Is the Toyota Celica like a Supra?
No. The Celica and Supra are not the same car; the Supra began as a high-performance Celica variant in the 1980s but has since evolved into its own model line.
The Celica was Toyota's compact, sporty two-door coupe produced across multiple generations from the 1970s until 2006. The Supra emerged from the Celica's performance variants in the 1980s and gradually became a distinct nameplate, especially with the latest GR Supra that rides on a BMW-developed platform. This article outlines their origins, how they diverged, and how they compare today.
Celica generations: a quick overview
The Celica evolved through several generations, ranging from early lightweight coupes to later, more refined sport-oriented designs. Below is a snapshot of its major generations and their general characteristics.
- First generation (1970–1977): lightweight, affordable sport coupe that helped establish the Celica’s sporty image.
- Second generation (1977–1981): improved styling and handling, with growth in power options.
- Third generation (1981–1985): more aerodynamic design and enhanced performance variants.
- Fourth generation (1985–1989): further refinement and the introduction of turbo and rally-inspired variants in some markets.
- Fifth generation (1989–1993): modernized styling, broader engine choices, and the beginning of more international markets.
- Sixth generation (1993–1999): continued evolution with more sophisticated dynamics and the emergence of notable performance variants.
- Seventh generation (1999–2006): final production run, with a shift toward front-wheel-drive layouts and a broad fiat of features before the model was discontinued.
These generations show the Celica’s arc from a simple, light sport coupe to increasingly feature-rich designs, including high-performance variants.
Supra through the years: from Celica’s top trim to its own automobile
The Supra’s lineage begins as a top trim within the Celica lineup (often called Celica Supra in its early days) and evolves into a standalone performance model. Here’s how the Supra developed across its notable generations.
- Early Celica Supra (late 1970s–early 1980s): the Supra started as a higher-performance version of the Celica in some markets.
- A70 (1986–1992): established the Supra as a distinct, performance-focused model with a turbocharged inline-six and more aggressive tuning.
- A80 (1993–1998): refined the formula with the iconic 2JZ-GTE turbocharged engine, cementing the Supra’s reputation for straight-line speed and tuning potential.
- Modern GR Supra (2019–present): reborn as a standalone model developed with BMW, built on a joint platform (BMW Z4) and offered with both turbocharged inline-six and, in some markets, four-cylinder variants.
Across its history, the Supra has shifted from being a Celica variant to being Toyota’s dedicated performance flagship, especially in the modern era where it stands apart from the Celica in price, engineering, and positioning.
Key differences between the Celica and the Supra today
Today, the Celica nameplate is no longer in production, while the Supra remains a core part of Toyota’s performance lineup. The two cars differ in platform, engineering philosophy, and market position, but they share a common heritage in Toyota’s sport-oriented design language.
- Platform and engineering: Celica generations were built on various Toyota architectures over the years, often focused on lightweight sport styling and handling, with rally-ready variants like the GT-Four. The current GR Supra is built on a BMW-developed platform (Z4-based) with modern turbocharged engines and advanced electronics.
- Performance emphasis: Celica offered a range of powertrains and configurations across its life, including rear-wheel-drive layouts and AWD variants in rally-focused models. The Supra is geared toward higher performance, with turbocharged engines and a primary focus on speed and handling at the sport end of the spectrum.
- Branding and market position: The Celica served as Toyota’s more affordable, approachable sport coupe. The Supra has typically occupied the higher end of Toyota’s lineup, acting as a halo or sports-performance model, especially in its modern GR form.
- Current availability: The Celica nameplate has been discontinued since 2006 in most markets. The GR Supra continues to be sold globally, with ongoing updates and special editions that emphasize its performance credentials.
In summary, while the Supra’s early roots lie in the Celica’s performance variants, today they occupy very different places in Toyota’s catalog. The Celica was a family of sporty coupes, whereas the Supra evolved into its own high-performance sportscar, particularly in the modern era.
Summary
The Toyota Celica and Supra are not interchangeable cars. The Supra began as a performance variant of the Celica in the late 20th century, but it has grown into a distinct model line, especially with the modern GR Supra that sits on a BMW-based platform. The Celica name is retired, while the Supra remains Toyota’s flagship sporty coupe, with a separate evolution and engineering focus that sets it apart from its Celica origins.
What car is comparable to a Supra?
Toyota Supra vs. the competition
| Model | Starting price range | Maximum horsepower |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 Mazda MX-5 Miata | $28,665 to $39,215 | 181 @ 7000 |
| 2023 Subaru BRZ | $29,615 to $32,115 | 228 horsepower |
| 2022 Chevrolet Camaro | $26,395 to $71,895 | 650 @ 6400 rpm |
| 2022 BMW Z4 | $50,895 to $64,695 | 382 @ 5000-6500 rpm |
What is the Toyota Celica based on?
Toyota Carina
This model is a derivative of the second-generation 1977–1981 Toyota Carina (A40 and A50) with front-end styling resembling that of the contemporary Celica XX.
Why was it called Celica Supra?
The Supra is a sports car and grand tourer made by Toyota starting from 1978, where it was based off the Celica liftback: as such, the first 2 generations were known as the Celica Supra. Its name is Latin for 'supreme', which incidentally was the idea that Toyota wanted to promote to buyers.
Are Celica and Supra the same?
When we compare the Toyota Celica's and the Toyota Supra's specifications and ratings, the Toyota Celica has the advantage in the area of fuel efficiency. The Toyota Supra has the advantage in the area of base engine power.
