Resurrection Rumors Continue

Of all the Toyota models no longer in production the Toyota Supra is probably remembered most fondly. It appeared in numerous video games, movies, music videos, and TV shows, and retains an avid fan base throughout the world.

In 1998, Toyota ended sales of the Supra in the United States, although production and sales would continue in Japan until 2002, when Toyota officially stopped production. Despite being in retirement for nearly two decades, fans and industry experts across the globe maintain a steady optimism regarding the return of Toyota’ beloved model. For them, it has always been a matter of if, not when, we’d see the Supra’s triumphant return.

Last year those fans were given even more hope as Toyota revealed its breathtaking FT-1 Concept. The FT-1 sports a bold and futuristic design, one that Toyota says “captures the elements of the emotion and energy we can expect to see in future Toyota vehicle designs.”

While this is far from confirmation of a new Supra, reports that Toyota is working in tandem with BMW adds fuel to the Supra’s phoenix-like fire. It doesn’t hurt that in 2014 Toyota submitted an application to the US Patent and Trademark Office to secure the rights to the Supra name, or that in May, Toyota trademarked the S-FR name.

Of course, it remains to be seen just how much the rumored next-generation Supra will mirror the FT-1, but if it does come to fruition, it’s inevitable that some design elements will be shared between the two.

So what made the Supra so super? For one the model line produced from 1992 to 2002 was a full-fledged GT car for the masses. It featured a naturally aspirated 2JZ-GE inline six-cylinder engine capable of producing 220 horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque. A twin-turbocharged 2JZ-GTE was also available, which produced 320 hp and 315 lb-ft. Oh, and the sound that emanated from its screaming inline six can only be described as pure automotive heaven.

In addition to its sophisticated engine, the Supra simply looked (and still looks) the part. The styling, while modern, borrowed elements from Toyota’s famous 2000GT, which is always a good association to carry. Even by today's standards the Supra is an exceptional-looking car. It’s aged well, and can be admired from virtually any angle.

It’s no different inside the Supra either, where the performance-driven model displays the right combination of low seating position, driver-focused dash, and simple three-gauge instrument cluster. It featured everything you needed and nothing you didn’t.

Few automobiles generate such passion and love like the Supra, and the beloved model is a true testament to the quality, innovation, and performance legacy of Toyota engineering. If the rumors prove true, and we do indeed witness the return of the Toyota Supra in 2017, it’s very likely we’ll have another classic on our hands.

Of course, you don’t have to wait until 2017 to experience Toyota engineering first-hand. Contact or visit us at Seeger Toyota of St. Robert today to test drive one of Toyota’s many award-winning models. (Or simply come in and chat with us about the rumored next-gen Supra!)

Image: Toyota (Pictured: Toyota FT-1 Concept)