Supra Generations: From A40 to A90

TL;DR

• The Toyota Supra evolved from a Celica derivative in the late 1970s to a global JDM supercar.

• Each generation — A40, A60, A70, A80, and A90 — added power, innovation, and cultural impact.

• Today, the Supra’s legend lives on through both classic 2JZ builds and modern GR Supra tuners.

The Origins: A40 and A60

The Supra name was born in 1978 with the A40 Celica Supra, a stretched, six-cylinder version of Toyota’s popular Celica. It wasn’t a fire-breather yet, but it set the tone for comfort, performance, and grand touring ability.

The second-gen A60 (1981–1986) sharpened the formula with pop-up headlights and more aggressive styling. Power remained modest compared to future models, but the A60 showed Toyota was serious about making the Supra more than just a Celica derivative.

Even today, the early Supras are cherished for their retro character. These cars laid the foundation for what would come next.

The Turbo Era: A70

By 1986, the Supra became its own standalone model. The A70 Supra was a true sports car: rear-wheel drive, available turbocharged engines, and independent rear suspension.

It was during this era that Toyota began experimenting with serious performance ambitions. While not as celebrated as its successor, the A70 showed the world that Toyota could take on rivals like the Nissan Z-cars and Mazda RX-7.

The Icon: A80 Supra

Then came the A80 (1993–2002) — the car that would cement the Supra in JDM legend. Under the hood lay the now-immortal 2JZ-GTE engine, a 3.0L twin-turbo inline-six capable of massive power gains.

The A80 wasn’t just fast; it was bulletproof, tunable, and stylish. Its rounded body, winged stance, and unforgettable performance made it one of the defining sports cars of the 1990s.

This was the Supra that dominated drag strips, starred in The Fast and the Furious, and inspired countless builds. Check out our feature on a 1997 Toyota Supra with 800hp and a 2JZ engine to see just how extreme these cars can become decades later.

For those who want to explore the motor that made it all possible, dive into our Toyota 2JZ-GTE: The Legendary Engine That Defined an Era.

The Return: A90 GR Supra

After nearly two decades, Toyota revived the Supra in 2019 with the A90 GR Supra. Built in collaboration with BMW, it sparked debate among purists but quickly proved itself as a modern performance icon.

Powered by a BMW-sourced turbocharged inline-six, the A90 carries on the Supra’s spirit with modern tech and handling precision. Tuners have wasted no time unlocking its potential — and while it lacks the iron-block indestructibility of the 2JZ, it’s carving out a reputation of its own.

Supra in Culture

The Supra has always been more than just specs. From the A80’s movie stardom to the A90’s drift and track builds, it remains a fixture of car culture. Video games, anime, and magazines have immortalized the Supra, making it a generational touchstone.

Its place in tuning history is celebrated in collector editions like Stance Auto Magazine: Japanese Classic Cars Vol2 and the JDM Magazine by Stance Auto, which highlight the Supra’s journey alongside legends like the Skyline GT-R and Mazda RX-7.

Why the Supra Endures

From humble Celica beginnings to turbocharged icons and modern GR revival, the Supra has continuously adapted while staying true to its ethos: a driver’s car with limitless potential. Whether you love the retro A60, crave the 2JZ monster A80, or embrace the A90’s modern flair, the Supra remains a pillar of JDM culture.

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Supra Generations: From A40 to A90

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