Toyota, it would appear, has found renewed interest within its boardrooms for genuine sports models in its vehicle line-up, an enthusiasm surely fanned by the success of the new 86 coupe.

Whispers of a new flagship sports model to revive the spirit of the barnstorming Supra have been doing the rounds for some time.

Now a report with Singapore's The Business Times claims that Toyota boss Akio Toyoda, a noted motorsport enthusiast, has issued a new order: "Make a successor to the Supra as soon as possible".

Speaking at an event in Germany, 86 development boss Tetsuya Tada reportedly confirmed the command, but said that a debut for a new Supra would be closer to the end of this decade.

He added that it is not just the Supra in the works; a third new sports car is also under consideration, suggesting a return of the mid-engined MR2.

The project is in its very early stages, Tada says, and it remains to be seen if the new models would be offered exclusively as coupes, convertibles, or both.

Above: Toyota's new 86 has been popular with fans and tuners.

If it's a new Supra we can look forward to, expect a rear-wheel-drive layout and a big turbocharged engine.

Of course, this is Toyota we're talking about, so don't be surprised if there's some hybrid technology under the bonnet. And, if it looks to the Nissan GT-R as a benchmark, the Supra might finally also gain some all-wheel-drive traction.

Tada said that while Toyota's philosophy in recent decades has focused largely on passenger vehicles and green technologies, Akio Toyoda has pushed a new "two pillar" strategy to the company.

The need to spread the cost of development across multiple models will also be more easily covered, with reports in recent weeks that Lexus is planning a new RC-badged coupe.

If Toyota can utilise a modified version of that platform - expected to also be shared with the new IS sedan - a new Supra could be closer than ever to becoming a reality.

One thing is certain. if Toyota builds it, the fans will come - and they'll bring the age-old 'Supra versus GT-R' debates with them.

• Related News & Reviews at TMR ▼

• Supra | MR2 | 86 Coupe | Toyota
• Sports Cars | Enthusiast | Lifestyle

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• reply ” like !

  

  BH says,
  6 months ago

  3 likes

  that Supra rendering is very tasty indeed.... bring on time travel!
• reply ” like !

  

  Maz says,
  6 months ago

  I'll hold my breath until they release it. Then (If they do) I will get a big loan and buy one.. But it's just speculation and has been for a while.
  
  • reply ” like !

    

    Balthazaaaargh says,
    6 months ago

    It's not speculation to report the comments of a Toyota executive - the real question is whether Toyota continues with the plan or whether the actual truth of it is that they're merely investigating the potential for more sports cars. It can still go down the gurgler if they decide the numbers don't add up.
• reply ” like !

  

  Joe says,
  6 months ago

  1 like

  Stuff toyota. a whole generation went without sports cars, they lost me since i was 14 yo.
• reply ” like !

  

  matt says,
  6 months ago

  1 like

  hmm i dont see the point of the MR2 and 86 co-existing guys, prehaps another celica?
  • reply ” like !

    

    Brash says,
    6 months ago

    2 likes

    Supra, AE86, MR2 and Celica co-existed in the late 80s, I see no reason why they couldn't again.
  • reply ” like !

    

    akihero says,
    6 months ago

    1 like

    Forget the mr2 we have the FRS they should bring back the Celica and the real Celicas. Bring back the all tracs and make them to compete with the evo's and Sti's i own a ra21 and a st185 i would love to see a new Celica and AWD Turbo
• reply ” like !

  

  Jason says,
  5 months ago

  4 likes

  To be quite honest i think they have went to far with the design, i own a 98 supra and i love it to bits. I would not buy this new model solely on the design. I believe that they should incorporate more characteristics of the supra into the new one, similar to how Nissan has incorporated them into the R35 with the back lights etc.. Also a must has to be the signature 2jz bullet proof engine. Not only must a similar shape and looks be pursued but also power. The Toyota Supra is known world wide for its ability to produce and withstand outstanding power and handle it on its stock gear box. The Toyota Supra is nothing less than a beast, it is a monster ready to be brought to life. for some it may not be, but for majority of true supra enthusiasts it is. The idea of leather interior including the roof is beautiful. Toyota should really think carefully if a new supra is on their mind. They need to know what people are after, why the supra is so demanded to come back. people want it back for what it is, they dont want some totally different alien looking thing that resembles and feels nothing like a supra. Well anyway, these are a few of my thoughts and opinions. let me know what you guys think.
• reply ” like !

  

  Dayne says,
  4 months ago

  I think uou're absolutely right. I wouldn't buy the new supra either. I would be overjoyed if it came out with absolutely nothing changed.
• reply ” like !

  

  Scott says,
  3 months ago

  I wouldn't bother, I own an 11 year old standard golf 4 motion and just smashed this supra to bits, needless to say the driver wasn't happy. How much do these supra's cost? Gutted.
• reply ” like !

  

  ava says,
  2 months ago

  1 like

  cant wait for this i have two supras and i was justing for this moment.... please make this better than the nissan gtrs so we can shut them up forever
• reply ” like !

  

  lolwut says,
  7 days ago

  1. BMW and Toyota colaboration? M3 platform, Toyota coupe body design?
  
  it's not an "IF", but "WHEN".
  
  
  2. In Toyota's affordable sports car era, (Japan sports car golden era)..
  - 6 Cylinder sports car coupe = Supra
  - 6 Cylinder sports saloon = Chaser
  - 4 Cylinder 4WD sports coupe = Celica GT4
  - 4 Cylinder "bargain" sports = AE86 Trueno
  - 4 Cylinder 2 seater Mid-Rear / Targa = MR2
  
  
  Toyoda-San isn't just an executive... He is owner... And his name is the company.