Toyota Supra MKIV

The fourth-generation Japanese grand tourer that defined an era.

The Toyota Supra MKIV is a sports car and grand tourer manufactured by Toyota. The fourth generation was assembled at the Motomachi plant in Toyota City. Production of the fourth-generation Supra for worldwide markets ended in 2002. In 1998, Toyota ceased sales of the fourth-generation Supra in the United States.

Quick Facts

Origin: Japan
Engine layout: Inline-6
Drivetrain: Rear-Wheel Drive

Lore & Background

The Supra name is taken from the Latin prefix meaning 'above', 'to surpass' or 'go beyond'. The fourth generation was the last produced for worldwide markets until the fifth generation debuted in 2019. Its inline-6 layout traces much of its roots back to the 2000GT. The first three generations were offered with a direct descendant to the Crown's and 2000GT's M engine.

Origins and Evolution

The Toyota Supra began production in 1978. The name 'supra' is taken from the Latin prefix meaning 'above', 'to surpass' or 'go beyond'. The initial four generations were produced from 1978 to 2002. The styling of the original Supra was derived from the Toyota Celica, but it was longer. Starting in mid-1986, the A70 Supra became a separate model from the Celica. The first, second and third generations were assembled at the Tahara plant in Tahara, Aichi. The fourth generation was assembled at the Motomachi plant in Toyota City.

Engineering and Powertrain

The Supra traces much of its roots back to the 2000GT owing to an inline-6 layout. The first three generations were offered with a direct descendant to the Crown's and 2000GT's M engine. The first generation was offered with a 125 PS 2.0 L 12-valve SOHC inline-six engine (M-EU) or an 82 kW 2.6-litre 12-valve SOHC inline-six engine (4M-E). Both engines were equipped with electronic fuel injection. Transmission options were either a 5-speed manual (W50) or an optional 4-speed automatic transmission (A40D). The car came standard with 4-wheel disc brakes and featured a four-link rear suspension with coil springs.

Market Strategy and Features

The Celica XX was the top-level product alongside the Celica at Japanese dealership sales channels called Toyota Corolla Store. It was available with two straight-six engines and five trim packages: 2600G, 2600S, 2000G, 2000S and 2000L. Power windows with driver-side express down, cruise control, power steering, AM/FM Stereo with a separate cassette player, and rear split folding seats were all standard. Leather was offered in brown and only on the 'G' trim package. Aluminium alloy wheels were only offered on the 'G' trim package.

Production History and Legacy

The first, second and third generations of the Supra were assembled at the Tahara plant in Tahara, Aichi. The fourth generation was assembled at the Motomachi plant in Toyota City. In 1998, Toyota ceased sales of the fourth-generation Supra in the United States. Production of the fourth-generation Supra for worldwide markets ended in 2002. In January 2019, the fifth-generation Supra, co-developed with the G29 BMW Z4, was introduced. The 5th generation is assembled alongside the G29 BMW Z4 in Graz, Austria by Magna Steyr. Production of the GR Supra ended in March 2026.