Toyota is reportedly preparing to replace the current GR Supra with a new model that could revive the beloved Mk4 design, according to a digital artist and automotive content creator. The current 2026 Toyota GR Supra starts at over $58,000 in the United States, with the 3.0-liter variant available at a premium of over $61,000. The MkV Final Edition, priced starting at $69,350, signals the end of the fifth-generation Supra, which was introduced in 2019 as a joint project with BMW.
Declining Sales and Production Cuts
The current lineup of the GR Supra has not met sales expectations, leading Toyota to discontinue the smaller 2.0-liter model. According to industry sources, the low production volume—only a handful of GR Supras sold annually—made the 2.0-liter variant economically unviable. The MkV Final Edition, produced by Magna Steyr in Austria, is set to end production in March 2024 after just seven years on the market.
The fifth-generation Supra was based on the same platform as the BMW Z4, sharing components with the G29 iteration of the Z4. Despite this collaboration, the vehicle failed to resonate with enthusiasts, contributing to its impending discontinuation. The A80 Supra, which was the last model to be produced before the current generation, ended production in 2002.
A Digital Vision for a New Supra
Marouane Bembli, known online as ‘TheSketchMonkey,’ has proposed a radical idea for the next iteration of the Supra. Bembli, a digital artist and content creator, envisions a 2027 Toyota Supra that is designed and developed in-house by Toyota, potentially in collaboration with Mazda. This new model could also bring back the iconic RX-7 for a new generation of sports cars.
Bembli’s concept is rooted in the success of the L-bodied Dodge Challenger, which has outsold both the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang since 2008, despite remaining largely unchanged in design. He argues that the current GR Supra has failed to capture the essence of the original Supra, citing the underwhelming FT-1 concept as a missed opportunity.
“Since the last Toyota Supra was a bit of a disappointment with the build-up of the FT-1 concept, why not take the Mk4 Supra and tweak it just a little bit?” Bembli asked in a recent post. His proposal involves reviving the A80 Supra design, which was produced from 1993 to 2002, with modern updates to the exterior and interior.
Bembli suggests retaining the original’s massive volumes while refining the surfaces and key graphics. He also advocates for the inclusion of a six-speed manual transmission, emphasizing the importance of the connection between driver and machine. “Bring back the joy and connection between man and machine,” he said.
Reviving Classic Models
Bembli is not the only one advocating for the revival of classic models. He also proposed bringing back the 190E model from Mercedes-Benz and the E30 M3 from BMW. “Do you think they would sell?” he asked, highlighting the potential demand for such vehicles in the current automotive landscape.
The idea of reviving the Supra based on the A80 design has gained traction among enthusiasts who feel that the current GR Supra lacks the emotional appeal of its predecessors. The Mk4 Supra, known for its timeless design and performance, could be reimagined with modern engineering to attract a new generation of buyers.
Toyota has not officially commented on the possibility of reviving the Mk4 Supra. However, the company’s collaboration with Mazda on the new Supra suggests a willingness to explore new design and engineering approaches. The potential revival of the A80 model could signal a shift in Toyota’s strategy, focusing on heritage and emotional appeal alongside technological advancements.
As the current GR Supra approaches the end of its production run, the automotive world is watching closely to see what Toyota has in store for the future of the Supra. Whether it will be a completely new model or a revival of the classic Mk4, the decision is expected to have a significant impact on the sports car market.
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