Is the SZ-R naturally aspirated or twin turbo?

Naturally aspirated. Toyota's August 1994 catalogue lists the SZ-R with the 2JZ-GE at 225 PS, a five-speed manual and standard LSD. The turbo grades are RZ, GZ and RZ-S.

Which SZ-R years have a five-speed or six-speed?

Toyota documents a five-speed SZ-R from August 1994 and a Getrag six-speed from the April 1996 revision, still listed in August 1997. For cars from the months between, check the individual car.

How do I tell a factory RZ from a converted SZ?

The JZA80 code is shared. Verify factory records, engine and gearbox against the catalogue year. The launch RZ had Bilstein dampers; late catalogues list REAS suspension and the large-brake package on RZ. Equipment alone cannot authenticate a converted car.

Do Japanese and US A80 parts always interchange?

No. Toyota's Heritage list warns that US rear glass 68131-14320 cannot be used in Japan because of a different printed antenna pattern. US and European outputs and equipment are separate comparisons and are not covered here.

Was the TRD 3000GT a complete car or a body kit?

Both existed. Toyota UK says every TRD component could be ordered as a dealer-fit accessory, but the factory-built model, 35 examples, carried its own numbered plate that reclassified it as a TRD 3000GT.

When does a late Japanese A80 become US-import eligible?

NHTSA's form accepts a vehicle 25 or more years old, counted from manufacture date, so a 2002 build reaches 25 years in 2027. EPA still expects the original engine model and configuration, and registration rules apply.

Toyota Supra A80 (1993–2002) Buyer's Guide

Chassis Code Explained

E-JZA80 Early Japanese type designation

GF-JZA80 Later Japanese type designation

SZ / SZ-R Naturally aspirated grades

RZ / GZ / RZ-S Twin-turbo grades

Segment	Meaning	Detail
E-JZA80	Early Japanese type designation	Both naturally aspirated and turbo cars; the SZ example is E-JZA80-ALMVF
GF-JZA80	Later Japanese type designation	Shown on the 1999 SZ catalogue entries
SZ / SZ-R	Naturally aspirated grades	2JZ-GE, 225 PS
RZ / GZ / RZ-S	Twin-turbo grades	2JZ-GTE, 280 PS

Toyota does not publish a letter-by-letter breakdown in the sources used; grade, engine and gearbox identify the car.

Key Takeaways

Dates are Toyota's Japanese release dates. Toyota's sources disagree on the month production ended in 2002 (July in the catalogue and Toyota UK, August in the heritage page), so only the year is used.

SZ and SZ-R use the 225 PS 2JZ-GE, so SZ-R is naturally aspirated; RZ, GZ and RZ-S use the 280 PS twin-turbo 2JZ-GTE.
Gearboxes follow grade and date: launch RZ six-speed or automatic; GZ automatic only; SZ-R six-speed from April 1996.
The 17-inch large-brake package was a twin-turbo option from August 1994 and standard on the late RZ.
Toyota lists 431.5 Nm for the May 1995 RZ and 451.1 Nm for the August 1999 RZ-S, so late turbo torque is higher.
Toyota UK counts 35 numbered factory TRD 3000GT cars; matching bodywork alone does not make one.
US age is counted from the build date, so 2002 builds do not reach 25 years until 2027; import eligibility is per car.

Background

Weight and chassis

Toyota's launch release says the new Supra is more than 100 kg lighter than the preceding model, without a matched-grade comparison. It used an aluminium hood, a plastic fuel tank, hollow-fibre carpet and a hollow-bead resin rear spoiler; the optional removable roof is also aluminium. The suspension is four-wheel double wishbone with light-alloy upper wishbones and a front crossmember, with Bilstein dampers on the launch RZ.

Gearbox and ratings

The RZ brought Toyota's first six-speed manual, developed jointly with Getrag of Germany. Power figures use Japanese PS ratings and are labelled by grade and date.

Technical Specifications

Figures are Toyota's Japanese ratings in PS and Nm, with the grade and catalogue date stated.

Engine Options

A80 SZ May 1993 launch
2JZ-GE

Displacement

2,997 cc

Aspiration

Naturally aspirated

Power

225 PS @ 6,000 rpm

Transmission

5MT / 4AT

JZA80
A80 SZ-R Aug 1994
2JZ-GE

Displacement

2,997 cc

Aspiration

Naturally aspirated

Power

225 PS @ 6,000 rpm

Torque

284.4 Nm @ 4,800 rpm

Transmission

5MT

LSD, 1,430 kg
A80 RZ / GZ May 1993 launch
2JZ-GTE

Displacement

2,997 cc

Aspiration

Sequential twin turbo

Power

280 PS @ 5,600 rpm

Transmission

RZ 6MT or 4AT; GZ 4AT

JZA80
A80 RZ May 1995 catalogue
2JZ-GTE

Displacement

2,997 cc

Aspiration

Sequential twin turbo

Power

280 PS @ 5,600 rpm

Torque

431.5 Nm @ 3,600 rpm

1,490 kg
A80 RZ-S Aug 1999 catalogue
2JZ-GTE

Displacement

2,997 cc

Aspiration

Sequential twin turbo

Power

280 PS @ 5,600 rpm

Torque

451.1 Nm @ 3,600 rpm

Transmission

4AT

1,500 kg

Transmission Options

Type	Availability	Notes
5-speed manual / 4-speed ECT-S automatic	SZ	Launch SZ in 1993 and the 1999 SZ catalogue entries.
6-speed manual (Getrag)	Launch RZ; SZ-R from April 1996; late RZ and SZ-R six-speed only	Toyota's first six-speed manual, developed with Getrag of Germany for the RZ.
4-speed automatic	GZ (launch); RZ-S (ECT-iE) alongside the six-speed; SZ (ECT-S)	The launch GZ and GZ Aero Top are listed with the automatic only.

US Import Eligibility

NHTSA's safety exemption starts 25 years from each car's manufacture date under 49 CFR 591.5(i). EPA's separate age provision requires the original engine configuration or an eligible EPA-certified replacement engine and emissions system. State registration rules vary. Canada counts its 15-year federal age exemption by manufacture month and year. Check the car's documents before shipping. Calculate import costs →

Sources: 49 CFR 591.5 (eCFR) ; EPA: learn about importing vehicles and engines ; EPA: importing vehicles and engines guidance (NEPIS) ; CBSA Memorandum D9-1-11

Variants & Trims

Grades follow Toyota's launch release and Japanese catalogues; availability depends on grade and date.

Generation	Trim	Engine	Key Features
A80 Supra (Japan, 1993–2002)	SZ	2JZ-GE 3.0L I6	Naturally aspirated; 5MT or 4AT ECT-S; 1,410 kg at launch; E-JZA80-ALMVF; later GF-JZA80
A80 Supra (Japan, 1993–2002)	SZ-R	2JZ-GE 3.0L I6	From Aug 1994: Bilstein dampers, lateral-G ABS and Torsen LSD; 5MT, then Getrag 6MT from Apr 1996 (1,450 kg in Aug 1997); naturally aspirated
A80 Supra (Japan, 1993–2002)	RZ	2JZ-GTE 3.0L I6 twin turbo	Launch 6MT or 4AT; Bilstein dampers; 1,490 kg; 17-inch large-brake package optional from Aug 1994, standard on the late RZ; later catalogues list six-speed only
A80 Supra (Japan, 1993–2002)	GZ	2JZ-GTE 3.0L I6 twin turbo	Higher-equipment launch turbo grade; 4AT only (GZ and GZ Aero Top); 1,540 kg
A80 Supra (Japan, 1993–2002)	RZ-S	2JZ-GTE 3.0L I6 twin turbo	Added May 1995; late catalogues list 6MT or 4AT ECT-iE; Aug 1999 4AT example 1,500 kg, 451.1 Nm, 16-inch tyres

Should You Buy a Toyota Supra A80?

Strengths come from Toyota's releases and catalogues; the cautions are Road & Track inspection leads and Toyota's own parts list.

Why You'll Love It

A dated Japanese specification Toyota's launch release and catalogues give grade-by-grade power, mass, dimensions and gearbox, so a car can be matched to its catalogue year.
Weight-conscious construction Toyota cites an aluminium hood, plastic fuel tank, hollow-fibre carpet and a hollow-bead resin rear spoiler, and a saving of more than 100 kg over the preceding model.
Suspension and safety equipment Four-wheel double wishbones, Bilstein dampers on the RZ, four-channel lateral-G-sensing ABS on turbo models at launch and an active front spoiler on RZ and GZ.
A choice of six-speed or automatic Toyota's first six-speed manual was developed with Getrag for the RZ; SZ, RZ-S and GZ cars offered automatics.

Why You Might Not

Grade names mislead SZ-R is naturally aspirated, RZ-S is a separate later turbo grade, and the launch GZ was an automatic only.
Early cars had optional airbags Driver and passenger airbags were optional at the Japanese launch; ABS and both front airbags became standard on all cars in April 1996.
Modification is common Road & Track warns that modifications are common on aged Supras, so originality and workmanship need checking.
Ageing leads from a US-published guide The guide flags leaking valve seals and leaky Targa tops on turbo cars and whining under power from the driveline.
Factory parts support is selective GR Heritage reproduces selected parts only; stock and regional availability limit it.

Who Should NOT Buy This

Anyone buying an SZ-R expecting a turbo: it is the naturally aspirated sport grade.
Anyone paying TRD 3000GT money for bodywork alone: Toyota UK counts 35 factory-built cars, each with a numbered plate.
Anyone assuming a US or European specification applies to a Japanese car: outputs and equipment differ, and even rear glass is market-specific.
Anyone buying a modified car without records of the work.

Common Issues & Solutions

Items are guide-based inspection leads and a Toyota parts warning, not measured failure rates.

Issue	Cause	Solution
Modified or heavily tuned cars	Road & Track's buyer's guide says modifications are common on Supras of this age.	Inspect workmanship, ask for build records, and prefer documented cars.
Driveline whine under power	The same guide advises listening for whining under power on the turbo driveline.	Road test under load and have any noise diagnosed before purchase.
Valve-seal and removable-roof leaks	Road & Track flags leaking valve seals and leaky Targa tops on aged turbo cars. Roof leaks apply only to cars with the removable roof.	Check for oil use and inspect the roof seals on roof-equipped cars.
Market-specific rear glass	Toyota's Heritage list warns that US rear glass 68131-14320 cannot be used in Japan because its printed antenna pattern differs.	Confirm the correct current Japanese part with Toyota before ordering.

Differences between JDM & USDM

This page covers the Japanese JZA80. Toyota Japan prints 225 PS for the 2JZ-GE and 280 PS for the 2JZ-GTE, and the Japanese range ran from May 1993 until 2002. Airbags were optional at the Japanese launch, so another market's standard-equipment list should not be assumed. Toyota's Heritage list warns that US rear glass cannot be used on Japanese cars. US and European outputs and equipment need their own dated sources and are not compared here.

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Verify the plate and catalogue year, gearbox, originality, edition claims and leaks in that order.

Critical Priority

Plate, grade and catalogue year Both naturally aspirated and turbo cars are JZA80. Confirm the grade, engine and transmission against the right catalogue year; SZ-R is naturally aspirated and RZ-S is distinct from RZ.
Originality and modification Look for workmanship and records; modifications are common.

High Priority

Gearbox Launch RZ: six-speed or automatic; GZ: automatic; SZ: five-speed or automatic. SZ-R was five-speed in August 1994 and six-speed from April 1996.
TRD 3000GT claims A factory TRD 3000GT has its own numbered plate; individual components were also dealer-fit accessories.
Import paperwork Use each car's build month: US age is counted from manufacture date, and EPA, customs and registration rules still apply.

Medium Priority

Brakes and ABS The 17-inch large-brake package was a twin-turbo option from August 1994; ABS and both front airbags are standard on all cars from April 1996.
Engine and roof leaks Check valve seals and, on roof-equipped cars, the removable-roof seals.
Driveline Listen for whining under power on a road test.
Parts Check the GR Heritage list for the part and application, and confirm market-specific items such as rear glass.

Generation History

Generation span (Supra, Japan) (1993–2002)

On sale from 24 May 1993; Toyota's heritage page ends production in August 2002, while its catalogue and Toyota UK say July
The Japanese range was SZ and RZ/GZ at launch, then SZ-R (1994) and RZ-S (1995)

Launch (24 May 1993)

SZ naturally aspirated (225 PS); RZ and GZ twin turbo (280 PS); Toyota's first six-speed manual, with Getrag
More than 100 kg lighter than the preceding model; R134a refrigerant; driver and passenger airbags optional

SZ-R and large-brake option (August 1994)

SZ-R added as a naturally aspirated sport grade with five-speed, Bilstein dampers and Torsen LSD
17-inch high-performance tyres and large brakes offered as an option on the twin turbo

RZ-S (May 1995)

RZ-S added as a distinct turbo grade with selected audio and steering equipment

April 1996 revision (April 1996)

SZ-R adopted the Getrag six-speed
ABS and both front airbags standard on all cars

Final years (1999–2002)

August 1999 RZ-S catalogue lists 451.1 Nm; the September 2001 catalogue says production would end in July 2002

Market Data

Grades follow Toyota's launch release and Japanese catalogues; availability depends on grade and date.

Reported Counts & Rarity

Generation	Years	Reported Count	Notes
TRD 3000GT (factory-built)	from 1994	35	Toyota UK's count of complete cars with numbered plates; accessory-fitted cars are not included.

Motorsport Heritage

Le Mans 1995: Supra LM finished 14th overall Supra GT500 cars still raced in the 2006 Super GT final round 2007 Tokachi 24 Hours: Supra HV-R (V8 hybrid) won

Series	Years	Result	Car
24 Heures du Mans	1995–1996	Best result 14th overall in 1995, for Marco Apicella, Jeff Krosnoff and Mauro Martini	Supra LM (GT category race car)
Super GT (GT500)	to 2006	Two Toyota Supras entered the November 2006 final round, fielded by Team Tsuchiya and Team SARD.	Supra GT500 (race car)
Tokachi 24 Hours	2007	Won the race outright with a modified 4.5-litre V8 hybrid, not a 2JZ road engine	Supra HV-R

Sources: ACO, Toyota Gazoo Racing 2006 race report, Toyota Gazoo Racing

In Pictures

Toyota Supra RZ (E-JZA80), blue coupe — Japanese-market RZ (E-JZA80). The grade follows the Commons file description, not a chassis-plate inspection. Third party Image by Tokumeigakarinoaoshima CC0 Original file Modified: Resized

The Buyer's Read

Start with the plate and the catalogue year. Both naturally aspirated and turbo cars are JZA80, so the grade, engine and gearbox decide what you are buying: SZ and SZ-R are 225 PS 2JZ-GE cars, RZ, GZ and RZ-S are 280 PS twin turbos.

Gearboxes and equipment changed by date. The launch RZ offered the Getrag six-speed or an automatic, the GZ was automatic, the SZ-R began as a five-speed in August 1994 and took the six-speed in April 1996, and ABS and both front airbags became standard on all cars that month. The large 17-inch brake package was a twin-turbo option from August 1994, and late turbo catalogues list 451.1 Nm.

For condition, Road & Track says modifications are common, so favour documented cars and listen for whine under power; check valve seals and any removable-roof seals. A TRD 3000GT should have its numbered plate. Toyota's Heritage list supports some parts but not all. If the car is imported, count age from the build month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the SZ-R naturally aspirated or twin turbo?: Naturally aspirated. Toyota's August 1994 catalogue lists the SZ-R with the 2JZ-GE at 225 PS, a five-speed manual and standard LSD. The turbo grades are RZ, GZ and RZ-S.
Which SZ-R years have a five-speed or six-speed?: Toyota documents a five-speed SZ-R from August 1994 and a Getrag six-speed from the April 1996 revision, still listed in August 1997. For cars from the months between, check the individual car.
How do I tell a factory RZ from a converted SZ?: The JZA80 code is shared. Verify factory records, engine and gearbox against the catalogue year. The launch RZ had Bilstein dampers; late catalogues list REAS suspension and the large-brake package on RZ. Equipment alone cannot authenticate a converted car.
Do Japanese and US A80 parts always interchange?: No. Toyota's Heritage list warns that US rear glass 68131-14320 cannot be used in Japan because of a different printed antenna pattern. US and European outputs and equipment are separate comparisons and are not covered here.
Was the TRD 3000GT a complete car or a body kit?: Both existed. Toyota UK says every TRD component could be ordered as a dealer-fit accessory, but the factory-built model, 35 examples, carried its own numbered plate that reclassified it as a TRD 3000GT.
When does a late Japanese A80 become US-import eligible?: NHTSA's form accepts a vehicle 25 or more years old, counted from manufacture date, so a 2002 build reaches 25 years in 2027. EPA still expects the original engine model and configuration, and registration rules apply.

45 sources cited below

Sources & References

Sources (45)

15年前にほぼ仕入れ値で譲ってもらった、ワンオーナー、走行距離2.4万km、1985年型、トヨタ・セリカXXスーパー2000GT 見ているだけで10代の頃の記憶が鮮やかに蘇る！ — ENGINE Verified
TOYOTA CELICA UNDERGOES FULL MODEL CHANGE — Toyota Verified
TOYOTA ANNOUNCES NEW CELICA XX WITH HIGH PERFORMANCE TWIN CAM, 24-VALVE ENGINE — Toyota Verified
TOYOTA INTRODUCES A NEW MODEL―THE SUPRA — Toyota Verified
TOYOTA INTRODUCES NEW CELICA MODIFIED FOR HIGHER PERFORMANCE — Toyota Verified
MINOR MODEL CHANGE FOR SUPRA — Toyota Verified
TOYOTA LAUNCHES ALL-NEW SUPRA — Toyota Verified
TOYOTA ANNOUNCES MINOR CHANGES TO SUPRA — Toyota Verified
Toyota Rolls Out New Supra — Toyota Verified
Toyota to Reproduce and Sell Additional Spare Parts for the A70 and A80 Supra — Toyota Verified
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Outlines Supra Enhancements — Toyota Verified
TGR Announces Partially Upgraded Supra (3.0-liter) and Special-edition Supra "A90 Final Edition" — Toyota Verified
TGR Launches Partially Upgraded Supra RZ Grade and Special-edition Supra "A90 Final Edition" in Japan — Toyota Verified
TOYOTA、スープラ RZのエンジン改良型を発売 — Toyota Verified
GR Supra GT4、生産100台に到達 — Toyota Verified
History of the Toyota Supra | Toyota UK — Toyota UK Verified
TRD 3000GT - history of a very special Supra | Toyota UK — Toyota UK Verified
2021 Toyota GR Supra - MotorWeek — MotorWeek Verified
Importing Older Vehicles into Canada — Transport Canada Verified
Toyota Supra brochure and specifications (2019 archive, with October 2019 information) — Toyota Motor Corporation Verified
トヨタリコール等情報｜ 2021年｜スープラのリコール — Toyota Verified
スープラ（トヨタ）の車両情報 — Toyota Verified
スープラ(1990年8月～1991年8月) ２．５ＧＴツインターボエアロトップの車両情報 — Toyota Verified
スープラ(1990年8月～1991年8月) ２．０ＧＴツインターボワイドボディーエレクトロニクス仕様車の車両情報 — Toyota Verified
スープラ(1990年8月～1991年8月) ２．０ＧＴツインターボ標準ボディーの車両情報 — Toyota Verified
スープラ(1994年8月～1995年5月) ＳＺ－Ｒの車両情報 — Toyota Verified
スープラ(1995年5月～1996年4月) ＲＺの車両情報 — Toyota Verified
スープラ(1997年8月～1999年8月) ＳＺ－Ｒの車両情報 — Toyota Verified
スープラ(1999年8月～2001年9月) ＲＺ－Ｓの車両情報 — Toyota Verified
スープラ(2022年10月～2025年3月) ＲＺの車両情報 — Toyota Verified
GR Heritage Parts: A70 Supra reproduction parts list — Toyota Gazoo Racing Verified
GR Heritage Parts: A80 Supra reproduction parts list — Toyota Gazoo Racing Verified
SUPER GT 2006年第9戦（最終戦）FUJI GT 300km RACE | プレスリリース | SUPER GT | TOYOTA MOTOR SPORTS — Toyota Verified
RACING HYBRID [THS-R] HISTORY | 2019-2020 | WEC | GAZOO Racing — Toyota Verified
Toyota and the impact of the 24 Hours of Le Mans — Automobile Club de l'Ouest Verified
Learn About Importing Vehicles and Engines | US EPA — US EPA Verified
Collectible Classic: 1982–1986 Toyota Celica Supra — MotorTrend Verified
NHTSA form HS-7: Declaration for importation of motor vehicles and motor vehicle equipment — NHTSA Verified
Toyota Supra Buyer's Guide: Every Generation from the Mk1 to Mk5 — Road & Track Verified
1988 Toyota Supra Turbo A review: the Supra we never got — The Drive Verified
Toyota 75 Years: Vehicle Lineage - Supra (first Japanese Supra generation) — Toyota Verified
Toyota 75 Years: Vehicle Lineage - Celica XX (second generation) — Toyota Verified
トヨタ企業サイト | トヨタ自動車75年史 | 車両系統図 | 車両詳細情報 — Toyota Verified
Toyota Japan FAQ: factory-fitted tyre and wheel sizes, including Supra production status — Toyota Verified
Toyota Supra RZ eight-speed automatic catalogue (October 2022–March 2025) — Toyota Verified

Sources last verified: 2026-10-12

Period	Sales	Median	Middle half
All · last 48 months	n=22	US$45,380	US$39.6–58.0K
2023	n=1	Fewer than 5 sales: not summarised
2025	n=1	Fewer than 5 sales: not summarised
2026	n=20	US$47,000	US$39.9–58.5K

Overview

Chassis-code reference

Chassis Code Explained

Key Takeaways

Background

Weight and chassis

Gearbox and ratings

Technical Specifications

Engine Options

Transmission Options

Variants & Trims

Should You Buy a Toyota Supra A80?

Why You'll Love It

Why You Might Not

Who Should NOT Buy This

Common Issues & Solutions

Differences between JDM & USDM

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Critical Priority

High Priority

Medium Priority

Generation History

Generation span (Supra, Japan) (1993–2002)

Launch (24 May 1993)

SZ-R and large-brake option (August 1994)

RZ-S (May 1995)

April 1996 revision (April 1996)

Final years (1999–2002)

Market Data

Reported Counts & Rarity

Motorsport Heritage

In Pictures

The Buyer's Read

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & References

Buyer inquiries distinct buyer-to-seller conversations · last 26 weeks · 317 total