The GR Supra 45th Anniversary Edition is founded on the 3.0 Premium Grade model and introduces several changes to the Premium Grade’s offerings, but these are ultimately skin-deep alterations. The 45th Anniversary Edition is offered in two colours namely, Mikan Blast (Mikan means orange in Japanese) and Absolute Zero (white).
The exterior of the special edition is characterized by the manually adjustable rear duck-tail spoiler and matte black 19-inch aluminium wheels sheathing black-painted brake callipers. To top it off, the special edition Supra is complemented by a side panel graphic. Only 900 examples of this special edition offshoot are planned for production and are exclusive to the American market.
Since the GR Supra 45th Anniversary Edition celebrates those that came before, let’s have a look at them and see the Supra badge’s evolution:
First Generation – Mark I (MkI) Supra (1979-1981):
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- Positioned as a luxury, rear-wheel drive sports model.
- Featured a 2.6-litre inline-six engine with a power output of 83kW.
- Available in both manual and automatic transmissions.
- In 1980, the A40 went back onto the operating table and adopted a 2.8-litre power plant delivering 125kW and 229N.m becoming what we know today as the A50 Celica Supra.
- Transitioned from a fixed axle rear suspension to a semi-trailing arm and coil spring system.
Second Generation – A60 Celica (MkII) Supra (1982-1986):
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- Redesigned with a more aerodynamic look, longer wheelbase, and stretched front end.
- Introduced retractable headlights and an independent rear suspension.
- Notable features included a digital instrument panel and the ‘Navicom’ car navigation system.
Third Generation – A70 Supra (MkIII) (1986-1992):
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- Redesigned with a sleek, aerodynamic body featuring a 0.33 coefficient of drag.
- Initially featured a 3.0-litre six-cylinder 7M-GE engine with 200-hp.
- Later offered a 7M-GTE engine with a sequential twin turbocharger system.
- Introduced anti-lock braking (ABS), four-wheel disc brakes, and electronically moderated suspension.
- Featured modern amenities like eight-way adjustable sports seats and power windows.
Fourth Generation – A80 Supra (MkIV) (1993-1998):
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- Offered a choice of two versions of the iconic 2JZ platform: a naturally aspirated 2JZ-GE and a twin-turbocharged 2JZ-GTE.
- Introduced advanced suspension system with electronic control for ride height and stiffness adjustments.
- Featured a distinctive design with a large, round front end and rear ducktail spoiler.
Fifth Generation – A90 GR Supra (MkV) (2019-present):
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- Revival of the Supra model after an almost 21-year-long hiatus.
- A collaborative effort with BMW, based on their Z4 platform.
- Turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six B58 engine with up to 250kW and 500N.m.
- Served as the pioneer model for the GR brand as we know it today.
Additionally, the GR Supra GT4 model was launched in 2020, allowing professional and amateur drivers to compete in GT4 racing. Continuous improvements have been made to the GT4 model, including increased power, optimized torque curve, improved cooling, updated brake system, and suspension enhancements.
Interested in buying an MKV Supra? Then have a look at the examples available on CARmag’s listings platform, click here.
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