned. Toyota encompassed a 130 mph speedometer instead of the traditional 85 mph one and the automatic climate control display was also changed. The previous year's cassette/equalizer stereo option was now made a standard feature.
Other changes would be the redesigned, now more "integrated" sunshade and spoiler on the rear hatch. The rear spoiler was changed from a one piece to a two piece spoiler. Oddly the L-types of this year were not available with a leather interior, but P-types were. Toyota added a standard factory theft deterrent system and the outside mirrors were equipped with a defogger that activated with the rear defroster. All Supras this year received automatic-off lights that also encompassed an automatic illuminated entry and fade-out system.
While 1985 was to be the last year of the second generation model, delays in production of the third generation model led to a surplus of second generation Supras. During the first half of 1986 the 1985 MK II P-type was still offered for sale, with only minor cosmetic changes as well as the addition of a now mandatory rear-mounted third brakelight on the hatch. These were all labeled officially as 1986 models. P-types were the only model available in 1986.
| Code | Year | Engine | Power | Torque | Transmission | Market |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA61 | 1982-1983 | 2.8 L (2759 cc) 5M-GE I6 | 174 hp (130 kW) | 207 ft·lbf (287 N·m) | 5-speed W58 Manual 4-Speed A43DL Automatic (1982) 4-Speed A43DE Automatic (1983) | EUR GBR |
| 2.8 L (2759 cc) 5M-GEU I6 | 160 hp (119 kW) | 150 ft·lbf (203 N·m) | 5-speed W58 Manual | JPN | ||
| 1984-1986 | 2.8 L (2759 cc) 5M-E I6 | 116 hp (87 kW) | 145 ft·lbf (197 N·m) | 5-speed W58 Manual 4-Speed A43DE Automatic | AUS CHE SWE | |
| 2.8 L (2759 cc) 5M-GE I6 | 178 hp (133 kW) | 212 ft·lbf (281 N·m) | EUR GBR NZL | |||
| 2.8 L (2759 cc) 5M-GEU I6 | 160 hp (119 kW) | 150 ft·lbf (203 N·m) | 5-speed W58 Manual | JPN | ||
| MA63 | 1982 | 2.0 L (1988 cc) M-TEU turbo I6 | 145 hp (108 kW) | 156 ft·lbf (211 N·m) | 4-Speed A43DL Automatic | JPN |
| 1983-1985 | 2.0 L (1988 cc) M-TE turbo I6 | 160 hp (119 kW) | 170 ft·lbf (230 N·m) | 4-Speed A43DE Automatic | ||
| MA67 | 1982 | 2.8 L (2759 cc) 5M-GE I6 | 145 hp (108 kW) | 155 ft·lbf (210 N·m) | 5-speed W58 Manual 4-Speed A43DL Automatic | CAN USA |
| 1983 | 2.8 L (2759 cc) 5M-GE I6 | 150 hp (112 kW) | 159 ft·lbf (216 N·m) | 5-speed W58 Manual 4-Speed A43DE Automatic | ||
| 1984 | 2.8 L (2759 cc) 5M-GE I6 | 160 hp (119 kW) | 163 ft·lbf (221 N·m) | 5-speed W58 Manual | ||
| 2.8 L (2759 cc) 5M-GE I6 | 150 hp (112 kW) | 159 ft·lbf (216 N·m) | 4-Speed A43DE Automatic | |||
| 1985-1986 | 2.8 L (2759 cc) 5M-GE I6 | 161 hp (120 kW) | 169 ft·lbf (229 N·m) | 5-speed W58 Manual 4-Speed A43DE Automatic | ||
| GA61 | 1982-1985 | 2.0 L (1988 cc) 1G-EU I6 | 125 hp (93 kW) | 127 ft·lbf (172 N·m) | 5-speed W58 Manual 4-Speed A43DL Automatic | JPN |
| 1982-1985 | 2.0 L (1988 cc) 1G-GEU I6 | 160 hp (119 kW) | 134 ft·lbf (181 N·m) | 5-speed W58 Manual |
In the middle of 1986, Toyota was ready to release its next version of the Supra. The official model year is designated as 1986 1/2. The bonds between the Celica and the Supra were cut; they were now two completely different kind of models. The Celica changed to front wheel drive, while the Supra kept its rear wheel drive. Though the A60 (Mk II) and A70 (MK III) had similar designs, the engine was a more powerful version than the earlier 2.8 L and 3.0 L engine with two versions*: one with a CT-26 turbo (the 7M-GTE), which was not available until the 1987 model, and one without (the 7M-GE). Both engines were fitted with 4 valves per cylinder. The turbocharged engine, or the 7M-GTE, was Toyota's first distributor-less engine offered in the U.S. and was rated at 230 hp while the naturally-aspirated engine was rated at 200 hp. The non-turbo 7M-GE models came as standard issue with the W58 manual transmission, and the 7M-GTE came as standard with the R154. Both were available with an optional 4-speed automatic transmission, namely, the A340E. During the year of 1989, the car received new tail lights, a front bumper, badging and side trim amongst other features. Modifications to the wastegate and engine management netted another 2 hp on the turbo model. For the 1991 model year, the wheel design was changed to 5-spoke wheels. Both models wore 16x7 aluminium alloy wheels that were fitted with 225/50/16 tires and full-sized spares on steel wheels.
In 1988 the Turbo-A model was introduced. It was a special design aimed at winning the Group-A touring car championships around the world. There were only 500 Turbo-As ever made. The Turbo-A was a special 7M-GTE with 267 PS (263 hp/196 kW), making it the fastest Japanese road car until the Nissan Skyline R32-GTR was introduced. The Turbo-A model was only produced in black, featured a grey leather interior, a larger intercooler, and used speed/density (MAP + IAT sensor) air metering. In addition, it was a hardtop model and featured a larger compressor wheel on the CT-26 turbocharger.
The A70 Supra was also available in two non export models in Japan, the JZA70 with a 2.5 L 280 hp (209 kW) twin-turbo 1JZ-GTE, known as 2.5GT Twin Turbo (JZA70), and with a 2.0 L 210 hp (157 kW) twin-turbo 1G-GTE. A special version of the 1JZ-GTE equipped JZA70, the 2.5 Twin Turbo R, had black/grey Recaro seats.
The third-generation Supra represented a great deal of new technology. In 1986, Supras were already equipped with 4-channel ABS and TEMS (Toyota Electronically Modulated Suspension) which gave the driver 2 settings which affected the damper rates. By 1990, airbags became standard. All models were fitted with double wishbone suspensions front and rear. A targa top was offered along with a metal power sliding sunroof (added in '91).
The 7M-GTE MA70 is capable of propelling itself 0-60 mph in 6.6 seconds with 6.8 psi of boost. It reached the 1/4 mile in 15.1 seconds and a top speed of 93 mph.
Chassis codes : A70, A71
Model Codes: MA70/1, JZA70, GA70.
With the fourth generation of the Supra, Toyota took a big leap in the direction of a more powerful sports car. The new Supra was completely redesigned and featured two new engines: naturally aspirated 2JZ-GE 220 hp (164 kW) and 210 ft·lbf (285 N·m) of torque and a twin turbocharged 2JZ-GTE making 320 hp (239 kW), 315 ft·lbf (427 N·m) of torque. The turbocharged variant could achieve 0–60 mph in 4.6 seconds and 1/4 mile (402 m) in 13.1 seconds at 109 mph *. The stock turbos are capable of running around 450-500 bhp with an unrestricted airflow/exhaust system and an aftermarket boost controller (BPU Upgrade).
The MKIV Supra's twin turbos actually operated in sequential mode instead of the more common parallel mode. The sequential setup featured a pair of small, equally sized turbos, with ceramic blades for the domestic Japanese market and steel blades for export (USA, UK) markets. At first, all of the exhaust is routed to the first turbine for reduced lag. This resulted in boost and enhanced torque as early as 1800 rpm. Approaching 4000 rpm, the exhaust is routed to the second turbine for a "pre-boost" mode, although none of the compressor output is used by the engine at this point. Approaching 4500 rpm, the second turbo's output is added to the intake air, and both turbos operate in parallel. Most cars which are advertised as "twin turbo" operate by having the two equally sized turbos constantly running in parallel; the turbos spool up at the same time. The sequential mode provides greater low-end response at the expense of top-end output.
For this generation, the Supra received a new 6-speed Getrag transmission on the Turbo models while the normally aspirated models made do with a 5-speed manual. Both models were offered with a 4-speed automatic with a manumatic mode. However, the turbo model used 4-piston brake calipers on the front and 2-piston calipers for the rear. The base model used 2-piston calipers for the front and a single piston caliper for the rear. The turbo models were fitted with 235/45/17 tires on the front and 255/40/17 tires for the rear. The base model used 225/50/16 for the front and 245/50/16 for the rears. All vehicles were equipped with 5-spoke aluminium alloy wheels and a "donut" spare tire on a steel wheel.
Toyota took measures to reduce the weight of the current model compared to the previous model. The Supra featured hollow carpet fibers. Aluminium was used for the hood, targa top (if so equipped), front crossmember, oil pan, and upper A-arms. Other measures included dished out head bolts, magnesium steering wheel, plastic gas cover, gas injected rear spoiler, and a large single exhaust tip. Despite having more features such as dual airbags, traction control, larger brakes, larger wheels, and larger tires, the car was at least a 100 lbs lighter than its predecessor.
For the 1996 model year, the turbo model was only available with the automatic transmission due to OBD2 certification requirements. The targa roof was made standard on all turbo models. For 1997, the manual transmission is back for the optional engine along with a redesign of the tail lights, front fascia, chromed wheels, and other minor changes such as the radio and steering wheel designs. All 1997 models included badges that said, "Limited Edition 15th Anniversary." For 1998, the radio and steering wheel were redesigned once again. The naturally aspirated engine was enhanced with VVTI which raised the output by 5 hp and 10 ft·lbf of torque. The turbo model was not available in California, New York, and Massachusetts due to increased emission regulations.
MKIV Supras have been modified (larger turbos running 30+ psi (206 kPa) of boost and other, undisclosed tweaks) to produce over 1000rwhp (746 kW) and drive the 1/4 mile (402 m) in 7.9 seconds. The stock 2JZ-GTE engines are astonishingly tough, running 1000 bhp+ (850rwhp) without having to update any internal components, putting it in par with Nissans legendary RB26 series engine. The stock MKIV Supra chassis has also proven a very effective platform for roadracing, with (for example) several top 20 and top 10 One Lap Of America finishes in the SSGT1 class.
In 1998, Toyota ceased to import the cars to the U.S. from Japan, although the car was last sold in Canada in 1995. They stopped production of the car altogether in 2002 due to a decline in sales.
Toyota has hinted at a possible revival of the Supra in 2006/2007 pointing at different directions. There is indication that Toyota will base the future Supra on the next generation Lexus IS, which will be powered by a Twin-Turbocharged V6 Engine, while others speculate that the future Supra will become the next flagship model for the company, knocking the Toyota Century off the flagship spot.
In early 2006, Toyota released a few possible concepts for the new Supra. (Concept can be seen at:http://www.danrharris.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/2008suprasmall.jpg) This new Supra is rumored to have a convertible and coupe version, with 2 engine models (5.0 L V8 with 450 hp (336 kW) and 383 ft·lbf (519 N·m); 3.5 L V6 with 350 hp (261 kW) and 275 ft·lbf (373 N·m)). The estimated weight of the future Toyota supercar is 1400 kg(3080 lb) and the platform is based off Toyota's latest efforts in F1 racing. They are rumored to be priced at around 50,000 US$ for the V8 and 40,000 US$ for the V6. Although according to a recent Japanese magazine (where the picture came from) it says that it will cost 30 million yen which translates to about $25,000 US.
However, all of the above is only speculation, as on Toyota's own website (under Planet Kaizen) there are two instances that insist there will not be another "Toyota Supra" anytime soon, and that if they do have another performance flagship, chances are it wont be under the "Toyota" name and even more so that they will not be under the "Supra" name.
http://www.tamparacing.com/photopost/data/500/THEREWILLBENOMORESUPRA.jpg
Such flagship is more than likely the LF-A concept car, as seen on Lexus' official website both in English and the Japanese website. One need not know Japanese to see the English important parts: F1 inspired 500PS (which is roughly 493 hp) http://www.tamparacing.com/photopost/data/500/JDM_LF-A.jpg
Toyota vehicles | Sports cars | Rear wheel drive vehicles | 1979 introductions
Toyota Supra | Toyota Supra | トヨタ・スープラ | Toyota Supra | Toyota Supra | Toyota Supra | Toyota Supra | Toyota Supra
This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License.
It uses material from the
"Toyota Supra".
Home Page • arts • business • computers • games • health • hospitals • home • kids & teens • news • physicians • recreation• reference • regional • science • shopping • society • sports • world