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Toyota makes bulletproof Camrys and Corollas that’ll outlast your mortgage funds and doubtless most marriages, too. However earlier than they cornered the market on wise transportation, Toyota truly constructed vehicles that would make your coronary heart charge spike above “involved about fuel mileage.” And no, we’re not simply speaking in regards to the legendary Supra.
Whereas everybody’s busy arguing in regards to the new Supra’s BMW DNA (spoiler alert: it’s extra German than lederhosen), let’s speak in regards to the vehicles that proved Toyota may construct one thing thrilling with no need a Bavarian co-signer. These are the fashions that made lovers neglect, if solely briefly, that Toyota’s thought of efficiency was beforehand restricted to how rapidly you possibly can rack up 300,000 miles.
Toyota’s Sporty Automobiles are Truly Superior
So to start with… What makes a automotive sporty? Everybody might have a barely differing definition relying on who you ask, nevertheless it’s typically a automotive that’s a bit decrease, a bit extra light-weight, and targeted on efficiency. This may very well be fast acceleration, agile dealing with — simply an interesting driving expertise it doesn’t matter what you’re into.
Choice started by figuring out fashions that supplied real driving pleasure or a transparent motorsport heritage (just like the Supra, fairly actually, however we’re sick of listening to about that one). Every candidate needed to ship distinctive efficiency character, historic relevance, or modern structure. Consideration was given to drivetrain configuration, such because the MR2’s mid-engine or the Celica’s rally-derived all-wheel-drive setup. Inside engagement and steering suggestions mattered vastly. Visible id needed to replicate sportiness via purposeful design cues.
So for those who’re additionally sick of listening to about Supras at automotive meets and on TikTok, take a better look with us at a few of the different sporty fashions that Toyota has to supply. You might be fairly stunned.
Toyota Celica GT 4 (ST205)
Engine: 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder (3S-GTE) producing 245 hp and 224 lb-ft of torque
0-60: 6.1 seconds (respectable for 1994, when dial-up web was nonetheless new and unique)
Notable Tech: Full-time AWD with middle differential, energetic rear spoiler
Manufacturing: 1994-1999
The ST205 GT 4 was Toyota’s reply to the query no one requested: “What if we made a Celica that would embarrass a Porsche 911 within the snow?” You understand, a quite common scenario for us. This wide-bodied monster packed extra aptitude than a Seventies cocktail celebration and sufficient expertise to make NASA jealous.
Below that useful hood scoop (sure, useful — take notes, trendy vehicles with faux every thing) lived the legendary 3S-GTE engine. This mill produced 245 horses when most “sports activities vehicles” have been barely cracking 200. The all-wheel-drive system may shuffle energy between wheels sooner than a three-card monte supplier, whereas the energetic rear spoiler deployed at 50 mph prefer it was auditioning for a Transformers film.
However right here’s the fact: it was nonetheless a Toyota. You can thrash it on weekends and it’d nonetheless begin Monday morning to your soul-crushing commute. The inside seemed prefer it was designed by accountants, however who cares if you’re pulling rally automotive launches at each stoplight? The cult following exists not as a result of it was fairly (it wasn’t), however as a result of it labored. And within the Nineteen Nineties, that was revolutionary.
Fashionable monitor day heroes nonetheless hunt for clear examples, proving that generally the perfect sports activities vehicles are those that don’t seem like they’re attempting too exhausting. Not like your neighbor’s Corvette with its “FAST CAR” license plate.
Toyota MR2 (Second Technology, SW20)
Engine: 2.0L naturally aspirated or turbocharged 4-cylinder
Weight: 2,888 lbs (Turbo) – truly lighter than a contemporary Civic
Format: Mid-engine, rear-wheel drive
Manufacturing: 1989-1999
Toyota checked out Ferrari’s mid-engine playbook and stated, “Maintain our sake.” The SW20 MR2 delivered unique automotive dealing with at Toyota Tercel costs, which was both sensible advertising and marketing or company madness. Most likely each.
The naturally aspirated model made 130 hp — greater than sufficient when it solely weighed 2,888 kilos. That’s roughly 1,000 kilos lower than right this moment’s “light-weight” sports activities vehicles. The turbo model bumped energy to 200 hp and will embarrass vehicles costing thrice as a lot — offered you didn’t raise off mid-corner and uncover why “snap oversteer” grew to become a part of each MR2 proprietor’s vocabulary.
Talking of snap oversteer, the early turbos have been extra tail-happy than a golden retriever. Toyota ultimately sorted this out with revised suspension tuning, however not earlier than establishing the MR2’s fame because the automotive that would make you a legend or a cautionary story, relying in your throttle self-discipline.
The Targa prime mannequin allow you to expertise your impending spin in open-air glory, whereas the hardtop stored issues critical. Both approach, you bought a cabin tighter than coach class seating and space for storing measured in grocery luggage, not cubic ft. However if you hit the right nook and felt that mid-engine magic, all was forgiven.
At this time’s clear examples promote for greater than they price new, as a result of apparently everybody forgot how terrifying Nineteen Nineties turbo lag may very well be.
Toyota 2000GT
Engine: 2.0L inline-6 — extra refined than your wine information
Manufacturing: 351 items (1967-1970) — rarer than a superb Tinder date
High Pace: 135 mph — quick sufficient to outrun your regrets
Present Worth: $500,000+ (sure, you learn that proper)
In 1967, Toyota principally stated, “Watch this” and constructed Japan’s first reliable supercar. The 2000GT was so lovely it made Italian designers weep into their espresso, so unique it made Ferraris look frequent, and so costly that Toyota misplaced cash on each single one.
Yamaha helped with the engineering, contributing their musical instrument experience to create an inline-six that sounded higher than most symphony orchestras. The physique, crafted by hand, featured curves that may make a Jaguar E-Sort jealous and proportions so excellent they may very well be taught in geometry class.
Solely 351 have been ever constructed, with 60 going to the US market. Sean Connery drove one in You Solely Reside Twice, cementing its standing as the good automotive most individuals would by no means personal. The film automotive was truly a convertible (two have been specifically constructed for filming), making it rarer than a unique-looking electrical SUV.
At this time, clear examples commerce arms for costs that would purchase an honest home. Or a number of indecent homes, relying in your neighborhood. It proved Toyota may construct one thing spectacular after they weren’t anxious about becoming cup holders or reaching 40 mpg.
The 2000GT stays Toyota’s biggest flex: a automotive constructed not as a result of it made enterprise sense, however as a result of they may. Fashionable Toyota executives in all probability break into chilly sweats serious about these margins.
Toyota Corolla Levin (AE86)
Engine: 1.6L twin-cam 4-cylinder — extra soul than energy
Weight: 2,350 lbs — lighter than your scholar mortgage debt
Format: Entrance-engine, rear-wheel drive — as nature meant
Manufacturing: 1983-1987
The AE86 proved that generally the perfect sports activities vehicles are accidents. Toyota simply needed to construct a sensible rear-wheel-drive coupe, however as a substitute created the Citizen Kane of drift vehicles. With a mere 128 horsepower, it had much less energy than a contemporary minivan, but by some means grew to become extra influential than most supercars.
The magic was within the execution. Excellent 50/50 weight distribution, a responsive twin-cam engine, and suspension tuned by individuals who clearly understood that “enjoyable” was extra essential than “consolation.” The rear-wheel-drive structure meant you possibly can truly be taught automotive management with no need a physics diploma or a belief fund.
Lovers known as it the “Hachi-Roku” (Eight-Six in Japanese), which sounds approach cooler than “Corolla.” It grew to become the star of Initial D, Japan’s animated predecessor to Quick & Livid, however with extra approach and fewer explosions. Immediately, each teenager needed to slip sideways via mountain passes whereas delivering tofu.
The AE86’s cult standing is so robust that Toyota constructed the FR-S/86 as a non secular successor, proving that generally the perfect advertising and marketing is simply constructing one thing that doesn’t suck. Authentic examples now promote for greater than they price new, which is spectacular for a automotive that was principally a Corolla with delusions of grandeur.
Fashionable drift youngsters deal with these vehicles like non secular artifacts, and actually, they’re not fallacious.
Toyota GR Corolla
Engine: 1.6L turbocharged 3-cylinder
Drivetrain: GR-4 all-wheel drive with torque vectoring
0-60: 4.9 seconds
Manufacturing: Restricted numbers (as a result of Toyota realized from the 2000GT)
Toyota seemed on the Volkswagen Golf R and Honda Civic Sort R and stated, “That’s cute.” Then they constructed a hatchback with 300 hp, rally-bred all-wheel drive, and sufficient aero to generate precise downforce. The GR Corolla isn’t simply scorching; it’s thermonuclear.
The 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine makes noises that may make a McLaren jealous, whereas the all-wheel-drive system can ship as much as 70% of energy to the rear wheels. That’s proper — Toyota constructed a Corolla that may drift. The simulation is formally full.
Observe-focused suspension means it rides like a buying cart on cobblestones, however who cares if you’re obliterating sports activities vehicles that price twice as a lot? The inside options extra carbon fiber than a System 1 automotive and seats that’ll maintain you tighter than your grandmother’s hug.
Toyota restricted manufacturing as a result of they’re not silly; they watched what occurred to Ford with the Focus RS. Vendor markups are already approaching “mortgage cost” territory, proving that shortage advertising and marketing works higher than any promoting marketing campaign.
The GR Corolla is Toyota’s approach of exhibiting off to anybody who thinks they’ve gone tender. It’s proof that even within the age of hybrid every thing, Toyota can nonetheless construct one thing that’ll soften your face off.
Toyota Sports activities 800
Engine: 0.8L air-cooled twin-cylinder
Weight: 1,279 lbs – you possibly can actually choose it up
Manufacturing: 1965-1969
Enjoyable Issue: Immeasurable
Earlier than the MR2, earlier than the 2000GT, there was the Sports activities 800: Toyota’s first try at making folks neglect about reliability and concentrate on pure, unadulterated enjoyable. With 45 hp and a curb weight barely exceeding a contemporary bike, it proved that energy isn’t every thing.
The air-cooled twin-cylinder engine gave the impression of a stitching machine having an nervousness assault, however the automotive was so gentle it may outrun its personal shadow. The detachable roof panels meant you possibly can expertise each mechanical symphony in wonderful open-air acoustics.
This tiny terror may embarrass rather more highly effective vehicles just by sustaining momentum the place others needed to brake. It was like automotive jiu-jitsu — utilizing physics towards greater opponents. The Sports activities 800 taught a complete era of Japanese engineers that light-weight beats every thing else.
At this time, clear examples are rarer than hen’s enamel and extra beneficial than most individuals’s retirement accounts. It stays Toyota’s purest sports activities automotive: no digital aids, no sophisticated methods, simply you, 45 horsepower, and the legal guidelines of physics.
The Sports activities 800 was Toyota’s proof of idea that small may very well be spectacular. Each light-weight sports activities automotive since owes it a debt of gratitude.
Toyota Celica (First Technology)
Engine: Numerous 4-cylinders
Design: Coke-bottle curves that aged like high-quality wine
Gross sales: Over 1.4 million worldwide
Manufacturing: 1970-1977
Toyota seemed on the Ford Mustang’s success and determined they needed a chunk of that motion. The end result was the first-generation Celica, a automotive so fairly it may appeal its approach out of dashing tickets and so dependable it may survive nuclear winter.
The styling was pure Seventies muscle automotive poetry — lengthy hood, quick deck, and curves in all the precise locations. It seemed quick standing nonetheless, which was essential as a result of the bottom mannequin’s 86 hp couldn’t outrun a lot in addition to your grandmother’s Oldsmobile.
However the GT variations packed as much as 144 hp and sufficient perspective to again up their aggressive seems. The optionally available “Rally Package deal” added flared fenders, racing stripes, and the sort of visible drama that made highschool parking tons infinitely extra fascinating.
The Liftback variant supplied practicality with out sacrificing type, proving Toyota understood that sports activities automotive consumers sometimes wanted to hold extra than simply their egos. It grew to become the template for reasonably priced efficiency that Toyota would excellent over the subsequent 5 many years.
Rally success adopted, as a result of apparently, Toyota’s thought of selling concerned truly profitable races. Think about that novel idea in right this moment’s world of purely theoretical efficiency metrics.
The primary-gen Celica proved that Toyota may construct lovely, dependable sports activities vehicles with out requiring a second mortgage. Revolutionary pondering for the Seventies.
Toyota MR2 (First Technology, AW11)
Engine: 1.6L twin-cam 4-cylinder (112-130 hp)
Format: Mid-engine, rear-wheel drive
Weight: 2,350 lbs
Nickname: “Poor Man’s Ferrari” (and happy with it)
The unique MR2 seemed prefer it was carved from a single block of Eighties optimism. Sharp angles in every single place, pop-up headlights that appeared perpetually stunned, and proportions that screamed “I’m compensating for completely nothing.” It has character that trendy vehicles lack. The inside was tighter than a jar of pickles, however no one purchased an MR2 for the backseat house.
With simply 112 hp in base type, it wasn’t quick in a straight line. However Toyota engineers understood one thing Detroit had forgotten — cornering exists. The mid-engine structure offered stability that may make a gymnast jealous, whereas the light-weight building meant each horsepower counted.
The AW11 grew to become the darling of autocross occasions and driving colleges as a result of it was forgiving sufficient for newbies however rewarding sufficient for specialists. You can discover its limits with no need life insurance coverage or a roll cage, which was refreshing in an period when most sports activities vehicles tried to kill you.
At this time, clear examples are automotive time capsules; reminders of when sports activities vehicles have been about driving pleasure as a substitute of Instagram worthiness. The AW11 taught Toyota that mid-engine magic didn’t require Italian costs or German complexity.
Toyota GR Yaris
Engine: 1.6L turbocharged 3-cylinder (268 hp)
Weight: 2,822 lbs
Drivetrain: GR-4 AWD with variable torque break up
Homologation: Constructed to go rallying, ended up conquering hearts
The GR Yaris exists as a result of Toyota needed to go rallying once more, and homologation guidelines demanded they construct street vehicles. What began as a bureaucratic requirement grew to become essentially the most thrilling Toyota in many years: proof that generally the perfect issues occur by chance. We forgive you for forgetting about this little man for those who stay within the US (we sadly don’t have this obtainable).
With 268 hp from a three-cylinder engine, it makes extra energy per cylinder than most supercars. The all-wheel-drive system can ship as much as 70% of energy rearward, reworking this pocket rocket right into a drift machine that occurs to be sensible for grocery runs.
The physique shell is bespoke — not shared with some other run-of-the-mill Yaris. Carbon fiber roof panels, wider tracks entrance and rear, and sufficient aerodynamic trickery to make System 1 groups jealous. It’s principally a rally automotive sporting a convincing avenue automotive costume.
Inside, the cabin options extra performance-focused particulars than most devoted sports activities vehicles. Bucket seats, short-throw shifter, and gauges that truly imply one thing past “you want fuel.” It’s refreshingly trustworthy about its intentions.
The GR Yaris proved that Toyota may nonetheless construct one thing purely for lovers with out focus teams or committee choices. It’s the automotive that made different producers bear in mind why they obtained into this enterprise within the first place.
Why can’t America be trusted with good issues? We promise we received’t tariff it.
Toyota Altezza RS200
Engine: 2.0L naturally aspirated inline-6
Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive with 6-speed handbook
Rev Restrict: 7,800 rpm — increased than your credit score rating
The Altezza RS200 was Toyota’s try and show that sedans may very well be thrilling. With a high-revving naturally aspirated six-cylinder and rear-wheel drive, it delivered thrills that the majority sports activities vehicles couldn’t match whereas nonetheless carrying 4 folks and their baggage.
The 2JZ-GE engine liked to rev, producing peak energy at 6,400 rpm and persevering with to drag till the 7,800 rpm redline. It gave the impression of automotive angels singing, particularly with aftermarket exhaust work. The six-speed handbook transmission was butter-smooth and completely matched to the engine’s energy supply.
Chassis tuning emphasised stability over consolation, with suspension geometry that inspired spirited driving. The rear-wheel-drive structure meant you possibly can even have enjoyable in parking tons, not like most trendy sports activities sedans with their digital nannies.
These distinctive taillights influenced a complete era of Japanese automotive design, spawning numerous imitators however few equals. The inside targeted on the driving force with supportive seats and intuitive controls — revolutionary pondering for a sedan.
Because the Lexus IS300, it conquered American hearts however misplaced a few of its edge in translation, though it gained a naturally aspirated 2JZ engine. The unique Altezza RS200 remained purer, extra targeted, and extra prepared to sacrifice consolation for functionality.
At this time, clear handbook examples are tougher to seek out than parking at a Dealer Joe’s when all of the pickups present up and take 4 areas, proving that generally the perfect sports activities vehicles put on four-door fits.
Toyota GT86
Engine: 2.0L naturally aspirated boxer-4
Weight: 2,758 lbs
Philosophy: Gradual automotive quick > quick automotive sluggish
Achievement: Made everybody bear in mind why they liked driving
The GT86 was Toyota’s love letter to the AE86 — and to anybody who missed when sports activities vehicles prioritized driver engagement over acceleration bragging rights. With simply 200 hp, it was slower than most household sedans however extra rewarding than vehicles with twice the facility.
Subaru offered the boxer engine, which sat low and much again for excellent stability. The naturally aspirated mill inspired high-rev driving and rewarded endurance — overseas ideas within the turbo-everything trendy world. It proved that rapid throttle response trumps peak numbers each time.
The chassis was the actual star: balanced, predictable, and desperate to play. You can discover its limits on public roads with out turning into a freeway statistic or YouTube sensation. The rear-wheel-drive structure meant each car parking zone grew to become a possible skid pad.
Critics complained in regards to the “torque dip” round 4,000 rpm, lacking the purpose completely. The GT86 wasn’t about straight-line velocity; it was in regards to the journey. Each gear change, each nook entry, each second behind the wheel was crafted to maximise involvement.
Observe day regulars embraced it for its predictability and affordability. Grassroots racers liked its tunability and components availability. Driving lovers appreciated its honesty in an age of synthetic enhancement.
The GT86 reminded everybody that generally the perfect sports activities automotive is the one which makes you a greater driver, not a greater drag racer.
Toyota C-HR GR Sport
Engine: 2.0L naturally aspirated 4-cylinder
Peak: Too tall for sports activities automotive credibility
Mission: Deliver GR DNA to the crossover plenty
End result: Properly-intentioned mediocrity
The C-HR GR Sport represented Toyota’s try and inject efficiency credibility into the crossover phase. It’s like placing racing stripes on a RAV4.
Sporting touches included distinctive bumpers, particular wheels, and suspension tuning that was allegedly sportier than the usual mannequin. The inside gained GR badges and distinction stitching, as a result of nothing says efficiency like ornamental thread work.
To be truthful, it dealt with higher than most crossovers and seemed extra aggressive than the rest in Toyota showrooms. The issue was physics — you’ll be able to’t make a tall, heavy automobile really feel like a sports activities automotive with out breaking a number of legal guidelines of nature.
The C-HR GR Sport served its function as a gateway drug to the actual GR merchandise. It launched the model to consumers who wanted practicality however needed to really feel particular. Advertising and marketing departments known as this “halo impact”; lovers known as it “promoting out.”
Nonetheless, it was higher than nothing, and Toyota deserves credit score for attempting to inject some pleasure into essentially the most boring automobile phase. Typically it’s a must to begin someplace, even when that someplace is a lifted hatchback with sport badges.
Toyotas Sporting Legacy Lives On
Toyota’s sports activities automotive historical past reads like a masterclass in doing extra with much less. Whereas different producers chased horsepower numbers and 0-60 occasions, Toyota understood that the perfect sports activities vehicles are in regards to the whole expertise — the steering really feel, the engine be aware, the way in which every thing works collectively in concord.
From the Sports activities 800’s featherweight philosophy to the GR Corolla’s technological tour de pressure, Toyota persistently proved that innovation trumps imitation. They didn’t simply copy profitable formulation; they reimagined what sports activities vehicles may very well be.
The reliability issue can’t be ignored both. Whereas Italian exotics spent extra time in restore outlets than on roads, and German sports activities vehicles required PhD-level upkeep information, Toyota’s efficiency vehicles truly labored. Novel idea, we all know.
Fashionable GR merchandise just like the Yaris, Corolla, and 86 carry ahead this custom whereas including modern capabilities. They’re proof that Toyota hasn’t forgotten how one can make hearts race, even in an period obsessive about electrification and autonomous driving.
Questions stay in regards to the future. Will we see electrical MR2s? Hybrid Celicas? No matter comes subsequent, Toyota’s sports activities automotive DNA runs deep sufficient to outlive any powertrain transition. In spite of everything, that is the corporate that constructed the 2000GT when everybody anticipated them to stay with financial system vehicles.
The true query isn’t whether or not Toyota can construct thrilling vehicles — they’ve confirmed that repeatedly. The query is whether or not trendy consumers are courageous sufficient to decide on driving pleasure over smartphone integration and whether or not Toyota is courageous sufficient to maintain constructing vehicles for individuals who truly love driving.
Primarily based on current proof, the reply to each questions seems to be sure. And that’s one thing price celebrating, even when your neighbors assume you’re having a midlife disaster.
Supra who?
