Official Announcement and Background
On Friday, Toyota officially announced the end of production for the 4-cylinder Supra after a brief three-year run. A spokesperson for Toyota confirmed, “Yes, the four-cylinder car will no longer be in our lineup.” This decision marks a significant shift in Toyota’s strategy for the Supra model, focusing now exclusively on the more powerful six-cylinder variants.
Toyota initially revived the Supra nameplate in 2019 with a six-cylinder engine, rekindling the excitement among sports car enthusiasts. The introduction of the 4-cylinder model in 2021 aimed to make the Supra more accessible by offering a more affordable and fuel-efficient option. Despite its positive reception, the 4-cylinder Supra did not achieve the sales figures Toyota had anticipated.
Sales Performance and Market Impact
In 2023, sales of the Supra were notably low, with only 2,652 units sold, while other sports cars experienced increased sales. Although Toyota does not specify sales figures by model or engine, it is believed that the 4-cylinder Supra accounted for the lowest sales, prompting this decision. The market’s preference for more powerful engines in sports cars may have contributed to the lower demand for the 4-cylinder variant.
The discontinuation of the 4-cylinder Supra aligns with a broader industry trend where consumers show a clear preference for high-performance models. This shift underscores the importance of catering to market demands, especially in the competitive sports car segment.
Technical Specifications and Performance
As a reminder, here are the specifications of the 2024 4-cylinder Toyota Supra: This version features a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 255 hp and 218 Nm of torque. It is paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox, enabling the car to accelerate from 0 to 96 km/h in about 5 seconds. This engine provided a balance of performance and efficiency, appealing to drivers seeking a sporty yet practical option.
In contrast, the Toyota GR Supra, which has been tested multiple times, is powered by a 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder turbocharged engine delivering 382 hp and 271 Nm of torque. This model is available with either an 8-speed automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual gearbox. It accelerates from 0 to 96 km/h in 3.9 seconds with the automatic transmission and in 4.2 seconds with the manual transmission. The six-cylinder model’s superior performance likely contributed to its higher popularity among sports car enthusiasts.
Future Prospects and Pricing
Prospective buyers of the 2025 Supra should note a slight price increase for the six-cylinder model. The starting price for the 2025 Supra is $57,335, equivalent to 215,006 Saudi riyals, including shipping and delivery fees of $1,095 (4,106 Saudi riyals). This represents an $840 increase over the 2024 model. The cost of the Supra 3.0 Premium is $60,495, equivalent to 226,856 Saudi riyals. This price adjustment reflects the increased demand for the higher-performance six-cylinder models and the continued enhancements in technology and features.
