Sitting at the top of Toyota's sportscar heap, this Supra boasts serious performance
The fourth series of Supra took Toyota places it had never previously been. This completely new Supra came in RZ (twin-turbo) and SZ (3.0-litre atmospheric) versions on a shared wheelbase that was 55mm shorter than the previous model.
These are a very serious sports car, with extensive use of aluminium body panels and other weight-shedding innovations including hollow carpet fibres. The new version also looked far more aggressive than the conservative MA70 Series; 65mm wider than the previous model and with a 1527mm rear track.
The Gen. 4 delivered great aerodynamics that saw non-turbo versions achieve a 0.31 coefficient of drag. However, the slippery shape was incompatible with high-speed stability, so turbo cars acquired a massive wing that extended almost to roof height.
All versions shared Toyota’s twin-cam, 24-valve 3.0-litre six; non-turbo cars with a five-speed manual gearbox while twin-turbos got a Getrag six-speed. Four-speed automatic was available with either engine.
Even in 168kW ‘atmospheric’ form, the Supra was a serious performer. Local tests saw five-speed cars could slip below seven seconds for 0-100km/h – only a second slower than the turbo auto. To minimize tyre-shredding, traction control was fitted to turbo-engined cars.
| 2021 Market Review: Toyota Supra 1983-2000
The six-speed manual RZ would manage 5.1 seconds for the 0-100km/h sprint and 13.7 seconds over the standing 400 metres and while notional power was the Japanese statutory maximum of 208kW, actual output was estimated at around 260kW.
Two levels of trim were available but GZ versions with leather as standard are extremely scarce. Most have Toyota’s hard-wearing cloth and a comprehensive array of electrically operated accessories. Sensibly, Toyota avoided saddling Gen. 4 Supra owners with the troublesome electronic dash fitted to high-end versions of the Lexus Soarer.
Despite its amazing power-to-weight ratio, the TT Supra’s competition record was patchy. Versions with 2.1-litre engines were winners in Japanese Production Sports Car events but the RZ did little beyond that.
| Buyer’s Guide: Toyota Supra RZ twin-turbo 1993-2002
Seeking greater efficiency and emission compliance, a VVTi (variable valve timing) version of the 2JZ engine was released for 1998 but ongoing poor sales in the crucial US market saw the Supra withdrawn a year later. Japanese domestic production ended in 2002. Automatic versions, even those without turbochargers, are preferable for everyday use. The six-speed is heavier to use than most Japanese transmissions and becomes tiring after an hour of ploughing through peak-hour traffic.
Non-turbo cars are sometimes promoted to younger buyers (and their parents) as being ‘P Plate friendly,’ however insurance premiums for less-experienced drivers remain high. Twin-turbo versions may attract punitive excesses, so check around the specialty insurance market before committing to buy a Supra.
Turbos in top condition can now exceed $100,000 and these should have some Australian service history plus verifiable kilometres. Unless you’re familiar with cars of the Supra’s complexity, find a repairer who specialises in high-performance Japanese models and arrange a complete mechanical and chassis assessment.
Value range: Supra (RZ 1996-99)
Fair: $40,000
Good: $70,000
Excellent: $105,000
(Note: exceptional cars will demand more)
BUYER’S CHECKLIST
Body & chassis
Poor crash repairs are regrettably common with Supras and potentially dangerous. Buyers can spot without professional guidance issues like recent welding of chassis rails and inconsistent shut lines. These occur between the bonnet and mudguards or mudguards and doors where panels don’t sit flush. If the car is an Aerotop and fitted with the lift-out roof panel, remove it to check the seals are in good shape. Press down on the rear hatch to check for worn buffer rubbers and water leaks. Hatch struts may need replacement but aren’t expensive. Extreme body kits are prone to kerb and driveway damage so look for cracks, especially under the nose, and loose fitment.
Engine & transmission
Finding an RZ with its original, unmodified engine might be a struggle and those that have been seriously modified are fraught with potential problems. Standard turbocharger checks are essential – clean engine oil, invoices to confirm the car has been regularly serviced and an effective intercooler. Once the engine is warm and been given a few bursts towards maximum boost, listen for rattling from the turbocharger housings and check the mirrors for any hint of smoke from tailpipes. Look for heat damage to water hoses, cracks or repairs to the air-intake trunking. Camshaft drive belts should be changed every 80,000km to avoid expensive upper-engine damage. Noise and a clunky feel are typical of the turbo’s six-speed transmission, but clutch slip or shudder indicate a $2000 repair bill is imminent.
Suspension & brakes
Look at the wheels for buckling and kerb damage. Listen for knocking over speed bumps and when turning tightly. Also, oversized wheels that might be making contact with body panels. Look for inconsistent tyre wear patterns front and rear, and rumbling wheel bearings. Cars with larger than standard wheels place added pressure on bearings and suspension components. Brakes with four-piston calipers are well matched to the RZ’s performance but rotors can wear out after 40,000 kilometres. Make sure the ABS system is working.
Interior & electrics
Ageing electrical components need to be thoroughly checked, so flicking every switch and making sure it responds will save money. Make sure that the heater and air-conditioner deliver noticeably warmer and colder air within a minute of being activated. Ensuring the ABS light comes on with the ignition and extinguishes after the engine starts is essential. High-kilometre cars may be suffering threadbare seat coverings which can be fixed by a trimmer or with some second-hand seats. Dash and console cracks denote a car that has been exposed to the sun for longer than is desirable.
1993-2000 Toyota Supra JZA80 specs
NUMBER BUILT: 45,201 (all models 1993-2002)
BODY: Integrated body/chassis, steel and alloy composite two-door coupe
ENGINE: 2997cc in-line six (turbocharging optional)
POWER & TORQUE: 208kW @ 5600rpm, 427Nm @ 4000rpm (RZ twin-turbo)
PERFORMANCE: 0-100km/h 5.1 seconds, 0-400 metres 13.7 seconds (RZ twin-turbo manual)
TRANSMISSION: 5-sp man, 6-sp man, 4-sp auto
SUSPENSION: Independent with upper & lower wishbones, coil springs, telescopic dampers and anti-roll bar (f) independent with upper & lower wishbones, coil springs, telescopic dampers and anti-roll bar (r)
BRAKES: disc (f), disc (r) power assisted with ABS
TYRES: 235/17/45 ZR radial (f) 255/17/40 ZR radial (r)
From Unique Cars #467, Jun/Jul 2022