The MKIV Supra
The MKIV Supra, produced from 1993 to 2002, stands as one of Toyota's most celebrated contributions to the tuner and car enthusiast communities. Renowned for its sleek design and powerful performance, the MKIV Supra achieved legendary status, especially for housing the iconic 2JZ-GTE engine. It is Toyota's most iconic car and is widely prized within all automotive circles to this day, as it routinely sells for upwards of $100,000 USD. Past Supra generations share fame as well, and the reception of this car has led Toyota to bring back the Supra for a (BMW Z4-based) 5th generation over 2 decades later.
The 2JZ-GTE, 2JZ-GE, and their relation to Japanese history
At the heart of the MKIV Supra's fame lies the 2JZ-GTE engine, a 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six that has become a benchmark for durability and tuning ability. This engine, with its robust iron block and strong internals, has emerged as one of the greatest powerplants in the tuning world, capable of handling high horsepower and extensive modifications. The 2JZ-GE, the naturally aspirated version of this engine, also deserves mention. Found in various Toyota and Lexus models, the 2JZ-GE shares the same strong foundation and provides a reliable and tunable platform for enthusiasts despite its lower power output.
The development of the 2JZ engines was significantly influenced by the economic climate in Japan during the late 1980s and early 1990s. During this period, known as the Japanese asset price bubble, automakers had the resources and motivation to invest heavily in advanced engineering and performance. This led to the creation of robust and over-engineered engines like the 2JZ, designed to meet high-performance standards and endure intense strain, and utimately contributing to their status in the tuning community.
AE86, GT86, and GR86
The Toyota AE86, a part of the Corolla lineup in the 1980s, gained a cult following in spite of its weak engine (128 HP in the Japanese and European markets, 114 HP in America) due to its balanced chassis, rear-wheel-drive layout, and lightweight design. It has become an icon in the drift scene, particularly popularized by its starring role in the "Initial D" manga and anime series. It is important not to get it confused with the similar appearing AE85, which was only sold in Japan and makes a...paltry amount of horsepower, to say the least.
Building on this legacy, the modern GT86 and GR86 continue Toyota's tradition of affordable, lightweight sports cars. Developed in collaboration with Subaru, these models offer rear-wheel drive and a focus on driving enjoyment, making them popular platforms for tuning and motorsport. They share the same boxer engine and platform as the Subaru BRZ and the Scion FR-S, a part of Toyota's defunct Scion brand.
Lexus: Luxury + 2JZ
Toyota's luxury brand, Lexus, has also made significant inroads into the tuner community. The Lexus mid-size GS300 (also known as the Aristo in Japan) and IS300, both equipped with the naturally aspirated 2JZ-GE engine, combine a smooth driving experience and performance. These models are praised for their solid build quality and rear-wheel-drive layout, making them excellent candidates for tuning. Enthusiasts often swap the 2JZ-GTE engine into these models, further enhancing their performance potential. Additionally, the Lexus SC300, sharing the same 2JZ-GE engine, offers a GT coupe option with great potential for modification and is seen as a sleek counterpart to the GS and IS models.
The MR2
The Toyota MR2, particularly the second-generation (SW20) model, is another standout in Toyota's tuner lineup and was the first Japanese mid-engine sports car. With its mid-engine layout, the MR2 offers exceptional handling and balance, making it a favorite among driving enthusiasts. Car and Driver, a large automotive magazine, noted the revised SW20's braking capabilities to be superb and compared it to that of the Honda NSX. The turbocharged versions of the MR2 provide ample power and tuning capability, solidifying its reputation as a versatile and exciting platform for modification.
While being great for handling, it is also notorious for its "snap oversteer", which causes a sudden transition from understeer to oversteer. It primarily stems from the combination the MR2's availibility compared to other mid-engine cars of its time (e.g. Honda NSX) and drivers' inexperience with mid-engine platforms. All mid-engine RWD sports cars can suffer from this pheonomenon (mostly as a result of driver error), but the MR2 popularized it.
Toyota Chaser
The Toyota Chaser, particularly the final 2 generations, is a sedan beloved by tuners for its combination of performance and practicality. With a long history of cars powered by JZ engines, from the 1JZ to the 2JZ-GE, the Chaser offers impressive power and a strong aftermarket following. Its rear-wheel-drive layout and relatively understated appearance make it a favorite for enthusiasts looking for a high-performance car that flies under the radar. It is frequently used in drifting events across the world.
Pop Culture
The MKIV Supra achieved global recognition and solidified its place in tuner culture thanks in part to its prominent role in the original The Fast and the Furious movie (2001). Driven by Brian O'Conner (played by the late Paul Walker), the modified Supra became an icon, symbolizing many parts of the world of racing and car culture.
Additionally, the Toyota AE86 Trueno famously appeared in Initial D, a manga series that ran from 1995 to 2013 and has an accompanying anime adaption. The tofu delivery car, emblazened with a large "Fujiwara Tofu Shop" logo on the side, is quite low in power. Despite the underpowered stock engine in the car, the protagonist Takumi Fujiwara manages to defeat many of the most iconic JDM cars in nighttime touge street races. The series is loosely based on the career of legendary racer and "Drift King" Keiichi Tsuchiya, who notably drove an AE86 in many of his races. A GT86 is also driven by the protagonist of appears in its sequel, MF Ghost.
Toyota's impact on tuner culture is characterized by iconic models like the MKIV Supra and its 2JZ-GTE engine, the AE86 and its successors (GT86 and GR86), the luxurious yet tunable Lexus GS300, IS300, and SC300, the mid-engine MR2, and the Chaser sedan. While these are the models discussed here, Toyota has made many other well-known cars in tuner communities such as the Crown and the Celica. Each vehicle demonstrates Toyota's commitment to performance, innovation, and driving excitement, making the brand a centerpiece in the world of tuning.