1988 Toyota Supra, this might be a Turbo, but it’s a bit too smooth and heavy for my taste. Sure, it’s ultra-refined, but its buttery performance only leaves me craving a bit more zest—a stronger kick of salt and pepper. Toyota’s six-cylinder engine never quite delivers that exhilarating turbocharged sensation of leaping to a higher gear. Instead, it feels like the engine is underpowered for the car’s size, like trying to heat a mansion with a small furnace or row a yacht with paddles.
A package this substantial needs a true powerhouse to stay ahead of the competition. Interestingly, some rivals with more powerful engines don’t feel as bulky as the Supra does. I once had the chance to ride an all-out Turbo lap at Mid-Ohio with the legendary Dan Gurney. Despite never having driven the course before, Gurney outperformed a skilled semipro driver who thought his track knowledge would give him the edge. Gurney proved otherwise. Even so, he could only push the Supra as far as its capabilities allowed. The chassis simply couldn’t defy the limitations of its mass.
The takeaway? Trimming some weight off the Supra would make it far more agile and engaging. Less butter, more spice—now that would truly elevate its performance.
1988 Toyota Supra Engine Options and Specifications
