Toyota MKIV Supra

Introduction

2007-01-24T00:58:00.000-08:00

With the fourth generation of the Supra, Toyota took a big leap in the direction of a more powerful sports car. The new Supra was completely redesigned, with rounded body styling partly based on the Ferrari F40 and featured two new engines: naturally aspirated 2JZ-GE 220 hp (164 kW) and 210 ft-lbf (285 Nm) of torque and a twin turbocharged 2JZ-GTE making 276 bhp (239 kW), 260 ft-lbf (427 Nm) of torque. The Turbo was actually quoted to have 320 bhp, as the cars in the Japan market can only declare up to 276. The turbocharged variant could achieve 0–60 mph in as low as 5.1 seconds and 1/4 mile (402 m) in 13.3 seconds at 108 mph. The engine is capable of producing around 500hp with the stock twin turbos and mild bolt-on upgrades such as a boost controller and high-flow exhaust. The turbo version was tested to reach over 289 kph (180 mph) all-stock, but the cars are restricted to just 180 kph in Japan and 250 elsewhere. European versions also had a hood scoop.

The MKIV Supra's twin turbos operated in sequential mode instead of the more common parallel mode. The sequential setup featured a pair of small, equally sized turbos, with ceramic blades for the domestic Japanese market and steel blades for export (USA, Europe) markets. At first, all of the exhaust is routed to the first turbine for reduced lag. This resulted in boost and enhanced torque as early as 1800 rpm. Approaching 4000 rpm, the exhaust is routed to the second turbine for a "pre-boost" mode, although none of the compressor output is used by the engine at this point. Approaching 4500 rpm, the second turbo's output is added to the intake air, and both turbos operate in parallel. Most cars which are advertised as "twin turbo" operate by having the two equally sized turbos constantly running in parallel; the turbos spool up at the same time. The sequential mode provides greater low-end response at the expense of increased complexity and cost.

For this generation, the Supra received a new 6-speed Getrag transmission on the Turbo models while the naturally aspirated models made do with a 5-speed manual. Both models were offered with a 4-speed automatic with a manumatic mode. However, the turbo model used larger 4-piston brake calipers on the front and 2-piston calipers for the rear. The base model used smaller 2-piston calipers for the front and a single piston caliper for the rear. The turbo models were fitted with 235/45/17 tires on the front and 255/40/17 tires for the rear. The base model used 225/50/16 for the front and 245/50/16 for the rears. All vehicles were equipped with 5-spoke aluminium alloy wheels and a "donut" spare tire on a steel wheel. Additionally, there are other differences in the rear axle differential, headlight assemblies, throttle body, oil cooler and a myriad of additional sensors that exist on the turbo model which doesn't exist on the normally aspirated model.

Toyota took measures to reduce the weight of the current model compared to the previous model. The Supra featured hollow carpet fibers. Aluminium was used for the hood, targa top (if so equipped), front crossmember, oil pan, and the suspension upper A-arms. Other measures included dished out head bolts, magnesium steering wheel, plastic gas tank and lid, gas injected rear spoiler, and a large single exhaust tip. Despite having more features such as dual airbags, traction control, larger brakes, larger wheels, and larger tires, the car was at least 100-200 lbs lighter than its predecessor.

MKIV Supras have been modified (larger turbos running 30+ psi (206 kPa) of boost and other, undisclosed tweaks) to produce over 1500hp, as measured at the tires, and cover the 1/4 mile (402 m) in under 8 seconds. The stock 2JZ-GTE stock engine components are astonishingly rugged, capable of withstanding power outputs of over 1000 bhp (~850rwhp dynojet / ~730rwhp dyno dynamics) without having to update any internal components, putting its capabilities in this regard, somewhat above Nissans legendary RB26 series engine. The stock MKIV Supra chassis has also proven a very effective platform for roadracing, with (for example) several top 20 and top 10 One Lap Of America finishes in the SSGT1 class. The major deficiencies with this platform for road racing include heat management and weight due to the 2JZ iron block. The Supra is one of the heaviest 2-door Japanese sports cars, however still slightly lighter than the Nissan R33 and R34 Skyline GTRs to which the Supra is traditionally a rival in its home country.

The Toyota MKIV Supra is one of the most popular platforms for modification. This trend has largely been driven by the strength of the stock parts. Untouched motors have been shown to withstand power levels in excess of 3 times what the stock motor is rated at. For about 1800$ the cost of a BPU kit the owner can increase the power output from 320 crank horsepower (stock) to over 500 crank horsepower. The car has also been hyped and glamourised in several major motion pictures, to a widely mixed reception depending mostly on the age of audience. In the drag racing circuit, Supras and other 2JZ-powered cars have been running very competitively against domestics with two or three times the displacement. The 2JZ has been recognized as one of the most capable engines, and the engine design has altered very little since the 2JZ was released in 1993.

Toyota MKIV Supra specifications

2007-01-24T00:55:00.000-08:00

ENGINE: 3.0L Inline 6 DOHC 24V 2JZ-GTE Twin Turbo
HORSEPOWER: 320 bhp @ 5600 rpm
TORQUE: 315 lb-ft @ 4000
MAX RPM : 6800 rpm
WEIGHT: 3515 lbs
0-60: 5.1 sec
0-100: 11.8 sec
1/4 MILE: 13.3 @ 108
TOP SPEED: 155 mph(limited)
PRODUCTION: 1993-2002

*specs for Toyota MKIV Supra Twin Turbo

Toyota Supra videos

2007-01-23T12:46:00.000-08:00