All You Need to Know About the Legendary Supra MK4

The Supra MK4: An Iconic Sports Car

The Toyota Supra MK4 is one of the most iconic sports cars of all time. Known for its sleek design and powerful performance, the Supra MK4 has become a favorite among car enthusiasts around the world. In this article, we will take a closer look at the history, design, and performance of this legendary vehicle.

Design

The design of the Supra MK4 was a major departure from its predecessor, the Supra MK3. It featured a sleek, aerodynamic body, with a long hood and short rear deck. The Supra MK4 was also wider and longer than the MK3, which gave it a more aggressive stance.

The interior of the Supra MK4 was also updated, with a more modern design that included a driver-oriented cockpit and high-quality materials. The dashboard featured a digital display, which was a cutting-edge feature at the time.

Performance

The Supra MK4 was known for its impressive performance, thanks to its powerful engine and advanced suspension system. The base model was powered by a 3.0-liter inline-six engine that produced 220 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque. The turbocharged model, on the other hand, was powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six engine that produced 320 horsepower and 315 lb-ft of torque.

The Supra MK4 also featured a sophisticated suspension system, which included double wishbone suspension in the front and rear. This helped to provide excellent handling and stability, even at high speeds.

History

The Supra is a sports car that was originally introduced by Toyota in 1978. The first generation of the Supra was actually a performance version of the Celica, and was known as the Celica Supra. In 1986, the Supra became its own model, and was no longer a variant of the Celica.

First Generation (1978-1981):
Supra MK1

The first generation of the Supra was introduced in 1978 and was based on the Celica. It was powered by a 2.6-liter inline-six engine that produced 110 horsepower. The Supra was available in two trims: the base model and the "L-Type" model, which featured more luxury-oriented features.

Second Generation (1982-1986):
Supra MK2

The second generation of the Supra was introduced in 1982 and featured a completely new design. It was powered by a 2.8-liter inline-six engine that produced 145 horsepower. The second generation Supra was available in two trims: the base model and the "P-Type" model, which featured a limited-slip differential and sport-tuned suspension.

Third Generation (1986-1992):
Supra MK3

The third generation of the Supra was introduced in 1986 and was a completely new design that was no longer based on the Celica. It was powered by a 3.0-liter inline-six engine that produced 200 horsepower. The third generation Supra was available in two trims: the base model and the Turbo model, which featured a turbocharged version of the 3.0-liter engine that produced 230 horsepower.

Fourth Generation (1993-1998):
Supra MK4

The fourth generation of the Supra was introduced in 1993 and was a major departure from previous generations. It featured a radical new design and was powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six engine that produced 320 horsepower. The fourth generation Supra was only available as a Turbo model.

Fifth Generation (2019-Present):
Supra MK5

After a long hiatus, the Supra returned in 2019 as a joint project between Toyota and BMW. The fifth generation Supra is based on the BMW Z4 and is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine that produces 335 horsepower. It is only available as a coupe.

Overall, the Supra has a rich history as a high-performance sports car. While the car has undergone significant changes over the years, it has remained a favorite among car enthusiasts for its performance, style, and driving experience.

Racing history

The Toyota Supra MK4 has a rich history in racing and motorsports. Here are some notable racers and teams that used the Supra MK4 in competition:

1. Toyota Team Europe (TTE): TTE was Toyota's official racing team from the mid-1980s until the early 2000s. TTE fielded the Supra in various races including the World Sportscar Championship, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and the Japanese Super GT Series.
2. Kazuyoshi Hoshino: Hoshino is a Japanese racing driver who competed in the Japanese Grand Touring Car Championship (JGTC) in the 1990s. He drove a Supra in the JGTC and won the championship in 1997.
3. Smokey Nagata: Nagata is a well-known Japanese tuner and racing driver who gained notoriety for his high-speed runs on public roads in Japan. He also raced a heavily modified Supra in various drag racing and time attack events.
4. Orido Manabu: Orido is a former racing driver who competed in the JGTC and other series in Japan. He drove a Supra for Toyota Team SARD and also competed in the D1 Grand Prix drifting series.
5. Rod Millen: Millen is a New Zealand-born rally driver who also competed in various other motorsports disciplines. He drove a Supra in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, winning the event in 1994 and setting a new course record.

These are just a few examples of the racers and teams who used the Supra MK4 in competition. The Supra's performance and handling characteristics made it a popular choice for both professional and amateur racers alike.

Modifications and Tuning

One of the reasons why the Supra MK4 is so popular among car enthusiasts is its potential for modifications and tuning. The twin-turbo engine in the turbocharged model is particularly well-suited for aftermarket upgrades, such as larger turbochargers, upgraded fuel injectors, and aftermarket exhaust systems.

Many Supra MK4 owners have also modified the exterior of their cars, with custom body kits and aftermarket wheels. These modifications can help to make the Supra MK4 stand out even more on the road, and can also improve its performance.

Legacy

The Supra MK4 has left an indelible mark on the automotive world, thanks to its sleek design and impressive performance. It has become a favorite among car enthusiasts and has been featured in countless magazines, movies, and video games.

In 2019, Toyota released the fifth generation of the Supra, which was eagerly anticipated by fans of the Supra MK4. While the new Supra is a departure from its predecessor in many ways, it still pays homage to the Supra MK4's iconic design and performance.

Rates of Supra

The pricing of the Supra can vary depending on the country and region where it is sold. Here are some examples of the pricing of the Supra in different countries:

1. United States: In the United States, the base model Supra has a starting price of around $43,090. The higher-end Supra 3.0 Premium starts at around $50,090.
2. Japan: In its home country of Japan, the Supra starts at around ¥6,890,000 (equivalent to around $63,000 USD). However, the Supra is not as popular in Japan as it is in other countries, so pricing can vary widely depending on dealer demand.
3. United Kingdom: In the United Kingdom, the Supra starts at around £54,000 (equivalent to around $75,000 USD).
4. Australia: In Australia, the Supra starts at around AUD $87,126 (equivalent to around $64,000 USD).
5. Canada: In Canada, the base model Supra starts at around CAD $64,990 (equivalent to around $51,000 USD), while the higher-end Supra 3.0 Premium starts at around CAD $69,990 (equivalent to around $55,000 USD).

It's important to note that these prices are just examples and can vary depending on a variety of factors such as dealer markups, taxes, and fees. Additionally, some countries may have restrictions on importing or owning certain models of the Supra.

Conclusion

The Supra MK4 is a true icon of the sports car world, thanks to its sleek design, impressive performance, and potential for modifications and tuning. It has left an indelible mark on the automotive world and has become a favorite among car enthusiasts around the world. Whether you're a fan of the Supra MK4 or just appreciate a well-designed sports car, it's impossible not to be impressed by this legendary vehicle.