The Toyota supra MK4 has acquired a cult-like following since its debut in 1993 .
The redesigned body ,engine,and aerodynamics showed the world that Toyota was taking a big step into automotive performance with the supra MK4 .they years later ,it is apparent that they. hit the nail on the head .the combination of ferocious performance and subtle beauty gives the supra MK4 it's desirability ,which has lasted throughout the supra's seventeen years of absence . Even as the newest supra cruises across streets and highways worldwide ,there are those that sit back and dream of the nostalgic days of MK4 supra. Let's look at a few things that you may not know about this fantastic car.
The Toyota supra MK4 could compete with almost any American muscle car
While the MK4 supra sold in Japan came with a respectable 276 horsepower, it is a different story for the supra that were exported to Europe and America . By replacing some of the engine components, including the turbos and fuel injectors , Toyota was able to push approximately 326 horsepower out of the MK4supra.impressive performance figures,including a 0_60 MPH time of roughly 4.7 seconds . That time ,while not very impressive to us in 2024 , was almost two seconds quicker than a Ford mustang of the same year. This is even more impressive when one considers that the mustang wielded a V8 engine while the Toyota supra MK4 had a deceptive inline-6.
The supra MK4 had two engine options to choose from
Anyone that wanted to buy a Toyota supra Mk4 had a decision to make .there were two different in- line 6 engine, a Toyota 2jz-ge, was naturally aspirated ,meaning it did not rely on turbocharging or go for if you wanted to go fast ,but still have gas in tank afterward .the second option ,the 2jz-gte ,is a completely different animal.this was the twin turbocharged engine that gave the supra MK4 both it's great performance figures and it's devoted following .pushing the supra MK4 to speeds over 170MPH while remaining hardy and reliable ,this engine is one of toyota's greatest creations.
The twin turbocharged 2jz-gte engine in the supra MK4
While the beloved and envied 2jz-gte was already turning out 276 horsepower, it was not enough for some . MK4 owners began modifying their cars improving airflow installing bigger turbochargers and forcing more fuel into the engine . While tuning an engine ,there is always a risk of significant damage at high speeds and temperature ,but the MK4 supra's engine proved incredibly reliable . Even after receiving several different modification the engine would remain sturdy and tough .tuners have found that the 2jz-gte engine will be perfectly safe and sound at up to approximately 750 horsepower. An engine that can reliably handle almost three times it's maximum power output is not just rare it is incredible.
The MK4 supra was 200 LBS. Lighter than its predecessor
It was not just the new engine in the MK4 supra that make it quick .Toyota use of aluminum in the supra hood, roof ,and various other components shaved off excess weight .Toyota wasn't done though, replacing the metal fuel tank with a plastic one , putting magnesium alloy wheels on the car ,and ever hollowing out the carpet fibers throughout the interior. The result of this minute attention to weight reduction was a supra that was 200 ibs lighter than its MK3 father . Combining the MK4s newfound lightness with the savagery of is 2jz engine ,Toyota had created a high speeds monster.
The Toyota supra MK4 was the first Toyota to include a passenger begs
Toyota was quick to that with great power comes great responsibility .now that the MK4 supra was able to wield 750 horsepower with out breaking a sweat ,safety became a very high priority .this led Toyota to come up with an idea that , while unheard of by Toyota , became standard practice afterward .Toyota sold the MK4 supra with the passenger airbag already included .this was the first time Toyota had done this ,typically charging customers extra to have the safety feature installed .with how safety oriented the automotive industry is now ,Toyota idea is a perfect indicator that the 90s were simply a different time
The mk4 Toyota supra was not overly popular at the time of its release
When the MK4 supra was due to hit the streets in 1993, people were excited the previous generation ,the MK4 ,however, was a different story .looking at the sale figures ,where Toyota had sold over 100,000 MK3s in united states ,the MK4 only had just over 12000 sale during its entire six years run in America .there are several reasons for this sharp decline ,with the most likely culprit being America's newly adopted SUV craze. People wanted family cars rather than sports car ,and the MK4 supra paid the price for this transgression . The disappointing sales figures led to the end of America exported MK4 supra in 1999.
The MK4 supra can now sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars
The discontinuation of the Toyota supra MK4 in 2002 did not come as a surprise to most . The previously mentioned sales figures were rather sad and in the final year of exporting the MK4, Toyota only sold 24 model in America however the lack of demand would not last long . The Mk4supra is now a JDM classic considered to be one of the best car that Toyota has made . This increase in demand has MK4 Toyota supra selling for increasing higher prices .some mint- condition supra have sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars, with more worn models still fetching upward of 80,000 dollars .the MK4 supra's comeback is in full swing ,and it shows no sign of stopping
supra Mk4 was the canvas for the beloved TRD 3000GT
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Just after the Mk4 supra rolled out to the general public ,Toyota revealed a masterpiece to the world . Coming straight from Toyota in house tuning branch ,TRD,the TRD3000GT is one of the rarest and most beloved Toyota on the planet .base on the Mk4 supra ,the 3000GT was a masterclass in using both horsepower and aerodynamics to make a truly fast car .Only 35 3000GTs were made in the Toyota factory, but customers could bring their mk4 into a dealership and have every single 3000GT modification put onto their car .this effectively turned their MK4 supra into a 3000GT, turning the already fast car into a JDM missile
The supra MK4 gained immense popularity after starting in three fast and furious films
By the time 2001 rolled around, the MK4 supra had just about had its day . It had been pulled from both the Canadian and American markers by that time and was only one year away from being discontinued entirely . Then ,The fast and furious came out in theaters , with the late Paul Walker skidding around in a heavily modified bright orange MK4 supra . Suddenly , almost overnight, the MK4 supra was back .after seeing the film, people were looking to buy any MK4 they could get their hands on . The film brought the supra MK4 back to life , and the tragic death of paul walker made it a well known classic
