Everything you need to know about the Toyota Supra

id=»article-body» class=»row» section=»article-body»> Enlarge ImageThe 2020 Toyota Supra

Jon Wong/Roadshow When the 2020 Toyota Supra goes on sale this summer, it will mark the first time the legendary sports car has been in US showrooms since the 1998 model year. Its return continues the resurgence of Japanese performance cars like the Acura NSX, Honda Civic Type R, Nissan 370Z, Nissan GT-R and Subaru BRZ. And after officially debuting earlier this year at the 2019 Detroit Auto Show, we’ve finally gotten to drive the new Supra on road and track.

A new Supra was a long time coming with no shortage of rumors regarding a new car coming throughout the years. The FT-1 concept that Toyota uncovered a few years back served as a fantastic foundation to what the next-generation car would ultimately become. At the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, the Japanese car maker rolled out the Supra racing concept that confirmed the legendary nameplate’s return.

With an inline six-cylinder engine and plenty of styling inspiration from the fourth-generation model, the new Supra has some familiar traits. And then there are some traits that may make fans of the previous models pause such as its BMW bones and two seat layout. Either way, we’re just happy its coming back. As we wait just a little bit longer for a new Supra to get here, let’s take a look at the history of Toyota’s most noteworthy performance vehicle.

If you treasured this article and you also would like to receive more info pertaining to Special Purpose Machines generously visit the web site. 1979-1981 Celica Supra: The beginning

Enlarge ImageHow the Supra started.

Toyota 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, Special Purpose Machine 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.