The Toyota Supra turns 45!

Back in 1979, Toyota came out with a special version of their popular Celica GT sports car. This version of the Celica had a slightly longer nose to accommodate a larger, smoother, more powerful engine, this one being an inline six-cylinder – replacing the Celica’s four-cylinder. And thus, the Celica Supra was born.

In 1982, the entire Celica lineup was completely remodeled, which included the Celica Supra. Then, in the middle of 1986, big changes happened – the Celica and Celica Supra parted ways -the Celica became a front-wheel driver, while the Supra (now no longer being associated with the Celica) became its own model. From 1986.5 to 1993 a turbo version of the Supra became available. By 1994, the fourth generation of the Supra arrived, making it a serious performance vehicle – with its 320 horsepower twin turbo six-cylinder engine. But with it came a hefty price tag, surpassing $40,000, which caused sales to dwindle, and by 1998, the Supra was gone. But in 2020, with the help of BMW, the Supra was resurrected with a new lease on life – and a new name – the GR Supra after Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division.

Now, 45 years after that first Celica Supra was offered, Toyota is celebrating by offering a very special version of the Supra.

The 2024 Toyota GR Supra 45th Anniversary comes in either white or Mikan Blast orange paint along with a manually adjustable rear wing that can switch between different angles. Matte-black 19-inch wheels, a black graphic on the side, orange strut tower braces, and GR logos on the brake calipers round out the visual changes. The 45th Anniversary is only available with the turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, but buyers can choose between the eight-speed automatic transmission or the no-cost six-speed manual.

The rest of the Supra continues as before. The unchanged body looks like something Batman would show up to fight crime in, although with the huge wing, the car has clearly been inspired from The Fast and the Furious movies. The interior is small but cozy and the Toyota – BMW relationship shows in the center console, shifter and infotainment center, as most are BMW parts (remember, the Supra is a joint venture between Toyota and BMW). Just remember to lower your head upon entering or exiting the Supra – as you are almost guaranteed to hit your head on the roof edge if you don’t.

The same goes for under the hood where the Supra is powered by the same turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that makes a healthy 382 horsepower and 368 lb-ft of torque. A 2.0 liter turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque) is still available, but not with the 45th Anniversary package.

With other cars easily making over 400 and 500 horsepower, the Supra’s 382 may not sound very impressive. But don’t let it fool you – the Supra can hit 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds and slam through the quarter mile in just 12.2 seconds.

I still feel the Supra’s best asset is how it handles. Throw the car into some corners and the car feels like a planted, composed race car. And the steering – it’s just so accurate and precise; it feels as if your thoughts are controlling the front wheels. Best of all, the go-kart handling doesn’t take a toll on the ride – while hardly luxury car-like, the ride is not brutal at all.

Prices for the 2024 Toyota Supra 45th Anniversary will start at $65,470. which is about $7,000 more than the top-of-the-line Premium trim level. Only 900 45th Anniversary Supras will be available.

The past 45 years have not been easy for the Supra. In fact, for nearly 20 of those years, the Supra didn’t even exist. But the Supra is here today, and for a few lucky ones, they can celebrate its existence with the Anniversary model.
– Christopher A. Randazzo

By The Numbers:

2024 Toyota GR Supra 3.0 45th Anniversary

Base Price: $65,275.00
Price as Tested: $66,370.00
Layout: front-engine / rear-wheel drive
Engine: 3.0 liter turbocharged inline 6-cylinder
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Horsepower: 382 horsepower
Torque: 368 ft/lbs
EPA Fuel Economy: 23 mpg city / 31 mpg highway

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