The Toyota Supra has made a triumphant return as the A90 MkV, and now it’s celebrating its 45th anniversary with a special edition model. This limited-edition version of the iconic sports car pays homage to nearly half a century of Supra heritage. While it may not attempt to recapture the magic of the old Supras, it certainly embraces the nostalgia and adds some cool details to make it stand out.
A Striking Exterior Design
One of the first things that catch the eye is the striking color options available for the 2024 Toyota Supra 45th Anniversary Edition. You can choose between the timeless Absolute Zero white paint or the attention-grabbing Mikan Blast orange, which takes its name from the Japanese word for orange. Whichever color you choose, this special edition Supra is sure to turn heads.
Adding to the unique look of the Supra 45th Anniversary Edition are the specially painted Mikan Blast strut towers featuring the Toyota Gazoo Racing logo. These subtle touches further emphasize the sporty and performance-oriented nature of this commemorative model.
Matte-Black Wheels and Rear Spoiler
To enhance the aggressive and stylish appearance of the Supra 45th Anniversary Edition, it comes equipped with 19-inch aluminum wheels finished in a sleek matte black. These wheels, adorned with GR-logoed black brake calipers, not only provide a bold visual contrast but also contribute to the overall performance and handling of the car.
If you’ve ever felt that the rear of the standard Supra looked a bit empty, the 45th Anniversary Edition addresses that with a big, manually adjustable black rear spoiler. This spoiler not only adds a touch of sportiness to the car’s aesthetics but also allows for customization of the downforce it generates. With an adjustment screw that changes its angle, you can fine-tune your driving experience to suit your preferences.
A Nod to Retro Styling with Side-Panel Graphics
Graphics may not be as common on cars today as they were in the past, but the Supra 45th Anniversary Edition brings back this nostalgic element. Adorning the sides of the car are side-panel graphics that proudly display the word “Supra” in an upward-sweeping motion across the doors. This throwback to the ’80s and ’90s adds a touch of retro flair to the modern design of the Supra.
A Journey through Supra History
Before diving into the details of the 2024 Toyota Supra 45th Anniversary Edition, let’s take a moment to appreciate the rich history of this legendary sports car. The Supra has evolved over the years, with each generation bringing its own unique features and innovations.
The A40: Luxury and Performance
The first-generation Supra, known as the Toyota Celica Supra in the United States, was introduced in 1979 as a luxury-oriented, rear-wheel-drive sports car. Initially equipped with a 2.6-liter, 110-hp inline-six engine, it offered the choice between a manual or automatic transmission. A year later, it received an upgrade to a 2.8-liter engine and saw improvements in its suspension system.
With its distinct ’70s aesthetic and a large rear-quarter window, the MkI Supra quickly became a sought-after car. By the end of its production, it had undergone enough changes to be referred to as the A50 Celica.
The A60: Pop-Up Headlights and Advanced Technology
In 1982, the A60 Celica, also known as the MkII Supra, made its debut, featuring the iconic pop-up headlights that became synonymous with the Supra name. The A60 received a complete redesign, showcasing new sheet metal and a more aerodynamic design. It boasted a longer wheelbase, a wider front end, and larger wheel arches.
Under the hood, the A60 featured a 2.8-liter 5M-GE twin-cam straight-six engine, along with various technological advancements. One notable innovation was the inclusion of “Navicom,” a microchip-based system that provided real-time navigation information—a precursor to the sophisticated navigation systems we use today.
The A70: Redefined Performance
In 1986, the Supra shed its association with the Celica and became its own standalone sports car with the introduction of the MkIII A70 Supra. The A70 featured a redesigned body with improved aerodynamics and introduced a 24-valve, 3.0-liter 7M-GE straight-six engine, delivering 200 hp and 196 lb-ft of torque.
The A70 Supra showcased several notable features, including anti-lock brakes, ventilated disc brakes on all four corners, and a double-wishbone suspension system that could be adjusted for normal or sport modes. Later in its production, the A70 received a twin-turbocharged 7M-GTE engine, boosting power to 230 hp and 254 lb-ft of torque.
The A80: Performance and Technological Advancements
In 1993, the highly anticipated A80 MkIV Supra arrived on the scene, captivating enthusiasts with its advanced features and powerful engines. The A80 Supra boasted an electronically controlled suspension system, allowing drivers to adjust stiffness and ride height—an impressive innovation at the time.
Under the hood, the A80 Supra offered two engine options. The naturally aspirated 2JZ-GE produced 220 hp and 209 lb-ft of torque, while the legendary twin-turbocharged 2JZ-GTE delivered a staggering 320 hp and 315 lb-ft of torque. The 2JZ-GTE engine’s robust construction made it a favorite among tuners, capable of producing over 700 hp with relative ease.
Limited Availability of the 45th Anniversary Edition Supra
Moving back to the present, the 2024 Toyota Supra 45th Anniversary Edition will be a rare sight on the roads. Toyota plans to produce only 900 units, with 450 available in Absolute Zero white and 450 in Mikan Blast orange. Both the manual and automatic versions of the 3.0-liter Premium trim Supra will receive the special edition treatment, which includes a turbocharged straight-six engine with 382 hp and 368 lb-ft of torque.
The Supra 45th Anniversary Edition joins a lineup of other special edition MkV Supras launched by Toyota, including the Launch Edition, A91 Edition, A91 Carbon Fiber Edition, and A91-MT Edition. Each of these models adds its own unique flair and additional features to the already impressive Supra lineup.
Conclusion
The 2024 Toyota Supra 45th Anniversary Edition is a fitting tribute to the legendary sports car’s 45-year history. With its striking color options, attention to detail, and nods to the past, this limited-edition model captures the essence of the Supra while delivering exhilarating performance. Whether you’re a long-time Supra enthusiast or a newcomer to the brand, the Supra 45th Anniversary Edition is sure to ignite your passion for the iconic sports car. Look out for its release this fall and get ready to experience the thrill of driving a true legend.
