The Toyota Supra, a legendary sports car, has captured the hearts of enthusiasts for decades. A crucial element of its appeal lies in the powerful and refined engines that have propelled it through the years. Let's dive into the fascinating world of Supra engines, exploring the different generations and their respective powerplants. Choosing the right engine is very important, guys.

A Deep Dive into Toyota Supra Engines

First Generation (1978-1981): The M-Series Inline-Six

The Supra's journey began with the first generation, also known as the Celica Supra. These early models featured the M-series inline-six engines. These engines, while not as iconic as their successors, laid the foundation for the Supra's performance lineage. The M-series engines were reliable and smooth, providing a decent amount of power for their time. Specifically, the first Supra was equipped with either a 2.0-liter or a 2.6-liter inline-six engine. These engines featured single overhead camshafts (SOHC) and were fuel-injected, a relatively advanced technology for the late 1970s. While the horsepower figures weren't groundbreaking, they offered a sporty driving experience that set the stage for the Supra's future. The 2.6-liter 4M-E engine, for instance, produced around 110 horsepower. While this might not sound like much by today's standards, it was sufficient to make the Supra a fun and engaging car to drive. These engines were known for their smooth power delivery and relatively good fuel economy, making the first-generation Supra a practical sports car. The reliability of the M-series engines also contributed to the Supra's growing reputation as a dependable performance machine. These early Supras were more about comfortable cruising and sporty handling than outright speed, but they still offered a taste of what was to come. This generation established the Supra as a distinct model, separate from the Celica, setting the stage for the more powerful and technologically advanced models that would follow. The Supra's evolution from a Celica variant to a standalone sports car was a key step in its journey to becoming a legendary nameplate. It was important to provide a car with a different spirit, a cut above the Celica, and this began with the engine. From the start, the engine needed to deliver performance and reliability.

Second Generation (1982-1986): The 5M-GE and 6M-GE

The second generation Supra marked a significant step forward in terms of performance and technology. The second generation Supra featured more powerful engines, including the 5M-GE and 6M-GE inline-sixes. The 5M-GE, a 2.8-liter engine, became a popular choice among enthusiasts. With its double overhead camshafts (DOHC) and electronic fuel injection, it delivered a respectable 145 to 178 horsepower, depending on the year and market. This engine provided a noticeable increase in power compared to the first-generation models, making the second-generation Supra a more capable sports car. The 5M-GE engine was also known for its smooth power delivery and relatively good fuel economy. It was a well-rounded engine that offered a good balance of performance and practicality. The 6M-GE, a Japan-only engine, was a 3.0-liter version of the 5M-GE. It produced around 190 horsepower, making it the most powerful engine available in the second-generation Supra. The 6M-GE engine was a rare and desirable option, highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. Both the 5M-GE and 6M-GE engines featured advanced technologies such as electronic fuel injection and double overhead camshafts. These technologies helped to improve power output, fuel efficiency, and overall engine performance. The second-generation Supra also benefited from improvements in handling and braking, making it a more well-rounded sports car than its predecessor. The styling was also updated, giving the Supra a more modern and aggressive look. The combination of improved performance, technology, and styling helped to solidify the Supra's position as a serious contender in the sports car market. The second generation Supra also introduced features like independent rear suspension and four-wheel disc brakes, further enhancing its handling capabilities. This generation was a significant leap forward in terms of performance and technology, setting the stage for the legendary third and fourth-generation models. The design and the engine made the Supra a unique and special car.

Third Generation (1986.5-1992): The 7M-GE and 7M-GTE

The third generation Supra brought even more power to the table with the introduction of the 7M-GE and 7M-GTE engines. The third generation Supra marked a turning point for the model, as it became a true performance icon. The 7M-GE, a 3.0-liter naturally aspirated engine, produced around 200 horsepower. While this was a decent amount of power, the real star of the show was the 7M-GTE, a turbocharged version of the same engine. The 7M-GTE, with its turbocharger and intercooler, produced an impressive 230 to 232 horsepower, depending on the year. This engine transformed the Supra into a serious performance machine, capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in around 6 seconds. The 7M-GTE engine was also known for its strong mid-range torque, making it a blast to drive on the street. The turbocharger provided a significant boost in power, giving the Supra a distinct advantage over its competitors. The 7M-GTE engine was a complex piece of engineering, featuring advanced technologies such as electronic fuel injection and a ceramic turbocharger. However, it was also known for its reliability issues, particularly with the head gasket. Despite these issues, the 7M-GTE engine remains a popular choice among enthusiasts, and many owners have upgraded their engines to improve performance and reliability. The third-generation Supra also featured a number of other improvements, including a more aerodynamic design, improved suspension, and upgraded brakes. The interior was also redesigned, giving the Supra a more modern and luxurious feel. The combination of powerful engines, improved handling, and updated styling helped to make the third-generation Supra a true performance icon. This generation also saw the introduction of advanced features like anti-lock brakes (ABS) and electronically controlled suspension, further enhancing the driving experience. The turbocharged engine made a big difference.

Fourth Generation (1993-2002): The 2JZ-GE and the Legendary 2JZ-GTE

The fourth generation Supra is arguably the most iconic, thanks in large part to its legendary 2JZ-GE and 2JZ-GTE engines. The fourth generation Supra is considered by many to be the pinnacle of the model's performance and design. The 2JZ-GE, a 3.0-liter naturally aspirated engine, produced around 220 horsepower. While this was a respectable amount of power, the real legend was the 2JZ-GTE, a twin-turbocharged version of the same engine. The 2JZ-GTE, with its sequential turbochargers and advanced engine management system, produced an astonishing 276 to 326 horsepower, depending on the market. In Japan, the engine was rated at 276 horsepower due to a gentlemen's agreement among Japanese automakers. However, in other markets, such as the United States, the engine produced 320 horsepower. The 2JZ-GTE engine was not only powerful but also incredibly durable and tuneable, making it a favorite among tuners and performance enthusiasts. Many owners have pushed the engine to produce over 1000 horsepower with aftermarket modifications. The 2JZ-GTE engine is considered by many to be one of the greatest engines ever made, and it has helped to cement the Supra's place in automotive history. The 2JZ-GTE engine featured a number of advanced technologies, including sequential turbochargers, which helped to reduce turbo lag and improve throttle response. It also had a robust bottom end, which allowed it to handle large amounts of power. The fourth-generation Supra also featured a number of other improvements, including a lightweight chassis, advanced suspension, and powerful brakes. The interior was also redesigned, giving the Supra a more modern and driver-focused feel. The combination of powerful engines, advanced technology, and iconic styling helped to make the fourth-generation Supra a true legend. This generation also benefited from improvements in aerodynamics and weight reduction, further enhancing its performance capabilities. The 2JZ engine is still highly sought after and revered in the tuning community, making the fourth-generation Supra a highly desirable car. The success of the engine is largely down to its reliability.

Fifth Generation (2019-Present): The B58

The fifth-generation Supra, a collaboration with BMW, features the B58 inline-six engine. The fifth generation Supra marks a return of the iconic nameplate after a long hiatus. The B58, a 3.0-liter turbocharged engine, produces 335 to 382 horsepower, depending on the model year. This engine provides a significant amount of power, making the fifth-generation Supra a very capable sports car. The B58 engine is also known for its smooth power delivery and responsive throttle. It's a modern engine that offers a good balance of performance and efficiency. While some purists may lament the use of a BMW engine in a Supra, the B58 is a highly regarded engine that has proven to be both powerful and reliable. The B58 engine features advanced technologies such as direct injection, variable valve timing, and a twin-scroll turbocharger. These technologies help to improve power output, fuel efficiency, and overall engine performance. The fifth-generation Supra also features a number of other improvements, including a modern interior, advanced suspension, and a lightweight chassis. The car's handling is sharp and responsive, making it a joy to drive on the road or track. The new Supra has been praised for its performance, handling, and overall driving experience. While it may not have the same iconic status as the fourth-generation model, it's a worthy successor to the Supra name. The collaboration with BMW has resulted in a modern sports car that offers a compelling blend of performance and technology. The fifth-generation Supra has also been well-received by tuners, and many aftermarket modifications are available to further enhance its performance. Despite the controversy surrounding its BMW origins, the fifth-generation Supra is a capable and enjoyable sports car that lives up to the Supra legacy. It is the newest version of the engine, and offers very good performance.

Choosing the Right Supra Engine

When it comes to choosing the right Supra engine, it really depends on your personal preferences and priorities. If you're looking for a classic Supra with a legendary engine, the fourth-generation Supra with the 2JZ-GTE is an excellent choice. This engine is not only powerful but also incredibly durable and tuneable. However, fourth-generation Supras can be expensive and difficult to find in good condition. If you're looking for a more modern Supra with a good balance of performance and efficiency, the fifth-generation Supra with the B58 engine is a great option. This engine is powerful, smooth, and reliable. Plus, fifth-generation Supras are more readily available and often come with modern features and technologies. Each engine has its own unique qualities, of course.

Conclusion

The Toyota Supra has a rich history of powerful and refined engines. From the early M-series inline-sixes to the legendary 2JZ-GTE and the modern B58, each engine has contributed to the Supra's legacy as a legendary sports car. Whether you're a fan of classic Supras or modern ones, there's an engine out there that will suit your needs and preferences. So, the next time you see a Supra, take a moment to appreciate the engineering marvel that lies beneath the hood. These cars are very special, guys!