【A70 / Supra】The Turbo-Charged GT Legend You Can Rent in Japan

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The 1980s in Japan was an era of unbridled ambition, and no car captured that spirit quite like the A70 Toyota Supra. Often referred to by Japanese enthusiasts as the “Seven-Maru,” this wasn’t just a successor to the Celica XX; it was the birth of a standalone legend. With its iconic pop-up headlights and a silhouette that defined the “Long Nose, Short Deck” aesthetic, the A70 Supra remains a high-speed time capsule of Japan’s Golden Era. For JDM fans visiting Japan, getting behind the wheel of this turbocharged GT powerhouse is a journey back to the roots of Japanese performance culture.

The Evolution of a Legend: From Celica to Supra A70

In 1986, Toyota made a historic decision to separate the Supra from the Celica bloodline. While the Celica shifted to a front-wheel-drive platform, the A70 Supra stayed true to its rear-wheel-drive roots, inheriting the DNA of the legendary Toyota 2000GT. This was the first model to officially carry the “Supra” name in Japan, signaling Toyota’s intent to dominate the global grand tourer market. The A70 chassis featured advanced double-wishbone suspension on all four corners—a sophisticated setup that provided the “shredding through corners” capability that the era’s rivals struggled to match.

The Driving Experience: “A Heavyweight Boxer in a Tuxedo”

When you ignite the 1JZ-GTE engine, the cabin fills with a mechanical symphony unique to a straight-six twin-turbo. Legendary racing driver Keiichi Tsuchiya, the “Drift King,” famously noted the A70 Supra‘s unique character during its Group A racing days. While he admitted the “front is heavy,” he praised the relentless torque of the 2.5-liter heart. Driving the A70 isn’t about the surgical precision of a modern sports car; it’s about feeling the surge of boost as the twin turbos spool up, propelling the car forward with an authoritative roar.

“The A70 Supra has a serious, aggressive sound that tells you it means business. It’s a luxury cruiser, but the handling is surprisingly light once you find the rhythm. It feels like a true American-style GT born in the heart of Toyota.” — Keiichi Tsuchiya

Whether you choose the standard coupe or the breezy Aero Top (Targa), the ride is remarkably refined. The A70 handles the “rolling hills of Hakone” or the “neon-lit stretches of the Wangan” with a planted stability that masks its weight, making it the ultimate Grand Tourer for long-distance Japanese road trips.

The Interior: Luxury for the Golden Era Driver

Step inside the A70 Supra, and you are greeted by an interior that screams 80s premium luxury. The driver-oriented cockpit features a wrap-around dashboard where every gauge and switch is angled toward you, creating an fighter-jet-like immersion. During the Bubble Era, Toyota spared no expense; the premium leather seats and the optional digital instrument cluster were symbols of high status. The cabin is spacious enough for a comfortable drive to the coast, yet the low seating position reminds you that you are commanding a performance icon.

Rival Match-up: Supra A70 vs. Skyline GT-R

In the late 80s, the A70 Supra was locked in a fierce rivalry on the track and the street. In the Group A racing series, it battled the R32 Skyline GT-R and the Ford Sierra RS Cosworth. While the GT-R relied on its sophisticated AWD system, the A70 Supra stood its ground with pure FR (Rear-Wheel Drive) purity and raw straight-six power. For enthusiasts, the Supra was always the more stylish, “American-cool” alternative to the clinical performance of the Skyline. Even today, at a Daikoku PA meet, the wide-body A70 commands a level of respect that few other cars can match.