The Toyota Supra is fast becoming a classic. Prices are starting to get up there and it can be hard to find a nice clean model. Importing one from Japan is a common option for those looking to get their hands on one of Toyota’s most iconic motor cars. Boosted Lifestyle has put together a video telling you how you can get a Supra without breaking the bank (or not as much). Check it out below and take our a look at our history of the Toyota Supra at the bottom of this post.
Toyota Supra
The fourth-generation of the Toyota Supra was unveiled at the 1993 Chicago Motor Show after four years of development under the guidance of chief engineer Isao Tsuzuki. Pre-production began in December 1992 with 20 models, and official mass production started in April 1993.
Toyota’s new Mk4 was unlike anything the Japanese motor company had produced before, with a greater emphasis on high-performance capabilities. The flowing design was more akin to the beautiful 2000GT of the 1960’s than its predecessor. Toyota designed a more aerodynamically efficient car with the Mk4 Supra. The bonnet was long and low and there was an optional high-rise spoiler was offered.
Two new engines were offered with the Supra. A naturally aspirated Toyota 2JZ-GE producing 220hp and 210lb-ft and a twin turbocharged 2JZ-GTE making 276hp and 318lb-ft. For the international market, Toyota upgraded the Turbo Supra’s engine with smaller, steel wheeled turbos, biger fuel injectors, and a number of other changes. This meant that power increased to around 320hp and 315lb-ft. A six-speed gearbox was also offered for the Turbo model for the first time in a Toyota, while the naturally aspirated had to make do with a five-speed.
Compared to the previous Supra, the Mk4 was shorter, lower and wider than the outgoing car, while engineers used lightweight materials to save 100kg of mass over its predecessor. Such was the weight saving, that Toyota even made the carpet fibres hollow to save weight.
Performance for the early 1990’s was significant for the Turbo model. It could go from 0-100km/h in as little as 4.6 seconds and could hit 285km/h, however the car was restricted to 180km/h in Japan and 250km/h elsewhere.
All Mk4 Supra models were offered with five-spoke aluminium alloy wheel, the Turbo had 17-inch wheels while the naturally aspirated received 16-inch wheels. The reason for this was to accommodate the larger brakes equipped as standard on the turbo model.
When it launched the Mk4 Supra received extensive praise and put many of its rivals to shame. Even the 3.6-litre Porsche 911 Turbo could not beat it, and one Australian magazine compared the car to an Aston Martin DB7.
Mk4上是undoubtedly the most successful of all the Supra models in motorsport. It featured in anything from Pikes Peak to Le Mans 24hr racing and Swiss Mountain Racing. It was competitive in American SCCA racing, and was dominant in the All-Japan GT Championship. The car was successful all the way from when it launched to 2003.
Toyota withdrew the Supra from the Canadian and British market in 1996, with the USA following in 1998. This was due to the decline of sales of all sports coupes in the late 90’s, however production continued in Japan until August 2002.
The Mk4 Supra has made its way to tuner shops and garages all over the world, with some cars modified to produce well over 2,000hp.
i like how he says well over 2000 hp