Chassis Code Explained
| Segment | Meaning | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| J | Engine family | JZ-series inline-6 |
| Z | Turbo/performance | Turbocharged (2JZ-GTE) |
| A | Body platform | A-body (Supra platform) |
| 80 | Generation code | 80-series Supra (1993–2002) |
The non-turbo Supra Mk IV uses SZA80 (S=2JZ-GE naturally aspirated). JZA80 specifically denotes the twin-turbo 2JZ-GTE variant.
Key Takeaways
- A80 is Toyota UK's name for the fourth-generation Supra unveiled at the 1993 Chicago Motor Show
- 2JZ-GE is Toyota's 3.0-liter naturally aspirated inline-six for the 1993 launch range
- 2JZ-GTE is Toyota's 3.0-liter two-way twin-turbo inline-six rated at 280 PS in the 1993 Japanese launch release
- RZ six-speed manual was Toyota's first six-speed manual, developed jointly with Getrag
- Japanese production continued through July 2002 after North American sales ended in 1998
Technical Specifications
Engine Options
| Chassis | Engine | Displacement | Power — JDM | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A80 (JZA80) | 2JZ-GE | 3.0L | 220PS @ 5800rpm | NA (JP spec) |
| A80 (US) | 2JZ-GE | 3.0L | 220hp @ 5800rpm | NA (US spec) |
| A80 (JZA80) | 2JZ-GTE | 3.0L | 280PS @ 5600rpm | Sequential twin turbo (JP) |
| A80 (US) | 2JZ-GTE | 3.0L | 320hp @ 5600rpm | Sequential twins, intercooler |
| A80 (EU) | 2JZ-GTE | 3.0L | 330PS @ 5600rpm | EU spec, sequential twins |
Livability
- Headroom
- 37.5"
- Helmet tight; targa cars slightly worse
- Rear Seats
- 2+2 (tiny)
- Kids/bags only; adults don't fit
- Cargo
- 7.5 cu ft
- Hatch usable; targa panel eats space
US Import Eligibility
Early builds of this chassis became eligible for US import under the 25-year rule in 2018; later production years become eligible through 2027. Calculate import costs →
Variants & Trims
| Generation | Trim | Engine | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| A80 (4th gen) | SZ (JZA80, JP) | 2JZ-GE 3.0L I6 | NA, 5MT/4AT, smaller brakes, Japan-only |
| A80 (4th gen) | SZ-R (JZA80, JP) | 2JZ-GE 3.0L I6 | NA, 6MT, sport brakes, LSD, Japan-only |
| A80 (4th gen) | RZ (JZA80, JP) | 2JZ-GTE 3.0L I6 | Twin turbo, 6MT/4AT, big brakes, LSD |
| A80 (4th gen) | RZ-S (JZA80, JP) | 2JZ-GTE 3.0L I6 | Twin turbo, 6MT/4AT, revised equipment, late JP |
| A80 (4th gen) | Base (US) | 2JZ-GE 3.0L I6 | NA, 5MT/4AT, US equipment, airbags |
| A80 (4th gen) | Turbo (US) | 2JZ-GTE 3.0L I6 | Twin turbo, 6MT/4AT, big brakes, rear spoiler |
| A80 (4th gen) | Turbo (EU/UK) | 2JZ-GTE 3.0L I6 | Twin turbo, 6MT, EU spec, larger rear fog |
Should You Buy a Toyota Supra A80?
Why You'll Love It
- Toyota's first six-speed manual Toyota says the RZ grade received its first six-speed manual transmission, developed jointly with Getrag of Germany.
- More than 100 kg lighter than the preceding model Toyota says the 1993 Supra reduced weight by more than 100 kg over the preceding model while adding new features.
Why You Might Not
- Modification history needs close review Road & Track says modifications are common on this generation and that not every wrench has been turned by a professional.
- Listen for whining under power Road & Track's buyer guide says to watch for whining under power.
Who Should NOT Buy This
- Buyers who will not identify the Japanese-market grade and transmission before purchase
- Buyers unwilling to review modification history and the quality of the work
- Buyers who will not listen for whining under power
Common Issues & Solutions
| Issue | Cause | Solution | Est. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unknown modification quality | Road & Track says modifications are common and that not every wrench has been turned by a professional. | Review modification history and inspect the work before purchase. | Obtain a written estimate for any work requiring correction. |
Differences between JDM & USDM
Toyota's 1993 Japanese launch release lists the naturally aspirated SZ and twin-turbo RZ and GZ grades. It specifies a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic for the SZ and a six-speed manual or ECT-iS automatic for turbo models. Toyota UK says North American sales ended in 1998, while Japanese production continued until July 2002.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Critical Priority
High Priority
Generation History
A80 Supra (Mk4) (1993-2002)
- 2JZ-GTE icon; huge tuning headroom
- Getrag V160 6MT is the value anchor
- US 1993-1998; JDM 1993-2002
Sales Numbers by Year
| Year | Total | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1993 | 2,901 | A80 launch year; 2JZ-GTE Twin Turbo introduced |
| 1994 | 3,405 | |
| 1995 | 2,266 | |
| 1996 | 852 | Toyota pulls A80 from Canada |
| 1997 | 1,379 | |
| 1998 | 1,232 | Final year of USDM A80 sales |
| 1999 | 24 | JDM-only run-out; trickle production |
Market Data
Production Numbers & Rarity
Motorsport Heritage
JGTC GT500 class victories 24 Heures du Mans entry (1994) 2JZ-GTE: factory 1000+ hp at high boost
| Series | Years | Result | Car |
|---|---|---|---|
| JGTC (Japan GT Championship) | 1995–2003 | Multiple GT500 class victories; factory Denso Supra campaign | Supra GT500 |
| 24 Heures du Mans (IMSA / GTS class) | 1994 | Class entry; Toyota TOM'S Supra effort | Toyota Supra Turbo (IMSA GTS) |
Lap time benchmarks
| Circuit | Time | Car | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tsukuba Circuit | 1:02.0 | JZA80 Supra (stock turbo) | Common benchmark for stock JZA80 Supras; stock runs typically 1:03–1:05 |
Sources: Super GT historical records, ACO race records 1994, Best Motoring comparative tests
Comparable Alternatives
Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo
90s TT GT rival; cheaper entry; tighter engine bay
Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4
Tech-heavy AWD TT; value play; complex maintenance
The Buyer's Read
Begin with grade, engine, and transmission rather than assuming a uniform specification. Toyota's 1993 Japanese launch release separates the naturally aspirated SZ from the twin-turbo RZ and GZ, and lists different transmission choices. Road & Track says modifications are common and not every wrench has been turned by a professional, so inspect the work and listen for whining under power.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which engines did Toyota list for the 1993 A80 launch?
- Toyota listed the 3.0-liter naturally aspirated 2JZ-GE and the 3.0-liter two-way twin-turbo 2JZ-GTE.
- Which grades and transmissions did Toyota list in Japan?
- Toyota listed the naturally aspirated SZ with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic; twin-turbo RZ and GZ models could use the six-speed manual or ECT-iS automatic.
- When did A80 sales end in North America and Japan?
- Toyota UK says the fourth-generation run in North America ended in 1998, while Japanese production continued until July 2002.
Sources & References
Sources (30)
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- Pros and cons of Supra ownership (community thread) — SupraForums Verified
- Mk5 Supra pros/cons community thread — SupraMkV Verified
- Toyota Supra common problems — Breakeryard Verified
- Supra common problems thread — SupraForums Verified
- Accurate Supra production numbers — SupraForums Verified
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- Celica Supra Mk1 history (archived) — celicasupra.com (Wayback Machine) Verified
- A90 Toyota Supra launched in Japan — Paul Tan's Automotive News Link dead
- Toyota Supra Mk4 specifications — Supras NZ Verified
- The 300-horsepower club comparison test — Road & Track Verified
- JDM vs USDM Toyota Supra differences — Import A Vehicle Verified
- Toyota Supra — full model encyclopedic entry — Wikipedia Verified
- GR Supra official model page — Toyota Motor North America Verified
- Toyota Supra long-term coverage — Car and Driver Verified
- Toyota Supra reviews and pricing — Edmunds Verified
- Toyota Supra auction results database — Bring a Trailer Verified
- TOYOTA ANNOUNCES MINOR CHANGES TO SUPRA — Toyota Motor Corporation Official Global Website (Aug 9, 1990 press release)
- 7MGTE - incorrect head torquing from factory? — Driftworks Forum
- Toyota Supra 2.5 Twin Turbo, JZA70, 1JZ-GTE, 08/90>05/93 — Fensport Performance
- 1988 Toyota Supra Turbo A Review: Driving the Ultimate MKIII Supra We Never Got — The Drive
- 49 CFR Part 591 — Importation of Vehicles and Equipment Subject to Federal Safety, Bumper and Theft Prevention Standards — eCFR
- Toyota Supra Buying Guide: Cost, Reliability and the Best Years to Buy — CarGurus
- Importation and Certification FAQs — NHTSA
- A70 SUPRA — GR HERITAGE PARTS, GAZOO Racing
- An A70 Toyota Supra Turbo has sold for almost $89,000 — Japanese Nostalgic Car
- Toyota Supra MK3 Head Gasket Repair — YotaMD
- 7M ARP Head Studs — SR-Fab
- W58 vs R154 transmission. Differences between the R154 vs W58 transmission — CUBE Speed
- Is rust a common problem on MK3's? — Supra Forums
Sources last verified: