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The Supra has been cruising around the great mountain roads in the sky for far too long
Whether cruising down Mount Akina chased by a Panda Trueno or annoying suburban neighborhoods with 1,000hp versions (supplied by bolt-on parts, stickers and a large spoiler), the Supra has a place in most motorheads’ hearts as the car we can hope to obtain as Skylines are too hard to get. But regardless of its popularity, the Supra has been cruising around the great mountain roads in the sky for far too long. However, in typical nostalgia-inducing fashion, Toyota (In partnership with BMW) are bringing it back. There’s plenty of spy photos after the jump, but first let’s take a look at the slithering Supra’s history.
Based upon a Celica in 1978 (back when it wasn’t a cheerleader’s car), the 15 foot behemoth had a mere 123hp to propel it forward with an inline, 6 cylinder engine. It was always a collaboration car, either internally within Toyota themselves (Lexus parts in the A80), or sharing parts with other car makers like Lotus (in the Celica XX).
As time went on the Supra grew larger in both engine and body, some of that having to do with changing taxes in Japan, but also as the Supra fell away from it’s Celica roots and derivatives, turning into a model all its own. The A70 is the first example of this, taking the platform from the Corona and adding a larger, 200hp engine. This engine, the 7M-GE became the flagship for Toyota, as well as the turbo version that added 30 more horses.
TRD had a wonderful time tuning these cars in the Late 80s into the 90s, when Group B reigned supreme and led to many innovative changes. Thus, the A80 was born, the last model spanning from 93-2002. With all the advancements made on and off the track, Toyota managed to hit a 4.6 second 0-60 time in the turbocharged variant and sported a 320hp engine.
The Supra wouldn’t see the factory floor until 2016, a massive 14 years later
The Supra wouldn’t see the factory floor until 2016, a massive 14 years later (18 in the U.S. Market). But, with glimpses of this car finally coming to light, and a powertrain designed by Ze Germans, the hopes of spoiler-clad, Japanese muscle drifting around tight, mountain roads have risen again. It is said that BMW is making a similar model based on this collaboration, although only coming in a roadster version while the new Supra will be coupe only. Here’s to hoping it won’t go the way of the FRS, where the same model minus a badge was released for both Toyota and Subaru.
Thanks to Autoguide for the shots, we wish we were as popular as you guys.
You could go to Jalopnik, but while they have a better camera, they don’t have any skills in composition when it comes to capturing moving cars on traffic-filled roads.
{gallery}Supra Spy Photos{/gallery}
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