Did Nissan make Supra?
The Toyota Supra is one of the most iconic sports cars in automotive history, known for its performance, sleek design, and legendary status among car enthusiasts. However, a common question that arises is whether Nissan, another Japanese automaker, had any involvement in the creation of the Supra. Let’s dive into the history and clarify this misconception.
The Origins of the Toyota Supra
The Toyota Supra was first introduced in 1978 as the Toyota Celica Supra, a high-performance variant of the Toyota Celica. Over the years, it evolved into its own distinct model, with the fourth-generation Supra (A80) becoming particularly famous thanks to its appearance in movies like "The Fast and the Furious" and its reputation as a tuner-friendly car.
Throughout its history, the Supra has been exclusively developed and manufactured by Toyota. Nissan, a competitor of Toyota, had no involvement in the design, engineering, or production of the Supra. Nissan has its own lineup of sports cars, such as the Nissan Z series (e.g., 240Z, 300ZX, 350Z, and the modern 370Z and Z models) and the Nissan GT-R, which are direct competitors to the Supra.
Why the Confusion?
The confusion about Nissan's involvement in the Supra may stem from the following reasons:
- Similar Market Segment: Both Toyota and Nissan produce high-performance sports cars that appeal to similar audiences, leading to comparisons and mix-ups.
- Collaborations in the Automotive Industry: While Toyota and Nissan have not collaborated on the Supra, Toyota has partnered with other automakers, such as BMW for the latest Supra (A90), which shares its platform and engine with the BMW Z4. This might lead some to assume other collaborations exist.
- General Misunderstandings: Car enthusiasts or casual observers may mistakenly associate the Supra with Nissan due to the prominence of both brands in the sports car market.
Nissan's Contributions to the Sports Car World
While Nissan did not make the Supra, it has made significant contributions to the sports car world. The Nissan Z series and the GT-R are legendary in their own right, offering cutting-edge technology, powerful engines, and a rich motorsport heritage. These vehicles have often been compared to the Supra, fueling the rivalry between the two brands.
Conclusion
To set the record straight: Nissan did not make the Supra. The Supra is a Toyota creation, developed and manufactured by Toyota since its inception. Nissan, on the other hand, has its own legacy of sports cars that compete with the Supra in the market. Both brands have made remarkable contributions to the automotive world, but their creations remain distinct and separate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who will win, Supra or GTR?
The A80 Supra won the first round after a decider that ended in a photo finish. However, with the AWD traction advantage and the impeccable skill of the Skyline GT-R's driver, the Nissan totally destroyed the Toyota when starting from a dig – and that was despite the Supra's huge power and weight advantages.
Which company built Supra?
Toyota originally revealed the Supra name in April 1978, selected as a new suffix designation for a longer, wider and more powerful spin-off of the second-generation Celica coupé (above). The model was additionally identified by its A40 chassis code.
Who built Paul Walker's Supra?
"The car was built by Eddie Paul at The Shark Shop in El Segundo, CA, for the first movie and brought back and modified by the original builder for its role as 'Slap Jack's Supra' in the sequel," according to the auction house.
Is Supra or GTR better?
The Nissan GTR is undeniably powerful, but it falls short of the excellent fuel economy of the GR Supra. The 2021 GTR only earns an EPA-estimated 16 city/22 highway MPG. Even the available engine of the GR Supra is able to top the Nissan GTR; it earns an EPA-estimated 22 city/30 highway MPG.
What car brand is a Supra?
The Toyota Supra (Japanese: トヨタ・スープラ, Hepburn: Toyota Sūpura) is a sports car and grand tourer manufactured by the Toyota Motor Corporation beginning in 1978.
Is Supra actually a BMW?
You may have heard that the Toyota is actually a BMW in sheep's clothing. It's true that the Supra has a BMW engine and transmission and that the chassis for these cars was co-designed by the two manufacturers. But once the basic structures were figured out, BMW and Toyota went their own separate directions.
Is Supra made by Nissan?
With a spirited performance, the 2024 GR Supra continues its celebrated status in Toyota's sports car lineage. On the other side, the Nissan Z, redesigned in its seventh generation in 2023, impresses with its torque-rich V6 engine and a design that fuses retro and modern elements.
Are Celica and Supra the same?
The styling of the original Supra was derived from the Toyota Celica, but it was longer. Starting in mid-1986, the A70 Supra became a separate model from the Celica. In turn, Toyota also stopped using the prefix Celica and named the car Supra.
How much is the Nissan Z?
The 2024 Nissan Z has a starting sticker price of $44,110, with the range-topping Z NISMO kicking off at $66,890.
Is Nissan Z faster than Supra?
Despite its power advantage, the Z can't make up lost ground in the quarter mile, either; it takes 13.5 seconds for it to cross the finish line at 105.3 mph, while the Supra gets there in 12.8 seconds at 114.0 mph.
