Four-cylinder Toyota Supra “might” come to Australia

A spokesperson for Toyota’s local arm today confirmed to MOTOR that there’s no set plans to bring the two specifications of four-cylinder Toyota Supra to Australia, with the headline six-cylinder car being the only one available from launch.

While it’s something Toyota may consider once there’s a clearer indication of demand, there’s another underlying reason the four-pot Supra would, in theory, be a success: a four-cylinder Supra addresses many of the complaints often directed at the Toyota 86.

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With the higher of the two four-pot variants producing 190kW and 400Nm from its turbo 2.0-litre BMW inline engine, those who want something faster than an 86 (0-100km/h takes 5.1sec vs the 86’s 7+ secs) albeit without the manual gearbox, would have the answer to their question.

Even the lowest specification of 145kW/320Nm is capable of a 6.5 second run to 100km/h thanks to the extra torque a turbocharger provides over Subaru’s N/A flat four (as well as much more linear delivery). And that’s with 7kW fewer than the 152kW/212Nm 86.

Of course, four-cylinder Supras would cost more than an 86, as well as being around 200kg heavier at an estimated 1410-1450kg, but a heavy sportscar selling well isn’t anything new (looking at you, Mustang GT).

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In the meantime, Toyota Australia has said it’s not taking deposits yet, rather waiting to confirm specific details, including a price, for the six-cylinder variant and keeping those who’ve expressed interest updated.

Toyota says it’s bringing fewer than 500 units of the Supra to Australia for the first 12 months.