The Fourth-Generation Supra

The fourth-generation Toyota Supra, known as the A80 or MKIV, was introduced in 1993 and represented a major change from earlier Supra models. Developed as a high-performance sports car, the MKIV featured a shorter, wider design, improved aerodynamics and a focus on performance.

The Legendary 2JZ Engine

The MKIV was offered with two main engine options. The naturally aspirated 2JZ-GE produced around 220 horsepower, while the legendary 2JZ-GTE twin-turbocharged engine produced 276 horsepower in Japan and up to 320 horsepower in other markets.

The 2JZ-GTE became particularly famous for its strength and tuning potential. Its robust construction allowed enthusiasts to extract significantly more power than the original factory output with appropriate modifications.

Sequential Twin Turbocharging

One of the MKIV Supra's most important engineering features was its sequential twin-turbocharging system. Rather than having both turbochargers operate together throughout the rev range, the system used the first turbocharger at lower engine speeds before progressively bringing the second turbo into operation as revs increased.

This helped reduce turbo lag while providing strong and relatively linear power delivery across the rev range. The result was a car that could be both highly responsive on the road and extremely fast when pushed harder.

Transmission and Performance

Turbo models were available with either a 4-speed automatic transmission or a 6-speed Getrag manual gearbox, while naturally aspirated versions could be equipped with a 5-speed manual.

The combination of rear-wheel drive, powerful engines and sophisticated suspension gave the MKIV Supra impressive performance and made it highly appealing to driving enthusiasts.

A Motorsport and Tuning Icon

The Supra's reputation grew far beyond its original performance figures. Its strong engine, rear-wheel-drive layout and enormous tuning potential made it popular in drag racing and modified-car culture, while Toyota also competed with the Supra in Japanese GT racing.

Its international fame increased further after the MKIV appeared prominently in The Fast and the Furious film series, introducing the car to a much wider audience and helping establish it as one of the world's most recognisable Japanese performance cars.

The End of the MKIV

Toyota ended Supra exports to markets including the United States in 1998, influenced by stricter emissions regulations and declining sales. Production for the Japanese domestic market continued until 2002, when the fourth-generation Supra was discontinued.

The end of production marked the beginning of a long gap for the Supra nameplate, with no immediate replacement introduced.

The Supra Returns

After years of speculation, Toyota revived the Supra name in 2019 with the fifth-generation GR Supra. Developed in collaboration with BMW, the new model brought the Supra name back to the sports-car market while maintaining the rear-wheel-drive performance character that had become closely associated with the MKIV.

Today, the A80 Supra remains one of Toyota's most celebrated performance cars, remembered for its distinctive styling, sequential twin-turbocharged engine and exceptional tuning potential.