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In its first generation it was based upon the Celica liftback design, but was longer and wider (5 inches longer). The engine set them apart from standard Celica models. Toyotas original plans for the Supra at this time was to make it a competitor to the very popular Datsun (now Nissan) 240Z which it in some degree succeded. The MK2 was originally equipped with a single overhead cam inline-6 motor , which was the first Toyota engine with electronic fuel injection. As with all preceding versions of the Supra the MK1 was equipped with either manual or automatic transmission, and it also came standard with 4-wheel independent suspension plus 4-wheel disc brakes .
Though the Celica name was still used, in its second generation the Supra stood more apart from the Celica. The MK2 quickly became a success in the US where it was awarded the import car of the year by Motor Trend. The engine was changed from single overhead cam to dual overhead cam (some models exported to specific countries like Sweden and Switzerland still had the sohc version). The US version boosted 145 hp while the other versions boosted 170 hp. The 4-speed automatic transmission was revised, as well as the final drive gearing. Optional with the car was a new sport suspension package. It also had a completly new design.
The 1986 model coud also be delivered with a new 3 litre engine which boosted 192 hp (European version).
In the middle of 1986, Toyota was ready to release its next version of the Supra. The bonds between the Celica and the Supra was cut, now it was two completly different kind of models. The Celica changed to front wheel drive (FWD), while the supra kept its rear wheel drive (RWD). Though the MK3 and MK2 had similar design, the engine was a more powerful version than the earlier 2.8 and 3.0 litre engine with two versions: One with a turbo and one without. The third generation Supra represented a great deal of new technology. In 1986, Supras were already equipped with ABS, TEMS (Toyota Electronically Modulated Suspension). By 1990, Airbags became standard. The 1991 and 1992 Supra are the most sought after in that generation.
The turbo model can propel itself 0-60 in just over 6 seconds.
With the fourth generation of the Supra, Toyota took a big leap in the direction of a more super sportscar. The new Supra was redesigned from the ground up, including a completely new engine which came either with no turbo or twin turbos. In 1998, Toyota ceased to export the cars from Japan, and they stopped production altogether in 2002 due to a decline in sales. There were plans to bring out a whole new generation of Supra's within the past year 2003, but no one knows exactly when or if they actually are planning on bringing it into production.