07/08/2025
: Toyota Supra (Mk4) - The Indomitable Tuner King
Long before its starring role in franchise or its legendary presence in video games like , the Mk4 Toyota Supra was a car that commanded respect. Its status as a global icon would only fully blossom in the early 2000s, but the reverence for this JDM machine has resonated powerfully ever since. The Mk4, in the eyes of its fans, still holds the throne, even with the arrival of the modern generation.
When it arrived in South Africa in 1994, it was officially imported by Toyota but never formally sold through dealerships. In its stock form, it was certainly brisk, but it was never going to give the Coupe any sleepless nights.
Our SA-specification Supra was powered by the now iconic 2JZ-GTE twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-6 motor, an engine that, together with the Nissan ’s RB26, has become the fanboy’s motor of choice for ultimate performance. That said, as great as the 2JZ is, it would be foolish to regard it as the ‘best performance motor ever made’ – as many novice petrolheads often do.
Equipped with an estimated 243kW and 441Nm – which was a huge amount of power for the time – a heavyweight body let it down. The 1.6-ton Supra could only manage a rather lacklustre 0-100kph sprint in 6.46 seconds, whilst the standing kilometre was done in 26.2 seconds, at which time it was travelling at 207.6kph. It eventually maxed out at 248kph – all of this achieved at sea level.
In standard trim, it was considered a great cruiser rather than a sports car like the and , and was often criticized for its dull steering - something its German rivals didn’t have an issue with. The A80 was never tested at the , but many estimate it would run an 8:15. , however, took a 560kW Supra to the ‘Ring in 1998 and achieved a 7:49, showcasing the platform's raw potential.
The Supra truly “woke up” once modified, with 1000 horsepower easily achievable with light modifications. So popular did the Supra become thanks to its bulletproof motor, that it became to go-to car for those wanting to live their lives a quarter-mile at a time, with one purpose-built drag car breaking into the 5s and achieving an exit speed of over 387kph – an incredible feat when you consider it was achieved within the space of just 400 metres.
In standard trim, it might not have been a match for the M3 in terms of performance, but when it came to specification, it was far superior. Not only did it have better seats and more relaxed gearing for highway cruising, it also had a high-tech traction control system – something the did not have. It was also blessed with gorgeous, distinctive looks and resembled something that landed from another planet – fitted with a massive rear wing.
Nowadays, SA-registered Mk4 Supras are exceptionally sought after, their value and desirability having skyrocketed because Toyota SA previously restricted their official importation. The legend is so strong that pristine, highly coveted examples are now reaching prices of up to R3 million in South Africa, a clear sign of their status as a true collector's item.
While the A80 was a pure Toyota effort, the that followed represented a significant strategic shift, being a joint development with BMW. The A90 Supra, launched in 2019, shares its underpinnings and motors with the , notably utilizing BMW’s brilliant 3.0-litre inline-6 engine, which in its various forms can produce over 285kW and 500Nm, and even a 2.0-litre four-cylinder option.
While many purists initially bemoaned the fact that the A90 Supra isn’t a "pure" Toyota, it’s important to acknowledge that working with BMW has undeniably benefited the , especially when it comes to driving dynamics – an area where the Mk4 Supra sometimes lacked compared to other 90s classics like the and .
The more compact A90, with its advanced chassis and powerful turbocharged inline-6, offers far more power and torque in stock form than the A80, while also weighing significantly less than its predecessor. Now, with the A90’s production nearing its end, a new chapter is set to begin, as rumours suggest the next Supra will once again have an exclusive Toyota engine, not a BMW motor.
The Toyota Supra (Mk4), a true tuner king and icon that left an indelible mark on performance history, stands as a true Mzansi Hero.
