The Toyota Supra Saga: Did Fan Hatred Seal Its Fate?
The fifth-generation A90 Toyota Supra, launched to substantial fanfare, has faced a chorus of criticism ever since its inception. Die-hard fans and automotive purists reprimanded the model for its BMW underpinnings, casting a shadow over what should have been a monumental return for the iconic nameplate. From the moment it debuted, detractors surfaced to disparage its shared BMW architecture, lamenting that it wasn't a 'real Toyota.' Fast forward to today, and these critical voices may have the final say, as reports suggest the Supra is nearing the end of its production run.
Behind the Criticism
Much of the vitriol directed toward the A90 Supra stems from its BMW-sourced components. Critics honed in on the BMW logo on the oil filter, dismissing the fact that Toyota was deeply involved in the final tuning and specifications. The collaborative effort led to a unique blend of Japanese engineering finesse and German mechanical precision. Despite this, purists remained obstinate, holding onto the belief that a true Supra should be 100% Toyota.
Production Woes and Future Uncertainty
A report from Automotive News has thrown gas onto the flames, signaling the end of Supra production by 2026. With BMW also ceasing production of its Z4 at the Magna Steyr plant in Austria, the future looks bleak for the A90. The end of the Z4 further complicates matters, given Toyota's hesitancy to develop coupes without a collaborative partner.
A Glimmer of Hope
Despite this ominous forecast, there’s a flicker of hope among enthusiasts. Tetsuya Tada, one of the most fervent supporters of the Supra within Toyota, hinted at a possible future for the model. During the A90’s initial launch, Tada-san spoke to Japanese Nostalgic Car, suggesting that an A100 iteration could someday grace us—albeit in a radically different form. “The A100 will come, one day, but the taste will probably be very different,” he said, suggesting it might be an EV or even an autonomous vehicle.
“The A100 might take the Supra name in a drastically different direction. Definitely different from the lineage of the A70 and A80,” Tada-san remarked, sparking both curiosity and skepticism.
While Tada-san remains optimistic, he did concede that future iterations may deviate significantly from the Supra's traditional formula. As he prepares to pass the baton to a new generation of engineers, the vision for the A100 remains nebulous.
The Irony of Purity
The irony here is palpable. Many enthusiasts mourned the loss of purity in the A90 Supra, clinging to the belief that unadulterated Toyota DNA should course through its veins. Yet, these same fans now face the prospect of a Supra lineage ending altogether. The pursuit of an ideal seems to have led to the undoing of a car that, by all accounts, embodied excellent performance and heritage.
As we wait to see what the future holds, one can't help but ponder: did the quest for an imagined perfection lead to the demise of a beloved icon? An electric or autonomous Supra might not see the same reverence, but in a world quickly shifting towards these technologies, it might be the future that ensures the legend endures.