As the latest 2021 Toyota GR Supra trots in the automotive competition, the Japanese sports car manufacturer established its powerful impact back in the late 1970s. When muscle car rage in the U.S was at its peak, Toyota released its own version of a sports coupes that carried a sophisticated style and harbored mighty engines generating equitable power output as much as any American sports car.

The Supra garnered rave reviews from critics praising the sports car's preference of refined styling over flamboyance. With that, the Toyota Supra that initially debuted with the Celica's body and name marked a distinct position in the car industry. In the middle of the year 1986, Toyota officially separated from the Celica range with its third generation launch. Today, Toyota Supra's are celebrated- from the latest models to classic pieces that are becoming rare collectibles. Here's the iconic evolution of the Toyota Supra from its debut.

15 First Generation Celica XX: 1979-1981

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Toyota premiered its first-generation Celica Supra as a part of the Celica range. The model was released as a version of the 1979 Toyota Celica hatchback but with a 5.1 inches longer wheelbase and a new front end design. The wheelbase was stretched to fit in a 2.6-liter inline-six-cylinder engine that made 110 horsepower.

14 1981 Remodeled Supra

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For the 1981 model, the Celica Supra became A50 and carried a 2.8-liter version of the inline-6 cylinder engine that added 9 lb-ft of torque in the power output. The A50 Supra produced 116 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. Along with powertrain improvements, the 1981 model offered a Sport Suspension package for better handling.

13 Second Generation A60: 1982-1986

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Continuing with the Celica range and nameplate, the second generation came with L-Series and Performance trims. The second generation, A60 Celica Supra, received engine and suspension upgrades while the transmission remained the same. It was charged by a dual-overhead-cam 2.8-liter engine and made 145 horsepower. By 1986, its power peaked at 161 horsepower.

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12 Split From Celica: 1986.5

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After following Celica for the first two generations, Toyota officially parted ways with the hatchback model in 1986 and marketed the 1986.5 model-year vehicle as its third generation. Celica, with its smaller four-cylinder engine, adopted a front-wheel-drive platform while the Supra kept its rear-wheel-drive layout but installed a new naturally aspirated engine.

11 Third Generation A70: 1986-1992

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After splitting from the Celica, the Supra still kept its parent's hatchback style with a softer silhouette. The new naturally aspirated 3.0-liter inline-6 cylinder engine came with 200 horsepower. The A70 Supra offered anti-lock brakes and became the first Supra to do so. Its double-wishbone suspensions were highly praised by Car and Driver.

10 1987 Supra Turbo

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In the third generation lineup, Toyota introduces a power boost by adding a turbocharger in the A70 Supra model. The sports car benefited from the turbocharger that increased the power output to 230 horsepower and 246 pound-feet of torque while its acceleration time covering 0-60 mph mark was cut down to 6 seconds.

9 Fourth Generation A80: 1993-1998

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Many recall Toyota Supra's A80 model as a true sports car. The fourth generation, although more expensive than its previous generation, locked genuine vigor under powerful styling where the rear bumper received a slimmer spoiler. It was powered by an inline-6 that developed 220 horsepower, which escalated to 320 with twin turbochargers on the 2JZ engine.

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8 Sales Decline

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While the fourth generation's Toyota Supras enjoyed considerable success in the Japanese markets, it received setbacks in the markets outside Japan, particularly in the U.S. The sports coupes' sales started declining in North America by the late 1990s and the manufacturer pulled the models from the Canadian market in 1996 and the US in 1998.

7 MK4 Success

Stanced black Supra
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While the fourth-generation limits its markets and ultimately terminates sales in 1998, its MK IV model continues to receive strong praise. The MK IV made a phenomenal impact in pop culture, where it was featured in the Fast and Furious franchise. In 2019, a 1997 MK4 was sold for $176,000 at auction.

6 Pop Culture Influence

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The appearance of Paul Walker's customized MK4 in the 2001's Fast and Furious movie spiked the model's popularity among buyers. The Supra was customized at The Shark Shop in El Segundo, California, and wears a Bomex body kit with an APR wing. The orange-clad body uses a 3.0-liter engine and makes 220 horsepower.

5 The FT-HS Concept Car

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In 2007, many suspected that the Toyota Supra name was making a comeback when the manufacturer unveiled the FT-HS concept car at the 2007 North American International Auto Show. The gasoline-electric hybrid claimed to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in under 5 seconds. It was powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 that generated 400 horsepower.

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4 Toyota FT-1 Camouflaged

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Seven years after its FT-HS concept, Toyota releases a concept version called FT- 1 at the 2014 North American International Auto Show. The concept car borrowed elements from 2000GT, Supra, MR-2, and the 2007 FT-HS concept car. After the launch of FT-1, Car and Driver reported a mysterious camouflage painted car similar to the FT-1.

3 Gazoo Racing Toyota Supra GT4

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Toyota brings another Supra concept, a Gazoo Racing (GR) racecar that was revealed at the 2018 Geneva Moto Show. The concept racecar indicated Toyota's future collaborated with BMW and carried inspirations from the 2014 FT-1 concept car. The GR bears sharp styling and lightweight constructions. It wears an aerodynamic package crafted by TOYOTA GAZOO Racing.

2 Fifth Generation, A90/A91: 2019-

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After a long wait, the fifth generation finally arrives in 2019 with BMW's collaboration. The A90 models ditch the Supra's signature 2JZ for BMW's 3.0-liter inline-6 cylinder engine that is capable of reaching 382 horsepower. The most recent 2021 A91 Supra uses a turbocharged 3.0-liter engine that produces 335 horsepower.

1 Fifth Generation Modified For SEMA

Toyota Supra 3000GT
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In honor of the 40th anniversary of Toyota Racing Development, Toyota rolls out nine modified Toyota GR Supras at the SEMA Show. The modifications spanned from simple tweaks to dramatic makeovers with powers escalating to 500 horsepower. The modified Supras included a green wrapped Wasabi Concept and Supra 3000GT inspired from the 1994 TRD 3000GT Supra.

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