A couple of years ago, a video was circulated on the internet with the title “My parents and gf think I own an old Toyota”, which later turned out to be the Supra MKIV, which was in production from ‘93 to ‘02. The forefather of the MKIV was launched in 1981, and was in production till 1986, which is still adored by 3/4th of the automobile enthusiast due to several reasons including the obvious ones. Curious? Check the full article to know more about the Supra MKII.
A Legend was Born
The Celica Supra was already there, which is no less than a collector’s car, and now has been categorized as a classic. To improvise the experience of the Celica Supra, and to feed the growing demand for high-performance sports cars in the 1980s, Toyota launched the MKII in Japan in 1981, which is known for its unparalleled performance, even after four decades. Toyota wanted to expand its lineup and offer a dedicated sports car that would appeal to enthusiasts seeking higher levels of performance and refinement.
Design Elements
By portraying an aerodynamic design, and timeless appearance, the MKII still does manage to turn heads whenever out. Similar to most 80s sports cars, the MKII too featured a sharp yet flat grille mounting the indicators, while the long hood mounted the pop-up headlights, something which could not be ignored at that period. Similar to the Celica, the Supra MKII too maintained a low-slung profile, with a short deck, while the integrated rear spoiler added a touch of aggression.
A No-nonsense Cabin
Coming with a driver-focused cockpit, the MKII was showcased with bucket seats, intuitive controls, and a well-designed instrument cluster. The MKII might lack most features of modern machines but exudes a nostalgic charm that takes enthusiasts back to a golden era of driving pleasure. However, unlike today’s cars, you won’t find much luxury inside, and the cabin is only limited to functional treatments.
Performance & dynamics
Powered by the turbocharged 2.8L Inline-6, mated to the 5-speed manual, the Supra MKII produces 230 horsepower and 246 lb-ft of torque. Whenever any sports car gets associated with a manual transmission, the performance just suddenly accelerates, and this is the case with/ the MKII too. The chassis and suspension worked in harmony with the engine power, ensuring that the car remained composed and predictable.
All these together just improve the driving experience even at high speeds, so much that the MKII clocks 60 in just 6.9 seconds, at that time. We don’t know what protein powder Toyota had fed the Supra MKII, but with even minor modifications, the MKII just turns itself into a supercar, on the road.
Notable presence in racing
An A60 not participating in any race just cannot be imaginable. The Supra MKII took part in the Japanese Touring Car Championship (JTCC) in 1985, the Macau Guia Race, Spa 24 Hours, Nürburgring 24 Hours, and other prestigious races around the world. The JTCC championship proved the A60 was a formidable racing machine, while the SPA 24 Hours showed its durability and reliability.
The Toyota Supra MK2 remains an indelible symbol of automotive excellence, capturing the hearts of enthusiasts around the world. Its timeless design, exhilarating performance, and enduring legacy ensure its place among the most iconic sports cars ever produced. Due to a dynamic driving experience, combining precise handling, responsive steering, strong braking, and an engaging powertrain, the Supra MK2 has always been a popular choice among enthusiasts seeking an enjoyable and capable sports car.
