The Toyota Supra is one of the most iconic Japanese sports cars recognized globally. Since its debut in 1978, the Supra has evolved through four generations into a high-performance coupe. But what category does the Supra fall under – a supercar, sports car or grand tourer? Let’s find out what type of car is supra.
What Type of Car is Supra?
The Supra is a 2-door, 2-seater sports coupe manufactured by Toyota Motor Corporation. Here are some key facts about the Toyota Supra:
- Body Style: 2-door coupe
- Segment: Sports car
- Length: 4379 mm (mk5)
- Width: 1854 mm
- Height: 1292 mm
- Wheelbase: 2470 mm
- Curb Weight: 1540 kg
- Engine: 3.0L twin-scroll turbo straight-6
- Power: 335 bhp (mk5)
- Torque: 365 Nm (mk5)
- Transmission: 8-speed auto
- 0-60 mph: 4.1 seconds
- Top Speed: 155 mph (limited)
So in terms of layout, dimensions, powertrain specifications and performance, the Supra is designed to deliver supercar rivalling performance wrapped in a compact and curvaceous coupe body.
Reasons Why Supra is Considered a Sports Car
Here are the main factors that classify the Toyota Supra as a hardcore sports car:
1. Two Seater Layout
Unlike most grand tourers, the Supra only comes with two seats optimised for the driver and passenger. The cabin is driver-focused without compromises for practicality or rear seat space. This allows it to achieve impressive power-to-weight ratio and handling balance.
2. Low Sling Coupe Silhouette
The Supra has a gracefully arched coupe roofline that slopes down sharply after the cabin to join the short rear deck. This gives it a curvaceous fastback-like side profile that cuts through air for improved aerodynamics.
3. Powerful Turbocharged Engine
The latest A90 Supra is powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six motor pushing out 335 bhp and 365 Nm torque. The twin-scroll single turbo ensures immediate throttle response. The power output is comparable to supercars costing several times more.
4. Rear-Wheel Drive Layout
Power is sent to the rear wheels alone via an 8-speed automatic transmission. This allows the Supra to perfectly execute smooth drifts around corners and channels power efficiently to maximize grip and acceleration. The ideal sports car recipe.
5. Driver-Focused Cockpit
The interior is designed around the driver with a low-slung seat position, optimal placement of controls and easy access to secondary controls. The passenger seat is set slightly behind for perfect weight distribution.
6. Balanced Chassis and Suspension Setup
The chassis utilizes aluminum and high-tensile steel extensively to reduce weight while retaining torsional rigidity. Adaptive dampers, dynamic rear steering and active differentials make the Supra feel agile and planted at high speeds.
7. Impressive Power-to-Weight Ratio
Despite having a six-cylinder engine, the Supra can do 0-60 mph in just 4.1 seconds and hit a limited top speed of 155 mph. This superb acceleration is due to the 335 bhp engine propelling just 1540 kg of mass giving it a power-to-weight ratio of 217 bhp/tonne.
So if you are looking for uncompromising performance packaged in a sleek coupe body, the Supra delivers sports car perfection through and through.
Supercar vs Sports Car – What’s the Difference?
While the Supra qualifies as a serious sports car, how does it differ from an exotic supercar? Let’s see the key contrasts:
- Power Output – Supercars make upwards of 600 bhp while sports cars offer around 300-500 bhp
- Acceleration – Supercars do 0-60 mph in under 3 seconds versus around 4 seconds for sports cars
- Top Speed – Supercars can hit 200+ mph whereas sports cars max out at around 160-180 mph
- Components – Supercars use racing tech like active aero, carbon construction, etc which sports cars don’t
- Price – Supercars are priced above $200,000 while sports cars range from $60,000 to $120,000
So supercars are the peak of automotive engineering with bleeding edge tech while sports cars offer extreme performance on a relatively affordable budget.
Supra – Most Desired Toyota Sports Car Globally
Ever since its launch, the Supra has held mythical status among Toyota petrolheads across the world:
- Debuted in 1978, powered by inline 6-cylinder engines throughout its run
- Fourth generation A80 Supra was part of The Fast and The Furious movie
- Mk4 Supra created a cult following as a tuner car with 1000+ bhp potential
- The Supra returned in 2019 after a 20 year hiatus
- All generations have offered a near-perfect 50:50 weight distribution
- Cumulative global sales to date of over 200,000 units
- Toyota’s halo sports car complementing the 86 coupe and hypercars like the GR Super Sport
The Supra enjoys enormous appeal among sports car enthusiasts as Toyota’s top-flight offering combining Japanese reliability with raw power and its iconic styling.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Supra
Here are some common queries about the Toyota Supra answered:
Q1. What are the different variants available of the Supra?
The current A90 Supra is offered in 2.0, 3.0 and 3.0 Premium variants globally. The India-spec model is called the Supra 3.0 and is fully loaded.
Q2. What engine powers the latest fifth-gen Supra?
The India-spec A90 Supra is powered by a 3.0-litre twin-scroll single turbo inline six-cylinder petrol engine producing 335 hp and 365 Nm torque.
Q3. What gearbox options are available on the Supra?
All variants of the latest Supra are mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters for quick shifts. A manual gearbox is not offered.
Q4. What are some high-tech features on the new Supra?
The driver-focused tech includes a heads-up display, adaptive cruise control, active rear sport differential, active cornering assist and Alcantara upholstery. A 8.8-inch touchscreen and 12-speaker audio are also offered.
Q5. What safety features does the Supra come with?
Safety kit includes multiple airbags, ABS, traction control, electronic stability program, active braking and an integrated chassis system for dynamics control.
Conclusion
The Toyota Supra condenses the romance and excitement of a purebred sports car into a stunning coupe package. With a powerful turbocharged engine, rear-wheel drive dynamics and an optimal 50:50 weight balance, the Supra offers incredible performance and driver engagement. As Toyota’s halo sports car, the return of the Supra cements its cult status among enthusiasts worldwide. So for those seeking affordable supercar slaying performance in a two-door body, the Toyota Supra is the ultimate ride.