What materials are used in the Toyota Supra?
The Toyota Supra relies on a steel backbone with aluminum body panels, a BMW-sourced turbocharged inline-six with aluminum construction, and an interior built from plastics, leather or synthetic materials.
Body and Chassis Materials
To achieve stiffness while keeping weight in check, Toyota blends materials in the Supra’s structure and panels.
- High-strength steel for the bodyshell and critical crash-load paths
- Aluminum for major exterior panels, such as the hood and front fenders
- Steel subframes and underbody components to support rigidity and durability
- Glass for all windows, including laminated windscreen and tempered side/rear panes
- Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) components are rarely used in production models; may appear in concept or aftermarket upgrade pieces
In practice, the Supra’s body construction prioritizes a steel primary structure with selective aluminum panels to reduce weight without sacrificing rigidity.
A80/Mk4 (1993–2002)
The Mk4 Supra used a steel unibody with aluminum components to trim weight. The engine, the 2JZ-GTE, employed an iron block paired with an aluminum cylinder head, delivering durability under boost. Structural members relied on high-strength steel to maintain rigidity during aggressive driving.
A90/GR Supra (2019–present)
The current generation follows a modern approach: a steel unibody with aluminum exterior panels (notably the hood and front fenders) to save weight while preserving overall rigidity. The interior blends plastics, soft-touch materials, and leather or synthetic leather depending on trim, with metal accents and a driver-focused cockpit. Power comes from a BMW-sourced turbocharged inline-six that uses an aluminum engine architecture typical of the B58 family, complemented by aluminum ancillaries and a robust turbo system.
Powertrain and Interior Materials
Materials in the engine and cabin emphasize performance, durability, and everyday practicality.
- Engine: BMW-sourced turbocharged inline-six (B58 family) with an aluminum block and head in production units, plus internal components in alloy and steel as required for durability
- Intake, exhaust, and turbo systems: alloys and stainless steel for manifolds, piping, and heat protection
- Transmission housing: typically aluminum or steel depending on the model variant, with steel gears and alloys for rotating components
- Interior: hard and soft plastics, soft-touch upper surfaces, leather or synthetic leather upholstery, and fabric materials in various trims
- Windows and glazing: tempered glass for side and rear panes, with laminated glass for the windshield in most markets
These materials are standard across the Supra lineup, with minor trim- and market-specific variations.
Notes on Variants and Upgrades
Performance-focused editions or aftermarket packages may introduce additional lightweight components or cosmetic upgrades, but the mainstream production Supra remains a balanced mix of steel, aluminum, plastics, and standard automotive alloys to deliver performance and reliability.
Summary
Across its generations, the Toyota Supra combines a steel backbone with aluminum body panels to reduce weight while maintaining rigidity. The engine is BMW-sourced and built around an aluminum architecture, while the cabin relies on conventional automotive materials such as plastics, leather or fabrics, and various metal trims. This material mix supports the Supra’s blend of performance, daily usability, and durability.
Are Supra wheels aluminum?
Our Toyota Supra wheels combine carbon composite rims with aluminum centers, delivering high performance with bold design flexibility.
What is the make of a Supra?
Toyota makes the Supra, but its production is a collaborative effort with BMW, which provides key components like the engine and transmission for the current generation. The cars are built by the contract manufacturer Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria, which also builds the BMW Z4.
- Parent company: Toyota is the manufacturer of the Supra.
- Partnership: The current fifth-generation Supra was developed in partnership with BMW, which is why it shares many components with the BMW Z4.
- Production location: The cars are manufactured by Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria, a separate contract manufacturer.
What is the body material of the Toyota Supra?
The 2020 Toyota Supra — which the OEM calls first U.S. edition of the sports car in 21 years — will roar onto streets with a mixed-material body design involving a number of aluminum and high-strength steel parts and a rear hatch made from a polypropylene composite.
Why is the 1994 Supra illegal?
The 1994 Toyota Supra is not illegal and is not banned, despite a persistent rumor about it being blacklisted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for long-term reliability issues. While the NHTSA did document a list of faults after testing the Mk4 Supra, this did not lead to a ban, and the car is currently legal to own and import under the 25-year rule.
The reality of the "ban"
- Rumor vs. fact: The story of a 1994 Supra ban is a long-standing internet rumor that stems from the NHTSA's testing results.
- NHTSA testing: The NHTSA did find issues with the model during its testing, but these complaints did not result in a ban.
- Legal status: There is no public record of the NHTSA banning the car. The 1994 model is legal to own and drive, and importantly, it can be imported into the U.S. because it is over 25 years old.
