Whenever a discussion on Japanese automobile industry comes up, Toyota definitely tops the list due to the impressive range of vehicles they produce time and time again. Although there are numerous underrated Toyota models that just beg to be driven, the marque's interpretation of driving enthusiasts' sports cars further showcases why the automaker is greatly appreciated
Of course, it's easy to point out some disappointing sports cars like the Scion and Paseo that completely missed the mark. But then again, Toyota has also delivered some of the sickest sports cars of all time that unequivocally dominate far beyond the Japanese Domestic Market. Since there's arguably a lot to admire about Toyota sports cars, this article explores some things that everyone seems to have forgotten about them.
10 The First Toyota Sports Car Debuted In 1962
Although Toyota began operations in the 1920s, the marque waited until the 1960s to present their first production sports car. The Toyota Sports 800 made its first public appearance at the 1962 Tokyo Motor Show. Despite its small proportions and featherweight approach, the Sports 800 was so successful that it revolutionized the sports car scene.
Affectionately labeled the Toyota 8 or Yota-Hachi, the Sports 800 quickly gained popularity within domestic motorsports due to its incredible aerodynamic tweaks, fuel efficiency, and reliability. The sports car's light weight allowed its gutsy 44hp air-cooled, horizontally-opposed 790cc boxer-twin engine to clear 1/4 mile in 18.4 seconds.
9 The Toyota 2000GT Starred In A James Bond Classic
More often than not, many enthusiasts mistakenly assume the 2000GT was Toyota's first sports car. Understandably, this sports car made more waves outside the domestic market than its predecessor. The Toyota 2000GT carved a name for itself after making a screen appearance in a 1967 James Bond film, You Only Live Twice.
Over half a century after its unveiling, the Toyota 2000GT is still instantly recognizable due to its curvaceous 'Coke bottle' styling, pop-up headlamps, large plexiglass-covered driving lamps, and long, sweeping bonnet. Additionally, this gorgeous sports car made history as the fastest Toyota at the time, setting many speed records thanks to its world-class 150hp 2-liter inline-six engine.
8 Toyota Sports Cars Dominated World Rally Championships
By the turn of 1985, Toyota was ready to make a significant stride from rear-wheel drive to front-wheel drive configuration. The new configuration meant Toyota was ready to mount a serious attack on the World Rally Championship title. Of particular note was the 1986 Toyota Celica GT-Four sports car, which boasted the most powerful 2-liter engine in Japan.
In 1992, Toyota was the first Japanese manufacturer to clinch a drivers' title. The success was subsequently followed by consecutive WRC drivers' and manufacturers' titles in 1993 and 1994. After the Celica, other car models to clinch WRC titles include the Toyota Corolla WRC in 1999 and the Toyota Yaris WRC in 2018. In the current 2021 WRC season, the Toyota Yaris WRC is in position to grab another title.
7 The Toyota AE86 Was A Talisman In Drifting
The Toyota Corolla is not only the most well-known family vehicle in the lineup but also the world's best-selling car. We know what you're thinking, is the Corolla really a sports car? Surprisingly, as timid and out of place as it might appear, the Corolla encompasses some of the most loved sporty Toyotas.
In the 1980s, the Corolla AE86, or Hachi-Roku, became an icon among serious rally, race, and drifting professionals. The Levin was truly an undiluted driver's dream, rocketing its way into folklore through film and comic book features. According to Car Throttle, the Toyota AE86 is so damn legendary because the "Drift King" Keiichi Tsuchiya recorded the first ever drifting video behind the wheel of a Levin.
6 The MR2 Was Japan’s First Mass-Produced Mid-Engine Car
The Sports 800 had set a high bar for its successors, and the 1984 MR2 model sought to surpass these standards. The first generation MR2 overflowed with fun in a practical and compact body style to Toyota's credit. The sports car's athletic and agile handling matched perfectly with its responsive engine to perform almost as well as the Supra and Celica models.
The MR2 claimed a spot in history books as Japan's first mass-produced mid-engine vehicle. This engineering formula made the MR2 an instant hit in the domestic market, garnering widespread praise in the press. Such was the success of this little sports car that Toyota received the 1984-85 Japanese Car of the Year.
5 Toyota Supra — An Unforgettable JDM Classic
Arguably the most famous Toyota sports car, the Supra is a relentless symbol of just how good Japanese automobiles can get. Although some facts about the Supra remain unknown to the majority, this JDM classic fitted perfectly into the 1980s culture and design with a luxurious demeanor and a smooth 6-cylinder engine.
The Supra also earned legendary status among Toyota fans for its successes in numerous motorsports championships, both domestic and international. Even more impressive was the model's adaptability to accommodate various tuning and aftermarket parts. Owing to its previous popularity, the Supra made a comeback in 2019 after a 17-year hiatus.
4 Collaborations With Other Marques
Over the years, Toyota has made collaborations with other brands in the industry to deliver some impressive vehicles. After buying a 16.5-percent stake of Subaru's parent company (Fuji Heavy Industries), the two brands combined to deliver a sports car badged differently as the Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ.
Toyota worked with Aston Martin to make a special variant of the Toyota Scion iQ, badged the Aston Martin Cygnet. The fully electric Toyota RAV4 EV is a remarkable SUV that benefitted from the integration of Tesla's EV performance with Toyota's styling. Further, Toyota also formed a union with BMW for its impeccable engine specs and interior design cues to resurrect the famous Supra model in 2019.
3 Toyota’s Impressive Lexus Program
When Toyota set out a project to make a premium sedan, no one would have predicted that it would eventually culminate into an entire luxury vehicle division. Currently, the Lexus brand markets sedans, coupes, convertibles, hybrids, and SUV models in over 70 countries worldwide. The division has grown so much that it now ranks among the 10 largest Japanese brands globally in terms of market value.
Through the Lexus program, Toyota has emphasized specific development standards that target ride quality, aerodynamics, and interior ergonomics. Lexus' sports cars are also subjected to different quality control standards, paint quality requirements, and stringent body panel fits relative to Toyota models.
2 Toyota Had A Formula One Racing Team
In 1999, Toyota made a bold decision to participate in Formula One through its Panasonic Toyota Racing team. After extensive research and testing of its TF101 Formula One car, Toyota felt it was ready to take on other marques on the track. The Panasonic racing team grew from the Toyota Motorsport GmbH organization, which had performed rather well in the World Rally Championships.
However, Toyota was unable to replicate its success in rally championships on the Formula One track. On paper, Toyota in F1 should've been mega. The team underachieved immensely as they never won a Grand Prix despite the accomplished personnel, huge budget, and incredible facilities at their disposal.
1 The Future Is Set To Be As Successful As The Past
As interesting as it is to look back at Toyota's past achievements and successes, it's also prudent to consider the vision and hope that the marque holds for its future projects. During the 2014 Detroit Motor Show, Toyota unveiled the stunning FT-1 concept as a concrete representation of the sports car heritage, passion, and energy they hope to maintain in the following years.
Another amazing concept is the S-FR, which Toyota showcased in 2015. The concept car is set to be a building block on its long-standing heritage of delivering lightweight and fun-to-drive sports cars. Early specs suggest that the S-FR flaunts a rear-wheel drive configuration, a driver-favored front engine, and independent suspension.