Toyota Supra MKIV JZA80

The fourth generation Toyota Supra Mark IV (MKIV) was produced from December 1992 in a small quantity of 20 models with mass production commencing in April 1993 and finishing in 2002. The Toyota Supra Mark IV is eligible for import throughout this entire production period. This newly styled Toyota Supra is a sports car/grand tourer originally based upon the Toyota Celica but with a larger body utilizing the subframe, suspension and drivetrain assemblies from the Z30 Soarer (Lexus SC300/400). The Toyota Supra Mark IV comes  with two choices of power plant engines; a naturally aspirated 2JZ-GE with 164.49 kW of power and a 2JZ-GTE twin turbo engine with 205.94 kW of power officially however it's true power is closer to 230 kW. It's the spread of torque that really makes 2JZ-GTE engine stand out - peak torque is 440Nm and there's a healthy 380Nm at only 1300 rpm!

The Toyota Supra MKIV received a new 6-speed Getrag/Toyota V160 gearbox on the 2JZ-GTE Turbo models  and an improved 5-speed manual W58 gearbox for the non turbo 2JZ-GE models. Both models were offered with a 4-speed automatic transmission with a manumatic mode; however, the turbo model utilized 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 Toyota Supra MKIV 2JZ-GTE turbo models were fitted with 235/45/17 tires on the front and 255/40/17 tyres 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 to save weight and space. 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 do not exist on the normally aspirated model.

Toyota took measures to reduce the weight of the current model compared to the previous model. Aluminium was used for the hood, targa top (if so equipped), front crossmember, oil and transmission pans, and the suspension upper A-arms. Other measures included hollow carpet fibers, magnesium steering wheel, plastic gas tank and lid, gas injected rear spoiler, and a single pipe exhaust. Despite having more features such as dual airbags, traction control, larger brakes, larger wheels, larger tires, and an additional turbo, the car was at least 200 lb (91 kg) lighter than its predecessor. The base model with a manual transmission had a curb weight of 3,210 lb (1,460 kg). The Sport Roof added 40 lb (18 kg) while the automatic transmission added 55 lb (25 kg). It had 51% of its weight up front and 49% to the rear wheels. The turbo model came in as 3,417 lb (1,550 kg) with the manual and the automatic added another 10 lb (4.5 kg). The front wheels held 53% of the weight and the rear wheels had 47% of the weight.

In 1997 the Toyota Supra RZ twin-turbo and SZ-R models were improved with the introduction of REAS (Reactive Absorber System). Meanwhile, the twin-turbo engine was upgraded to 'BEAMS' (Breakthrough Engine with Advanced Mechanism System) spec. The BEAMS upgrade introduces VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence) to the already potent engine; the result is an amazing 451Nm at 3600 rpm with the absurdly quoted 206kW peak power figure unchanged. This raised the output by 1 hp (1 kW; 1 PS) and 2 ft·lbf (2.7 N·m) of torque.

The Supra is mid-pack among the 2-door Japanese sports cars when it comes to weight. It was heavier than the Mazda RX-7 and all aluminium Acura NSX and lighter than the Nissan 300ZX Turbo and Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4. Despite its curb weight, in 1994 the MKIV managed a remarkable skidpad rating of 0.95 lateral g's (200 ft) or 0.98 lateral g's. (300 ft) [1] The MKIV Supra also featured a four-sensor four-channel track tuned ABS system with yaw control whereby each caliper is sensored and the brakes are controlled individually according to the speed, angle, and pitch of the approaching corner. This unique Formula One inspired braking system allowed the Supra Turbo to record a 70 mph (110 km/h) -0 braking distance of 149 feet (45 m) [2], the best braking performance of any production car tested in 1997 by Car and Driver magazine. This record was finally broken in 2004 by 3 feet (0.91 m) by a Porsche Carrera GT. In 1994, the Mark IV Supra won Popular Mechanics "Design & Engineering awards"

Production continued in Japan until August 2002, ceasing due to restrictive emission standards to be adhered to by 2003.

The Toyota Supra comes in the following models:

Toyota Supra SZ: Base model with the 2JZ-GE engine which can be combined with the 5-speed manual W58 gearbox or the 4-speed automatic transmission with a manumatic mode. These models are naturally aspirated and weighs around 100kg less than the twin turbo models with standard 16" inch wheels however many versions are optioned with 17" wheels.

Toyota Supra SZ-R: Introduced in August 1994 SZR with 17" wheels, 4 pot front/2 pot rear bigger brakes option available. These models have the naturally aspirated 2JZ-GE engine and weighs around 100kg less than the twin turbo models.

Toyota Supra GZ: Comes with the 2JZ-GTE twin turbo engine which is combined with the 4-speed automatic transmission with a manumatic mode and is fitted with 2-pot front and single pot rear calipers. These models also have the leather trim.  These models also received the Torsen LSD.

Toyota Supra RZ: Top of the line model with the 2JZ-GTE twin turbo engine which can be combined with the 6-speed Getrag/Toyota V160 gearbox or the 4-speed automatic transmission with a manumatic mode and is fitted with 4-pot front, single pot rear calipers and 17" wheels.

Toyota Supra RZ-S: Basically the same as the RZ but re-labelled as RZ-S in May 1995 as the 17" wheels, 4-pot brakes, and Recaro Seats were extra options (not standard) on all models. TT aerotops discontinued.

Modification RZ, produced from 1993 (April)

Modification SZ, produced from 1993 (may)

Return to Vehicle Articles / Specs