A brief history of the Toyota Supra

Updated on February 9, 2026

Executive Summary

• Iconic Heritage (1978–2026): The Toyota Supra debuted in 1978 and quickly became a motorsports and pop culture legend. After a hiatus from 2002 to 2019, it was revived to great acclaim and remains one of Toyota’s most celebrated performance cars.
• Five Generations of Evolution: Each generation advanced in power, design, and technology. There was the Celica-based A40/A50 with a modest 123 horsepower. Also, the twin-turbocharged A80 produces up to 276 horsepower. Finally, the BMW co-developed the 2026 GR Supra MkV Final Edition.
• Engineering Excellence: The Supra has consistently delivered thrilling driving experiences with Toyota’s signature reliability.
• Cultural Impact: Beyond the racetrack, the Supra has achieved global fame through appearances in movies, video games, and car enthusiast circles, securing its status as a symbol of speed, style, and tuning potential.
• Modern Relevance: The latest Supra continues Toyota’s legacy of innovation by offering cutting-edge performance and technology while paying homage to its classic roots.

The Toyota Supra History

At this point in time, if you haven’t heard of the Toyota Supra, you may have been living under a rock. This iconic sports car was incredibly popular from 1978 until 2002, when it was retired. Popular demand saw its revival in 2019, and since then, it’s continued to be a fan favorite for drivers who want an exciting experience every single time they get behind the wheel. This vehicle is known for its sleek styling, impressive performance, and motorsports heritage. The Supra has earned a legendary reputation that few vehicles can match.

Also, the Toyota Supra has become deeply embedded in pop culture. From dominating racetracks to starring in movies, video games, and car enthusiast communities around the world, the Supra has transcended being “just a car.” Its tuning potential, reliability, and powerful inline-six engines have made it a staple among performance enthusiasts and collectors alike.

We’re “Making it Simple®” by going over the history of the Orlando Toyota Supra.

What is the history of the Orlando Toyota Supra?

As noted, the Orlando Toyota Supra was introduced to the market way back in 1978. There are five generations of this sports car, with the latest being introduced in 2019 after a period of retirement. Across each generation, Toyota refined the Supra’s balance of speed, comfort, and cutting-edge technology, ensuring it stayed competitive with some of the world’s most respected performance cars. Here’s the breakdown of the different generations.

First generation:

This generation was referred to as the A40/A50; it was based heavily on the popular Toyota Celica. It was first introduced in Japan as the Celica XX and then in America as the Celica Supra and had a 2.0L inline-six engine that offered 123 horsepower and electronic fuel injection. You could choose from a four-speed automatic transmission or a five-speed manual transmission, and the car came with disc brakes, four-link rear suspension, and MacPherson strut front suspension. Subsequent model years featured updates like power door locks and windows, an optional sunroof, and a four-speaker stereo system. This generation was available through 1980.

Second generation:

In addition, the second generation of the Orlando Toyota Supra was introduced in 1981 and was called the A60. It was available in two models: The Performance (P-Type) and Luxury (L-Type). The two cars were identical when it came to mechanics, but had pretty vast differences when it came to appearance. The P-type had fender flares, headlight washers, and was also available in a manual transmission. The L-type showcased a leather interior, a digital instrument cluster, and came in an automatic transmission. In 1984, significant changes were made in terms of performance – power was increased to 160 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque. In 1985, the Toyota Supra was redesigned again to feature slightly increased power, automatic-off headlights, and a theft-deterrent system.

Third generation:

In addition, the third generation of the Toyota Supra, or the A70, was introduced to the market in 1986. Also, it was now the Toyota Supra (not the Celica Supra) and had a rear-wheel-drive layout, an updated 3.0L inline-six engine with 200 horsepower, and the option of a turbocharger in 1987. It also showcased major technology updates like a 3-channel ABS, an Acoustic Control Induction System, double wishbone suspension, and more. This model carried through to 1992.

Fourth generation:

Next, the fourth generation of the Toyota Supra was introduced in 1992 and was around through 2002. It was the A80 model and was a high-performance car. It offered two engines. Also, there was a naturally-aspirated inline-six that got 220 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque, and a twin-turbocharged engine that offered 276 horsepower and 318 lb-ft of torque. It was also lighter despite the fact that it offered more features than previous generations (like dual airbags, bigger tires, traction control, etc.).

Fifth generation:

The fifth generation of the Toyota Supra was introduced in 2019. Also, this sports car was a collaboration with BMW and is based on the Z4; it showcases two engine options (a turbocharged 2.0L inline-four and a turbocharged 3.0L inline-six) and comes in an automatic transmission. And the best news? You can see it in person today at Toyota of Orlando!

Why the Toyota Supra still matters today

Even decades after its original debut, the Toyota Supra continues to represent Toyota’s commitment to performance engineering. The fifth-generation model blends modern technology, precision handling, and turbocharged power while paying homage to the Supra’s storied past. Additionally, for drivers around Toyota of Orlando looking for a sports car that delivers excitement, heritage, and everyday drivability, the Supra remains a standout choice.

Test Drive the Toyota Supra at Toyota of Orlando

Schedule your test drive with the Toyota Supra today at Toyota of Orlando. We’re located at 3575 Vineland Road. Our sales specialists will be happy to take care of you!

Common FAQ of the Toyota Supra

1. What other sports cars does Toyota have?

Toyota’s got a few other sports cars besides the Toyota Supra: the GR86 (a light, rear‑wheel‑drive coupe), the rally-inspired GR Corolla hot hatch, plus GR‑tuned versions of some regular models that crank up the sporty feel. If you’re into smaller, tossable cars, the GR86 and GR Corolla are the ones you’ll probably vibe with most.

2. What does turbocharged mean?

Turbocharged basically means the engine has a little “air pump” that uses exhaust gas to shove extra air into the engine, so it can make more power without getting much bigger. More air plus more fuel equals a stronger “boom” in each cylinder, so the car feels quicker and more fun to drive.

3. Is the Toyota Supra still for sale?

You can still buy a new GR Supra right now, including the 2026 Toyota Supra MkV Final Edition, but it’s in its last model year and production is ending in 2026, so they won’t be around new for much longer. If you’re thinking about one, it’s definitely a “don’t wait too long” situation.

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