Few names in the automotive world are as everlasting as Toyota. Wherever you go in the world, you will find vehicles produced by the legendary Japanese automaker. Founded by Kiichiro Toyoda in 1937, Toyota now operates in more than 170 countries worldwide and produces the highest-selling vehicle in a number of them.
While most people know Toyota for making passenger cars such as the Toyota Corolla and Camry and trucks such as the Toyota Tacoma and Toyota Tundra, Toyota has also made great strides in the luxury and sports car segments. True automotive enthusiasts recognize the pedigree Toyota has, and sports cars made by Toyota have a worldwide fanbase.
These vehicles are some of the most unique in the world because they combine two things: the reliability and accessibility that Toyota is known for, and the exhilarating performance and driving experience craved by enthusiasts. Factor in the sleek Japanese looks and styling cues, and you get a guaranteed recipe for success.
From the affordable GR86 to the fan-favorite Supra to the exotic Lexus LFA, Toyota has a wide-ranging portfolio of sports cars that caters to different tastes and preferences. Here are 10 things you should know about sports cars made by Toyota!
10 Toyota’s Are Reliable And Practical
This one is a no-brainer: Toyota makes some of the most reliable vehicles in the world. Toyota’s commitment to reliability isn’t just limited to mass-produced vehicles like the Corolla, Camry, and Tacoma, though, as it stretches across its entire lineup of sports cars. Robust construction and well-engineered drivetrains are hallmarks of Toyota vehicles and its sports cars are the perfect embodiment of these two things as well.
Out of the current lineup, the Toyota GR86 is the prime example of this since it inherits Toyota’s engineering ethos and delivers a well-rounded package that is as accessible and reliable as it is fun and thrilling to drive. Toyota sports cars allow drivers to enjoy high-performance experiences without disturbing their peace of mind, and that’s where their greatest strength lies.
9 Sports Cars Designed For Bleeding-Edge Performance
No sports car is complete without exhilarating performance. While looking cool on the road is part of the appeal, it is imperative for a sports car to be as fast as possible. Fortunately, Toyota knows this and has even created a dedicated performance department dubbed Toyota Gazoo Racing. The GR sub-brand takes part in endurance and rally races and the expertise developed there is carried over to sports cars as part of Toyota’s lineup.
Cars such as the Toyota 86 and the Supra now come with the GR branding. The purpose of this department is to deliver cutting-edge performance by pushing the boundaries of speed, handling, and intelligent design. The current-generation Supra is a result of this relentless pursuit of excellence and has produced some amazing performance numbers.
8 They Deliver Balanced Handling
A high-performing sports car isn’t supposed to just go fast in a straight line. It is supposed to gracefully glide around corners, hugs the road when needed, and still be capable of tearing across it when you put your foot down. Toyota’s sports cars are renowned for their handling, delivering a harmonious balance between raw acceleration and grip that unfolds like a mechanical symphony at the hands of the right driver.
Toyota is known to meticulously fine-tune the suspension, chassis, and weight distribution of its sports cars to find this optimal balance. Whether it’s the GR86 with its razor-sharp handling or the GR Supra with its driver-friendly design, delivering an immersive and engaging driving experience is in the DNA of sports cars made by Toyota.
7 Toyota Sportscars Have A Driver-Focused Design
Unlike exotic sports cars brands like Lamborghini, Ferrari, or Aston Martin, the value of a Toyota doesn’t come from the brand name or badge. It comes from the driving experience it provides. Toyota’s sports cars are designed to be as accessible and driver-focused as possible, prioritizing the needs of the person behind the wheel more than anything else.
The cockpit usually has a no-nonsense design philosophy and the potential for modification is immense. The fourth-generation Toyota Supra is a fan-favorite when it comes to after-market builds, with some of them pushing more than 2000 horsepower. The resurrected current-generation Supra hasn’t been modified to that extent yet, but it is already setting some records.
6 They Feature Sleek and Aerodynamic Styling
In order to maximize the potential of every design, both in terms of aesthetics and efficiency, Toyota is known to carefully place each design element to optimize airflow and enhance performance. While functionality is very much the focus in most designs, the sweeping curves and aggressive lines on models like the old Cellica give Toyota’s sports cars a commanding and immediately recognizable presence on the road.
Aerodynamic features such as spoilers and diffusers are heavily involved in the design to improve downforce and stability at high speeds, and this results in some menacing-looking vehicles. Toyota’s commitment to sleek and aerodynamic styling is evident in its sports cars and ensures that they look as fast as they drive.
5 They Are Equipped With Advanced Technology
Sports cars are engineering and technological marvels, and Toyota leaves no stone unturned to ensure its sports cars are equipped with the latest advances in automotive technology. From innovative driver-assistance features to the latest infotainment systems, these cars offer a unique blend of safety, convenience, and performance.
The technology isn’t just limited to big screens or safety features, though, since Toyota also equips its cars with advanced mechanical features adaptive suspensions, and innovative chassis construction. The iconic Lexus LFA, made by Toyota’s luxury sub-brand Lexus, is the perfect example of this. The LFA was ahead of its time when it comes to sports car tech, including a unique chassis composed of an aeronautical-grade carbon fiber-reinforced polymer monocoque that allowed for an extremely lightweight construction.
4 They Have Extremely Efficient Engines
If there is one thing that Toyota is known for apart from reliability, it’s efficiency. And we don’t just mean the ridiculous MPG figures delivered by hybrids such as the Toyota Prius. Toyota’s sports cars also have engines optimized for efficiency and squeeze out every last drop of potential from the fuel you put in them. Think of the highly tunable 1JZ and 2JZ engines from the 90s. In fact, the Mk4 Supra is a tuner’s wet dream.
Out of the current lineup of Toyota sports cars, the GR86 has a combined fuel economy rating of 22 MPG, the GR Corolla has a rating of 24 MPG and the GR Supra has a rating of 28 MPG for the base 2.0-liter version. Through continuous research and development, Toyota has produced remarkably efficient engines and these numbers are a testament to its commitment to efficiency in all types of vehicles.
3 Many Of Them Have Track-Ready Versions
The road is where you see most Toyotas, but Toyota has a rich motorsports history ranging from F1 to endurance championships. This racing pedigree is carried over to track-focused versions of Toyota’s sports car. The Supra A91-CF Edition, for example, was launched in 2021 as a track-ready version of the fifth-generation Supra.
It features a new carbon-fiber body kit and special-edition wheels and even came with a one-year membership to the National Auto Sport Association. The race-only version of the Supra is called the Supra GT4 and it recently received a refresh for the 2023 season. The GR86 has also received similar treatment with Toyota unveiling a track-focused GR86 Special Edition in 2022 along with a race-only version named the GR86 Cup.
2 They Are Designed To Be Fun And Engaging To Drive
Sports cars made by Toyota deliver value in a lot of ways, but the driving experience is at the very core of them. Designed to be as accessible as possible but still have enough depth to appeal to enthusiasts, these cars are renowned for the refined driving experience they provide. The current-generation Supra is known as a driver’s car and has received glowing reviews for its responsive handling and impressive performance capabilities.
It doesn’t offer the most luxurious or spacious cockpit, but everything is optimized to deliver the best possible driving experience. The Lexus LFA, a showcase of Toyota’s engineering prowess, came with a naturally-aspirated V-10 and is widely recognized as one of the best-sounding cars ever. There are few things in life as joyous as the growl of a powerful engine as you put your foot down, and Toyota knows how to deliver that.
1 Toyota Sports Cars Are Often Quite Affordable
Toyota is not a brand that takes pleasure in breaking the bank and the prices of its sports cars reflect that. Out of the current lineup, the GR86 starts at $28,400, the GR Corolla starts at $35,900 and the GR Supra starts at $44,640. If you opt for the most powerful 3.0-liter Supra that produces 382 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque, it will set you back around $57,000.
These cars are not the most luxurious sports cars out there, nor are they as exotic as some of their European rivals, but they thrive at what they are meant to do. If you are looking for a sports car that can deliver all the thrills while still being affordable, you might want to visit your nearest Toyota dealer.