Named after the Latin prefix meaning “to surpass”, the Toyota Supra is a grand tourer that was manufactured from 1978 to 2002. Originally named the Toyota Celica Supra, the first generation, as the name implies, was derived from the already popular Toyota Celica after requests were made for the manufacturer to produce a direct competitor to the Datsun 280Z.
Measuring in at just over 181 inches long, the Supra was over 5 inches longer than the Celica. The bulk of this difference was seen in the engine compartment, as the extra room was necessary to allow for the addition of an Inline 6-cylinder engine, rather than the I4 that was being utilized for the Celica. The larger engine was paired with the consumer’s choice of either a 5-speed manual transmission, or a 4-speed automatic transmission.
As generations passed, the Supra transformed according to the demands of sports car enthusiasts. By the fourth generation, Toyota aimed to place a greater emphasis on a more serious high-performance vehicle. With a shorter overall length, more horsepower, and a lower, more even distribution of total weight, the Toyota Supra became one of the most formidable performance cars that Toyota ever offered. However, despite all of the manufacturer’s efforts, sales still declined and Toyota ended the export of the Supra to the United States in 1999, with production ceasing altogether in 2002