Toyota Supra

The Toyota Supra is a sports car that was produced by Toyota Motor Company from 1979 to 2002. The styling of the Toyota Supra was derived from the Toyota Celica, but it was both longer and wider. Starting in mid-1986, the Supra (in its third generation, Mark III) became its own model and was no longer based on the Celica. In turn, Toyota also stopped using the prefix Celica and began just calling the car Supra. Due to the similarity and past of the Celica's name, it is frequently mistaken for the Toyota Supra, and vice versa.

The Supra also traces much of its roots back to the Toyota 2000GT with the main instance being its engine. The first three generations were offered with a direct descendant to the Toyota Crown's and 2000GT's M engine. All four generations of Supra produced have an inline 6-cylinder engine. Interior aspects were also similar, as was the chassis code "A".

Along with this name and car Toyota also included its own logo for the Supra. It is derived from the original Celica logo, being blue instead of orange. This logo was used until January 1986, when the Mark III Supra was introduced. The new logo was similar in size, with orange writing on a red background, but without the dragon design. That logo, in turn, was on Supras until 1991 when Toyota switched to its current oval company logo. (the dragon logo was a Celica logo regardless of what color it was. It appeared on the first two generations of the Supra because they were officially Toyota Celicas. The dragon logo was used for the Celica line until it too was discontinued.)

In 1998, Toyota ceased sales of the Supra in the United States and in 2002 Toyota officially stopped production of the Supra in Japan.

As an iconic sports car, the Supra has appeared in numerous video games, movies, music videos and TV shows. Some of the most notable appearances include the Gran Turismo, Need for Speed, and Midnight Club series of video games and the 2001 film, The Fast and the Furious.

The Specification of Toyota Supra

Also called	Toyota Celica Supra Toyota Celica XX
Production	Apr 1978–2002
Assembly	Japan
Predecessor	Toyota 2000GT
Class	Sports car
Body style(s)	2+2 fastback GT hatchback
Layout	Front-engine, rear-while drive

A40 Series (1997)

The second generation Celica was released for 1978 model year (production began in late 1977), and was again available in both Coupe and Liftback forms. The Coupe was no longer a true hardtop; both Coupe and Liftback had frameless door glass but featured a thick "B" pillar. David Stollery was responsible for its design. From 1979 to 1981 the Griffith company in the US offered a Targa style convertible conversion to the Coupe. They were called the SunChaser and had a removable Targa top and a folding rear roof, much like the '67 Porsche 911 soft-window Targa. These were Toyota approved and sold through Toyota dealers. Over 2000 were produced.

In 1978 Toyota began production of the Mark I Toyota Supra in Japan, as the Toyota Celica XX. The year it debuted in the United States and Japan was in 1979. The US Mark I (chassis code MA46) was originally equipped with a 110 hp (82 kW) 2.6 L (2563 cc) 12-valve SOHC inline-6 engine. Simultaneously in 1979, the Japanese Mark I (chassis code MA45) was offered with a 110 hp (82 kW) 2.0 L 12-valve SOHC inline-6 engine. Both were the first Toyota engines equipped with electronic fuel injection.

The second generation Celica can also be broken down into two series of release (known as Series A and Series B). These two Celicas were only distinguishable by appearance - both having the same engine capacity. Series A Celicas (1978–1979) were released with round headlights and chrome bumpers for lower grades. The higher grades such as GT and all US models have black rubber bumpers. The Series B Celica (1979–1981) was released with square headlights and black rubber bumpers and various other 'minor' differences.

Power for North American models was provided by a 2.2 L 20R engine for both ST and GT models. Japan and other markets had 1.6, 1.8, and 2.0 liter powerplants. This new generation offered more safety, power and fuel economy than previous models, and was awarded Motor Trend's "Import Car of the Year" for 1978. Japanese models were ET, LT, ST, SE, XT, GT, and GTV. The GT and GTV have an 18R-G Twincam engine. In late 1978, the GTV was replaced by GT Rally.

In 1980, a four-door version was announced, known as the Toyota Celica Camry. This model was a Toyota Carina with a Celica front end. The Camry was spun off as its own model two years later.

The limited edition "US Grand Prix" GT Liftback was offered in 1980 due to Toyota's connection to the U.S. Grand Prix West in Long beach, California. For 1981, the North American models were given a bigger engine, the 2.4 liter 22R from the 4Runner and Pickup. To celebrate the Celica 10th Anniversary, the GTA Coupe was released. This was basically a GT Coupe with 4 speed automatic transmission, Supra style interior, power windows, upgraded sound system and alloys. The GTA is distinguishable by the black/gold two tone paint and a "GTA 10th anniversary" plaque on the centre console. There were about 70 different models of 2nd generation Celica ever sold in Japan, although at one time there were 49.

The Specification of A40 Series(1977)

Production	Aug 1977–July 1981
Assembly	Japan
Body style(s)	3-door liftback 2-door coupe
Layout	FR Layout
Platform	A40/50
Engine(s)	2.2 L I4 20R 2.4 L I4 22R 1.6 L I4 2T, 2T-G & 12T 1.8 L I4 3T & 13T 2.0 L I4 18R, 18R-G & 21R
Transmission(s)	3 speed A40 Automatic ('78-'80) 4-speed A40D Automatic ('81) 5 speed W50 Manual
Related	Toyota Supra Toyota Celica Camry

Toyota Celica (1970–1977)

The first generation Celica was released to the Japanese market in late 1970, and targeted to be a more affordable alternative to Toyota's sportscar, the 2000GT.

Displayed at the 1970 Tokyo Motor Show in October, and marketed in December of the same year, the Celica was a personal car that emphasized styling and driving enjoyment. Japanese models were ET, LT, ST, GT, and GTV. The appearance of the headlights recessed into the grille and the tail light treatment on the hatchback seem to suggest the appearance was influenced by the 1969–1970 Ford Mustang but on a much smaller scale.

For export markets, the Celica was offered in three different levels of trim; LT, ST and GT. The lower-end LT was equipped with the single cabureted four-cylinder 2T engine displacing 1600 cc, while the ST came with a twin downdraft-carburetor 2T-B engine. The 2T-G that powered the high-end GT model was a DOHC 1600 cc engine equipped with twin Mikuni-Solex Carburetors.

At its introduction the Celica was only available as a pillarless hardtop notchback coupe. The SV-1 liftback was shown as a concept car at the 1971 Tokyo Motor Show. With slight modifications, this was introduced in Japan in April 1973 as the 2000 cc RA25 and 1600 cc TA27 liftbacks. It was then exported to Europe in RHD form as the 1600 cc liftback. After the October 1975 facelift, it was available in both RHD and LHD forms in other markets. The RV-1 wagon was also shown at the 1971 Tokyo Motor Show but it did not reach production.

The Japanese GT models had various differences from the ET, LT and ST including the hood flutes, power windows, air conditioning, and specific GT trim, but shared a few things with the ST - a full-length centre console and oil pressure/ammeter gauges whilst the LT had warning lights for these functions.

There was also the GTV version, which had the 2T-G engine, a slightly cut-down interior, and did not come standard with things like power windows, but they were optional. The GTV has firmer suspension.

The first generation Celicas can be further broken down into two distinctive models. The first of these was the original with slant nose (trapezoid-like shape front corner light). This is for Coupe model only, TA22, RA20, and RA21. These models were released from 1970 to 1975 and came equipped with the 2T, 2T-G 1.6 liter, or 18R 2.0 liter motor. They had a 95 inches (2,400 mm) wheelbase. The second series (98 in (2,500 mm) wheelbase) had a flat nose (square front corner light) and slightly longer wheelbase, and was known in Europe as the TA23. This facelift model appeared in Japan in 1974, but for export was the 1976 model year. The Japanese version had engines under 2.0 liter so as to conform to Japanese regulation concerning engine displacement size, thereby allowing buyers to avoid an additional tax for a larger engine.

The first Celica for North America, 1971 ST was powered by 1.9 liter 8R engine competing with the Datsun 510 and Mazda 808 . The 1972-1974 models have 2.0 liter 18R-C engines. For 1975-1977, the engine for the North American Celica is the 2.2 liter 20R. The Celica GT and LT models were introduced in the U.S. for the 1974 model year. The top-line GT included a 5-speed manual transmission, rocker panel GT stripes, and styled steel wheels with chrome trim rings. The LT was marketed as an economy model. Mid-1974 saw minor changes in the Celica's trim and badges. The automatic transmission became an option on North American ST and LT models starting in the 1973 model year. For 1975, the '74 body was used, but body-color plastic fascia and sturdier chrome and black rubber bumpers, replaced the chrome bumpers used in the earlier cars (in accordance with US Federal bumper laws).

The Specification of Toyota Celica (1970)

Production	Dec 1970–Jul 1977
Assembly	Japan
Body style(s)	3-door liftback 2-door hardtop
Layout	FR Layout
Platform	A20/35
Engine(s)	1.4 L T I4 1.6 L 2T I4 1.9 L 8R I4 2.0 L 18R I4 2.2 L 20R I4
Transmission(s)	4-speed W40 manual 5-speed W50 manual 3-speed A40 automatic
Wheel base	94.75 in (2,407 mm)
Length	164.2 in (4,170 mm)
Width	63.0 in (1,600 mm)
Height	53 in (1,300 mm)
Curb weight	890 kg (1,962 lb) (Early Coupe) - 1,166 kg (2,571 lb) (US Liftback)
Related	Toyota Carina

Toyota Celica

The Toyota Celica has been applied to a series of coupes made by the Japanese company Toyota. The name is ultimately derived from the Latin word coelica meaning "heavenly" or "celestial".

Throughout its life span the Celica has been powered by various four cylinder engines. The most significant change occurred in August 1985, when the car's drive layout was changed from rear wheel drive to front wheel drive. During the first three generations, American market Celicas were powered by various versions of Toyota's R series engines. The four-wheel drive turbocharge model (designated All-trac in the US or GT Four elsewhere) was produced from 1986 to 1999. Variable Valve Timming came in late 1997 Japanese models, and became standard in all models from 2000 on. Through seven generations, the model has gone through many revisions and design forks, including the Toyota Celica Supra (later known as the Toyota Supra). The Celica was available as notchback and liftback coupes, as well as a convertible.

The Specification of Toyota Celica

Production	Dec 1970–Apr 2006
Predecessor	Toyota 2000GT
Successor	Scion tC
Class	Sprotscar Coupe
Body style(s)	Notchback Convertible Liftback

The first Toyota car

The AA was similar to the A1 prototypes with only minor changes.

Dates and Production Figures

A total of 1,404 AA sedans was produced from 1936 until 1943, when the model was replaced by the more austere AC.

A total of 353 AB phaetons, including the military ABR version, was produced until 1942. There was no direct replacement.

Body Type

The AA was a fully enclosed 4 door sedan that largely copied the design of the Chrislyer Airflow sedan. It had a metal body on a metal ladder chassis. The metal body was of modern construction compared to the fabric over wooden frame bodies used on cars designed in the 1920s. The rear doors open backwards. The front glass spanned the entire width of the body in a single pane.

The AB was identical to the AA except that it was a cabrioled with a folding cloth roof, the rear doors opened in the normal manner and the front glass could fold down onto the engine compartment.

Mechanicals

The mechanicals were the same as used in the A1 prototype.

50th year replica

Toyota wanted to use an AA for its 50^th birthday in 1987 but couldn't find any surviving examples. Toyota decided to build a replica but even for that there were no complete and consistent plans. Plans that could be found were from various points during the car's development process and in any case were often incomplete and lacking by today's standards. However, a single replica was built that is believed to be representative of the AA. This replica is now in the Toyota Automobile Museum.

In 2010, an original AA was found in Russia in derelict condition. It is now displayed, still in derelict condition, in the Louwman Museum in Holland.


The Specification of Toyota AA:

Toyota
Production	1936–1943
Assembly	Japan
Predecessor	A1
Successor	AC
Class	medium size family car
Body style(s)	sedan (AA), cabriolet (AB)
Layout	front-engine, rear-wheel drive
Platform	ladder chassis
Engine(s)	Type A
Transmission(s)	3 speed floor shift manual
Wheelbase	2,851 mm (112.2 in)
Length	4,737 mm (186.5 in)
Width	1,734 mm (68.3 in)
Height	1,737 mm (68.4 in)
Curb weight	1,500 kg (3,306.9 lb)

History of Toyota

The history of Toyota started in 1933 with the company being a division of Toyoda Automatic Loom Works devoted to the production of automobiles under the direction of the founder's son, Kiichiro Toyota. Kiichiro Toyoda had travelled to Europe and the United States in 1929 to investigate automobile production and had begun researching gasoline-powered engines in 1930. Toyoda Automatic Loom Works was encouraged to develop automobile production by the Japanese government, which needed domestic vehicle production partly due to the worldwide money shortage and partly due to the war with China.In 1934, the division produced its first Type A engine, which was used in the first Model A1 passenger car in May 1935 and the G1 truck in August 1935. Production of the Model AA passenger car started in 1936. Early vehicles bear a striking resemblance to the Dodge Power Wagon and Chevrolet, with some parts actually interchanging with their American originals.

Although the Toyota Group is best known today for its cars, it is still in the textile business and still makes automatic looms, which are now computerized, and electric sewign machines which are available worldwide.

Toyota Motor Co. was established as an independent and separate company in 1937. Although the founding family's name is Toyoda (豊田), the company name was changed in order to signify the separation of the founders' work life from home life, to simplify the pronunciation, and to give the company a happy beginning. Toyota (トヨタ) is considered luckier than Toyoda (豊田) in Japan, where eight is regarded as a lucky number, and eight is the number of strokes it takes to write Toyota in katakana. In Chinese, the company and its vehicles are still referred to by the equivalent characters (simplified Chinese: 丰田; traditional Chinese: 豐田; pinyin: fēng tián), with Chinese reading.

During the Pacific war (World War II) the company was dedicated to truck production for the Imperial Japanese Army. Because of severe shortages in Japan, military trucks were kept as simple as possible. For example, the trucks had only one headlight on the center of the hood. The war ended shortly before a scheduled Alied bombing run on the Toyota factories in Aichi.

After the second world war, Japan experienced extreme economic difficulty. Commercial passenger car production started in 1947 with the model SA. The company was on the brink of bankruptcy by the end of 1949. The company eventually obtained a loan from a consortium of banks which stipulated an independent sales operation and elimination of "excess manpower".

In June 1950, the company produced only 300 trucks and was on the verge of going out of business. The management announced layoffs and wage reductions, and in response the union went on a strike that lasted two months. The strike was resolved by an agreement that included layoffs and pay reductions but also the resignation of the president at the time, Kiichiro Toyoda. Kiichiro was succeeded by Taizo Ishida, who was the chief executive of Toyoda Automatic Loom. The first months of the Korean war resulted in an order of over 5,000 vehicles from the US military, and the company was revived. Ishida was credited for his focus on investment in equipment. One example was the construction of the Motomachi Plant in 1959, which gave Toyota a decisive lead over Nissan at the dawning of the age of motorization.

In 1950, a separate sales company, Toyota Motor Sales Co., was established (which lasted until July 1982). In April 1956, the Toyopet dealer chain was established. The following year, the Crown became the first Japanese car to be exported to the United States and Toyota's American and Brazilian divisions, Toyota Motor Sales Inc. and Toyota do Brasil S.A., were also established.

Toyota began to expand in the 1960s with a new research and development facility, a presence in Thailand was established, the 10 millionth model was produced, a Deming prize and partnerships with Hino Motors and Daihatsu were also established. The first Toyota built outside Japan was in April 1963, at Port Melbourne in Australia. By the end of the decade, Toyota had established a worldwide presence, as the company had exported its one-millionth unit.

With high gas prices and a weak US economy in mid 2008, Toyota reported a double-digit decline in sales for the month of June, similar to figures reported by the Detroit Big Three. For Toyota, these were attributed mainly to slow sales of its Tundra pickup, as well as shortages of its fuel-efficient vehicles such as the Prius, Corolla and Yaris. In response, the company has announced plans to idle its truck plants, while shifting production at other facilities to manufacture in-demand vehicles.

On Jan 26, 2010, Toyota suspended sales of eight recalled vehicle models to fix accelerator pedals with mechanical problems that could cause them to become stuck.