Toyota sports car - top models
The world of sports cars is a realm where performance and passion collide, where engineering marvels push the boundaries of speed and handling. For decades, Toyota has been a prominent player in this exhilarating arena, crafting a diverse lineup of sports cars that have captured the hearts and minds of enthusiasts worldwide. Toyota, a brand synonymous with reliability and practicality, also has a history of producing exciting Toyota sports cars, fueled by a deep-rooted passion for performance. From the legendary 2000GT that shattered perceptions of Japanese automobiles to the modern GR Supra that carries the torch of performance, the best Toyota sports cars lineage is a testament to the brand's unwavering commitment to driving pleasure.
2020 Toyota GR Supra: A Modern Revival of a Legend
After a 17-year absence, the Supra name returned in 2020 with the GR Supra, a fifth-generation model co-developed with BMW. This partnership sparked debate among purists, but the GR Supra emerged as a force to be reckoned with. Its sleek design, inspired by the FT-1 concept, pays homage to classic Supras while incorporating modern aerodynamic elements.
Under the hood lies a potent 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine, a BMW B58 unit renowned for its smooth power delivery and tuning potential. It generates 335 horsepower and 365 lb-ft of torque, propelling the GR Supra from 0 to 60 mph in a blistering 3.9 seconds, according to independent tests. The car's electronically limited top speed of 155 mph hints at its true performance capabilities.
Specifications:
Feature Value
Engine 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six (BMW B58)
Horsepower 335 HP @ 5,000 RPM
Top Speed 155 MPH (electronically limited)
2021 Toyota GR86: Affordable Thrills, Amplified
The second-generation Toyota GR86, launched in 2021, builds upon the success of its predecessor, the GT86, by refining the formula of a pure, accessible sports car. This 2+2 coupe, a prime example of Toyota sports car engineering, embodies the essence of driving enjoyment with its playful handling, responsive engine, and lightweight design.
Addressing the main criticism of the previous generation, Toyota GR86 receives a larger 2.4-liter naturally aspirated boxer-four engine. This powerplant, jointly developed with Subaru, generates 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, a significant increase from the previous 2.0-liter unit. The result is a more responsive and eager engine that delivers a satisfying surge of power throughout the rev range.
Specifications:
Feature Value
Engine 2.4-liter naturally aspirated boxer-four
Horsepower 228 HP @ 7,000 RPM
Top Speed 140 MPH
1981-1985 Toyota Celica Supra: The Genesis of a Legend
The 1981-1985 Toyota Celica Supra (A60) marked a pivotal point in the evolution of Toyota sports cars, as the Supra transitioned from a high-performance Celica variant to a distinct model with its own identity. Its angular design, featuring iconic pop-up headlights and a long hood, captured the spirit of the 1980s sports car era.
Under the hood, the Celica Supra was powered by a 2.8-liter inline-six engine, producing 145 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque in its initial iteration. Later models received a power bump to 161 horsepower and 169 lb-ft of torque, thanks to refinements in engine tuning and a higher compression ratio.
Specifications:
Feature Value
Engine 2.8-liter inline-six
Horsepower 161 HP @ 5,200 RPM
Top Speed 131 MPH
1994-1998 Toyota Supra: An Icon of the 1990s
The fourth-generation Toyota Supra (A80) is an automotive legend, a car that transcended its status as a mere vehicle to become a cultural icon. Its sleek, aerodynamic design, with its long hood, double-bubble roof, and prominent rear wing, remains instantly recognizable and eternally cool.
At the heart of the A80 Supra lies the legendary 2JZ-GTE engine, a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six that produced 320 horsepower and 315 lb-ft of torque in the US market. This robust powerplant, renowned for its tuning potential, became a favorite among drag racers and tuners, pushing the Supra's performance to even greater heights.
Specifications:
Feature Value
Engine Twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six (2JZ-GTE)
Horsepower 320 HP @ 5,600 RPM
Top Speed 155 MPH (electronically limited)
1984-1987 Toyota Corolla Sport GT-S: The Drift King's Chariot
While the Corolla nameplate is generally associated with affordability and practicality, the 1984-1987 Corolla Sport GT-S, known by its chassis code AE86, defied expectations by becoming a cult classic among driving enthusiasts and drift racers. This coupe, a rarity in the Corolla lineup due to its rear wheel drive configuration, possessed a unique blend of light weight, balanced handling, and a high-revving engine that made it a joy to drive on winding roads and racetracks.
The AE86's engine was a 1.6-liter four-cylinder unit, code-named 4A-GE. This twin-cam engine, featuring electronic fuel injection, produced 112 horsepower and 97 lb-ft of torque, numbers that may seem modest today, but in the context of the car's light 2346 lb curb weight, provided ample performance.
Specifications:
Feature Value
Engine 1.6-liter four-cylinder (4A-GE)
Horsepower 112 HP @ 6,600 RPM
Top Speed 122 MPH
2012-2021 Toyota GT86: A Modern Take on Classic Fun
The 2012-2021 Toyota GT86, developed in collaboration with Subaru and also sold as the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ, was a breath of fresh air in the modern sports car landscape. It was a back-to-basics coupe that prioritized driving pleasure over outright speed, offering an affordable and engaging alternative to increasingly complex and expensive performance cars.
The GT86's engine was a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated boxer-four, jointly developed with Subaru, producing 197 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. While not particularly powerful on paper, the engine's linear power delivery and eagerness to rev made it a joy to wring out, especially when paired with the slick six-speed manual transmission.
Specifications:
Feature Value
Engine 2.0-liter naturally aspirated boxer-four
Horsepower 197 HP @ 7,000 RPM
Top Speed 140 MPH
1967-1970 Toyota 2000GT: Japan's First Supercar
The 1967-1970 Toyota 2000GT is a legendary sports car that not only stands as a testament to Toyota's engineering prowess but also holds the distinction of being Japan's first true supercar. It shattered the perception of Japanese automobiles as merely practical and economical, showcasing the nation's ability to produce a world-class, high-performance machine.
Powering the 2000GT was a 2.0-liter straight-six engine, based on the unit found in the Toyota Crown sedan but extensively modified by Yamaha. It featured a dual overhead camshaft head, triple Mikuni-Solex carburetors, and a tuned exhaust system, producing 150 horsepower and 129 lb-ft of torque.
Specifications:
Feature Value
Engine 2.0-liter straight-six
Horsepower 150 HP @ 6,600 RPM
Top Speed 135 MPH
The history of Toyota sports automobile development is a testament to the brand's ability to balance practicality with passion. These vehicles have captured the hearts and minds of enthusiasts for decades, inspiring a new generation of drivers to embrace the joy of driving. Whether you're drawn to the iconic lines of the 2000GT, the raw power of the A80 Supra, or the accessible thrills of the GR86, Toyota's sports car legacy is sure to continue inspiring for years to come.