1993 Toyota Supra
The Toyota Supra Mk4 (A80), produced from 1993 to 2002, stands as an iconic model in automotive history, revered for its engineering excellence and performance. Known for its involvement in motorsports, its pop culture prominence, and the capabilities of its 2JZ engine, the Mk4 Supra carved a lasting legacy in the world of sports cars.
The Mk4 Supra was introduced in 1993, succeeding the A70 generation. Its development marked a shift towards creating a world-class sports car to compete with high-performance vehicles like the Porsche 911. Toyota sought to achieve this by focusing on advanced engineering, lightweight materials, and a design ethos emphasizing aerodynamics. The A80 was the culmination of years of refinement in the Supra line, which began as a derivative of the Celica in the late 1970s.
Toyota separated the Supra from the Celica entirely by the mid-1980s, focusing the brand on rear-wheel-drive performance. The Mk4 emphasized a sleek, modern design paired with advanced technologies. Notably, the Supra was one of the first Toyota cars to employ extensive computer modeling to refine its shape for reduced drag and improved stability at high speeds.
The A80 Supra was powered by Toyota’s robust inline-six engines, with the most notable being the 3.0-liter 2JZ-GTE twin-turbocharged unit. This engine delivered up to 276 horsepower (market-limited under Japanese regulations) and 318 lb-ft of torque in Japanese models, though international versions often produced higher outputs. This was complemented by a naturally aspirated 2JZ-GE variant.
The car featured advanced technologies for its time, including a sequential turbocharging system, enabling smooth power delivery and reduced turbo lag. Its construction incorporated lightweight materials like aluminum for the hood, targa top, and suspension components, contributing to a lower curb weight of approximately 3,400 pounds. The vehicle also boasted a six-speed Getrag manual transmission, making it a driver-focused machine.
The Supra’s aerodynamic profile, with a drag coefficient of 0.31, and its optional rear spoiler, enhanced high-speed stability. The interior provided a driver-centric layout, ensuring easy access to controls and excellent visibility for spirited driving.
The Toyota 2JZ Engine: A Legend of Performance and Reliability
The Toyota 2JZ engine, produced between 1991 and 2007, is an iconic powerplant that has garnered widespread acclaim for its engineering, durability, and adaptability. Known for powering vehicles like the Toyota Supra Mk4, this engine has become a cornerstone of automotive performance culture.
The 2JZ engine is part of Toyota’s JZ engine family, succeeding the M series. Developed in the early 1990s, the 2JZ was designed as a robust inline-six engine aimed at achieving a balance of reliability and power. It followed the 1JZ engine, with enhancements including increased displacement and refined construction to meet the demands of high-performance applications.
The engine was initially introduced in the Toyota Aristo (Lexus GS 300 in some markets) before being famously employed in the Toyota Supra Mk4. It became available in naturally aspirated (2JZ-GE) and twin-turbocharged (2JZ-GTE) configurations, offering a wide range of capabilities for different markets.
The 2JZ engine has a displacement of 2,997 cc (3.0 liters), with a square bore and stroke of 86 mm × 86 mm, contributing to balanced performance and smooth operation. It features an inline-six layout with a cast-iron block and an aluminum head, a combination that ensures strength and effective heat dissipation.
Key Features:
- 2JZ-GE: The naturally aspirated version produced between 215 and 230 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque, depending on the model year and market. This version was equipped with Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI) and Toyota’s Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) in later years.
- 2JZ-GTE: The twin-turbocharged version is the crown jewel of the lineup, delivering 276 horsepower (underrated to comply with Japan’s Gentlemen’s Agreement) and 318 lb-ft of torque in stock form. Export versions, like those sold in the U.S., could reach over 320 horsepower.
The GTE variant used sequential turbochargers, with a small turbo for low-end power and a larger turbo for high-end performance, reducing turbo lag and improving drivability.
The 2JZ engine powered a variety of Toyota models, with the most notable being the Toyota Supra Mk4 (JZA80). Other vehicles included the Toyota Aristo, Soarer, and Crown Majesta, along with some Lexus models like the GS 300. Its reputation extended beyond factory settings, becoming a favorite among tuners for its ability to handle extreme modifications.
One of the standout features of the 2JZ engine is its over-engineering. The cast-iron block is highly resistant to stress, while the forged steel crankshaft and high-strength connecting rods make it capable of handling immense horsepower increases. These attributes have earned the 2JZ a reputation as one of the most durable engines ever built.
Aftermarket tuners have pushed the engine to over 1,000 horsepower reliably with modifications to the fuel system, turbochargers, and engine internals. Even in stock form, the 2JZ-GTE’s design allows for significant power increases with basic upgrades.
Even after Toyota discontinued the engine in 2007, its legacy lives on. The 2JZ has become a benchmark for performance engines, influencing subsequent designs and remaining a sought-after option in the aftermarket world.
Toyota offered several variations of the Mk4 Supra, catering to different markets and driving needs. The JDM variants adhered to Japanese regulations, featuring the 276-horsepower limit, while export models, particularly those in the U.S., provided higher power outputs. Other distinctions included the availability of options like active front spoilers, premium sound systems, and upgraded trim packages. The naturally aspirated models offered a more affordable entry point into the Supra experience.
The Mk4 Supra enjoyed significant success in motorsport, particularly in Japan’s JGTC (now Super GT) series, where it competed as a GT500-class contender. Toyota Team TOM’S developed and raced Supras with considerable success, including securing the 1997 championship title. The Supra’s presence extended to endurance racing, including events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where it competed under the GT1 category.
In addition to circuit racing, the Supra also participated in rallying and production car championships, further solidifying its reputation as a versatile and competitive platform.
The Toyota Supra Mk4 gained immense popularity not only through motorsport but also in popular culture, especially after its appearance in The Fast and the Furious franchise. Its engine, the 2JZ-GTE, became legendary for its durability and tunability, capable of supporting immense power outputs in aftermarket applications. Today, the Mk4 Supra remains a highly sought-after classic, celebrated for its blend of performance, reliability, and design. It has achieved near-mythical status in car culture, cementing its place as one of Toyota’s most iconic creations.