The Supra is back! The 5 generations of a JDM icon.

Gen 1 - A40

It all started in 1978. Then known as the Celica XX, or the Celica Supra. The Supra was envisioned to be a competitor to the popular Datsun (Nissan) Z. It came equipped with a variety of inline-6 engines, ranging from just under 2 litres, to over 2.7 litres. Oddly, the smaller engine pushed more power than it's larger counterparts, 123hp in the 2.0 vs 117hp in the 2.7!

Image credit: www.whichcar.com.au/features/toyota-supra-evolution-of-a-badge

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Gen 2 - A60

The second gen Supra kept the same inline-6 engines as the previous generation, but improved on the power big time. One of the 2.0 litre variants now produced 160hp, with the 2.8 producing 178hp. That's more like it! Oh, and the styling took quite the radical change in direction too! The Supra now donned a much sportier design and also a set of B.E.A.U.tiful flip up headlights!

Image Credit: autowise.com/10-iconic-classics-available-for-less-than-10000/

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Gen 3 - A70

Not a great deal changed with the third gen Supra in terms of its styling; the rear end was compacted to be even sleeker and more aerodynamic, and those lovely flip up headlights were retained once more. However, under the bonnet, some magical changes were happening, and were a sign of things to come. The third gen Supra came with a plethora of powerful engines, all inline-6, ranging from the classic 2 litre up to a now whopping 3 litres! The 3 litre 7M engines produced from 200 to 232hp. But it was the smaller 2.5 1JZ engine that was top dog, producing 276hp. The 1JZ engine would go on to be refined and would eventually end up as the 2JZ, probably the world's most famous inline-6 engine. From The Fast and The Furious, to the hundreds of record breaking drag racing videos on YouTube... The 1JZ engine producing 276hp was only just the beginning, the 2JZ was about to shake things up.

Image credit: classics.honestjohn.co.uk/reviews/toyota/supra-a70/d

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Gen 4 - A80

Easily the most recognisable Supra of them all, the fourth gen Supra was made famous by the Fast and Furious movies! With a new, modern and curvaceous stature, the fourth gen Supra was, and still arguably is, a pop-culture icon, and the magic Toyota worked under the bonnet led to the creation of an engine so well built, that when properly tuned, could produce over 1400hp and beyond. Yes, one thousand four hundred horsepower. With what many JDM fans will know as the "gentleman's agreement", Toyota, Nissan and other Japanese manufacturers agreed, in essence, to over-engineer their engines, but limit stock power. This agreement led to the creation of the 2JZ engine, which was capable, as seen countless times, of becoming an insanely powerful engine. Take a look at the dyno video below the photo for a glimpse of what a tuned 2JZ can do (link below image).

Image credit: www.guide-autosport.com/wp-content/uploads/photo-gallery/gallery/toyota-supra-a80/

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Video credit: Flat Out Supercars

Gen 5 - A90

The latest Supra, a joint venture between Toyota and BMW, is just around the corner. Slated for a 2019 release, the latest incarnation of the JDM icon is looking as good as ever. The car will be powered by a BMW straight-6 engine and will produce over 300hp! Check it out in the video and photos below (gallery at bottom of article).

Video credit: Goodwood Road & Racing

Image credits: carmagazine.co.uk, telegraph.co.uk, autoexpress.co.uk

The future seems very bright, not to mention quick, for this JDM beast! Stay tuned for more exciting news :-)