What is Toyota’s fastest car? The question seems simple, but the answer is a thrilling journey through engineering prowess, motorsport heritage, and a legendary rivalry that exists within the brand itself. For decades, Toyota was synonymous with reliability and practicality, but lurking beneath that sensible exterior has always been a heart that beats for performance. From rally stages to endurance circuits and the neon-lit streets of the tuner world, Toyota has crafted machines that define speed.
To crown the “fastest,” we must first define the race. Are we talking about sheer, unadulterated top speed on a long enough stretch of asphalt? Or is it the explosive, neck-snapping acceleration from a standstill to 60 miles per hour? Perhaps true speed is measured in lap times, a complex ballet of power, handling, and braking. The answer depends on your definition, but one car stands today as the undisputed champion in a production showroom, while a ghost from the past and a V10-powered anomaly complicate the narrative in the most spectacular way.
The Modern King of Speed: The Toyota GR Supra
When the dust settles on any debate about Toyota’s current speed champion, the Toyota GR Supra stands victorious. This is not just a car; it’s the resurrection of an icon, a machine engineered with a singular focus on performance. After a nearly two-decade hiatus, the return of the Supra nameplate in 2019 was a seismic event in the automotive world, and it delivered on its high-speed promise.
A Legend Reborn: The A90 Generation and a Bold Partnership
The fifth-generation Supra, known by its chassis code “A90,” was born from an unlikely but brilliant collaboration with BMW. Toyota, masters of efficiency and mass production, sought a partner with deep expertise in crafting inline-six engines and balanced sports car platforms. This partnership gave the GR Supra its core architecture and its potent powertrain, a move that, while controversial among some purists, allowed Toyota to create a world-class sports car that might not have otherwise been feasible.
Gazoo Racing (GR), Toyota’s global motorsport and performance division, then took this potent foundation and meticulously honed it. They stiffened the chassis, tuned the adaptive suspension for razor-sharp response, and calibrated the active differential to perfection. The result is a car that feels distinctly Toyota in its mission, a pure driver’s machine that wears the Supra badge with pride. It is a testament to Toyota’s commitment to building “no more boring cars.”
Under the Hood: The Heart of the Beast
The true source of the GR Supra’s claim to the throne lies with its engine options, particularly the formidable 3.0-liter model.
- The 3.0L Turbo Inline-Six: This is the engine that defines the top-tier Supra. The BMW-sourced B58 engine is a modern marvel of engineering. In its current iteration, it produces a mighty 382 horsepower and 368 lb-ft of torque. This power is sent to the rear wheels through a lightning-fast 8-speed automatic transmission or, for the purists, a newly developed 6-speed intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT). The combination is explosive. The GR Supra 3.0 can rocket from 0 to 60 mph in a blistering 3.9 seconds with the automatic transmission, making it the fastest-accelerating production vehicle in Toyota’s history.
- The 2.0L Turbo Four-Cylinder: Not to be overlooked, the 2.0-liter model offers a lighter, more nimble package. With 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, it still achieves a rapid 0-60 mph time of around 5.0 seconds, faster than many legendary sports cars of the past.
The top speed for both models is electronically limited to 155 mph (250 km/h), a common practice among German and Japanese manufacturers. While it could undoubtedly go faster without this governor, its official, out-of-the-box performance metrics make it the clear winner. By the numbers—acceleration and top speed—the current Toyota GR Supra 3.0 is unequivocally Toyota’s fastest car on sale today.
The Icon That Defined a Generation: The Mk4 Supra Turbo
No conversation about fast Toyotas is complete without paying homage to the legend, the icon, the car that became a myth: the fourth-generation (A80) Supra Turbo, or “Mk4.” For an entire generation of enthusiasts who grew up in the 90s and were captivated by films like The Fast and the Furious, the Mk4 Supra is not just a fast car; it is the ultimate Toyota.
The Legend of the 2JZ-GTE
At the core of the Mk4’s mythical status is its engine: the 2JZ-GTE. This 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged inline-six is widely regarded as one of the greatest engines ever made. Its secret was its incredible robustness. Toyota engineers, in a classic example of over-engineering, built the 2JZ with a cast-iron block and incredibly strong internal components. In its stock form for the US market, it was rated at 321 horsepower and 315 lb-ft of torque, enabling a 0-60 mph time of around 4.6 seconds—a staggering figure for the mid-1990s.
In its home market of Japan, due to the “Gentleman’s Agreement” among automakers, its official output was capped at 276 horsepower, though this was a famously conservative figure. However, the stock numbers are only the beginning of the 2JZ story. Its true legend lies in its tuning potential. The engine’s robust design means it can handle immense increases in boost pressure and power without requiring extensive internal modifications. Tuners quickly discovered that reaching 600, 800, or even over 1000 horsepower was not only possible but relatively straightforward.
This is the crucial distinction. In a stock-for-stock comparison, the new A90 GR Supra is faster than the legendary Mk4. But when you unlock the Mk4’s potential, it enters a different stratosphere of speed. Heavily modified Mk4 Supras have been known to exceed 200 mph and post quarter-mile times that rival hypercars. So, while the GR Supra is the fastest from the factory, a modified Mk4 Supra could very well be the fastest car to ever wear a Toyota badge, period.
Beyond the Straight Line: Other Fast Contenders from Gazoo Racing
Speed isn’t always measured by a speedometer’s needle hitting its limit. Gazoo Racing has been busy infusing the entire Toyota lineup with a dose of high-octane excitement, creating cars that are incredibly “fast” in a different context.
The All-Wheel-Drive Rocket: The GR Corolla
The GR Corolla is Toyota’s answer to the hot-hatch segment, and it’s a monster. Born from the crucible of the World Rally Championship (WRC), it is a testament to what happens when motorsport engineers are let loose on a family hatchback. Its heart is a tiny but ferocious 1.6-liter 3-cylinder turbo engine, the G16E-GTS, which punches out an astonishing 300 horsepower.
That power is channeled through a brilliant “GR-Four” all-wheel-drive system, which allows the driver to adjust the power split between the front and rear axles. In its 50/50 track mode or its 30/70 rear-biased mode, the GR Corolla claws at the pavement, delivering ferocious grip and slingshot acceleration out of corners. Its 0-60 mph time is an incredible 4.99 seconds. While its top speed is lower than the Supra’s, on a tight, winding road or a slippery rally stage, the GR Corolla’s tenacious grip and explosive point-to-point speed could easily make it the “faster” car.
The Ultimate Answer: A Tale of Two Supras and a Technicality
So, let’s bring it all together. The GR Supra is faster off the showroom floor. The Mk4 Supra holds the crown for ultimate potential speed. The GR Corolla redefines speed for different terrain. But there is one more ghost in the machine, a technicality that changes the answer entirely.
The fastest, most powerful, and most extreme performance car ever to roll out of a Toyota Motor Corporation factory was not a Toyota. It was a Lexus.
The Lexus LFA, produced in a limited run of 500 units from 2010 to 2012, is an automotive masterpiece. At its heart was a 4.8-liter, naturally aspirated V10 engine developed in collaboration with Yamaha. It produced 553 horsepower and revved to a shrieking 9,000 RPM, creating one of the most glorious engine sounds ever recorded. Built on a carbon-fiber monocoque chassis, the LFA was a no-expense-spared exercise in ultimate performance. It could accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds and reach a staggering top speed of 202 mph.
The LFA stands as a monument to what Toyota’s engineers can achieve when all constraints are removed. While it wears the Lexus badge, it is the undisputed speed king of the entire Toyota Motor Corporation.
Comparing the Champions of Speed
To put it all into perspective, here is how Toyota’s fastest contenders stack up on paper:
| Vehicle | Engine | Horsepower | 0-60 MPH (approx.) | Top Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lexus LFA | 4.8L Naturally Aspirated V10 | 553 hp | 3.6 seconds | 202 mph |
| Toyota GR Supra 3.0 (A90) | 3.0L Turbocharged Inline-6 | 382 hp | 3.9 seconds | 155 mph (limited) |
| Toyota Supra Turbo (Mk4) | 3.0L Twin-Turbo Inline-6 | 321 hp | 4.6 seconds | 155 mph (limited) |
| Toyota GR Corolla | 1.6L Turbocharged Inline-3 | 300 hp | 4.99 seconds | 143 mph (limited) |
As the table clearly shows, if we include its luxury division, the Lexus LFA is in a league of its own. But if we stick strictly to the Toyota badge, the modern GR Supra is the quickest and fastest production car the company has ever sold.
The Future of Toyota Speed
The story of Toyota’s quest for speed is far from over. Gazoo Racing’s influence is growing, promising even more exciting driver-focused cars. Concepts like the stunning FT-Se electric sports car hint at a future where blistering speed is delivered silently and instantly. With advancements in hybrid technology, seen in their Le Mans-winning hypercars, and a renewed commitment to building cars that stir the soul, the next “fastest Toyota” is always on the horizon.
Ultimately, the answer to “What is Toyota’s fastest car?” is beautifully complex. The Toyota GR Supra 3.0 holds the current, official title. The legendary Mk4 Supra holds the title for limitless potential. The GR Corolla holds the title for all-weather, all-road ferocity. And the ethereal Lexus LFA serves as a constant, screaming reminder of the absolute peak of Toyota’s engineering mountain. For car enthusiasts, this internal competition is the best kind of problem to have.
What is Toyota’s fastest production car currently available?
The fastest production car currently offered by Toyota is the GR Supra. Specifically, the models equipped with the 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine deliver the top performance figures. This vehicle boasts a 0-60 mph acceleration time of approximately 3.9 seconds, making it one of the quickest cars in its class. Its top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph (250 km/h), a common practice for high-performance vehicles from major manufacturers to ensure safety and stability.
This impressive performance is the result of a collaboration with BMW, sharing its platform and powertrain with the BMW Z4. However, Toyota’s Gazoo Racing (GR) division has extensively tuned the chassis, suspension, and steering to give the Supra its own distinct driving dynamics. The combination of a powerful, responsive engine, a quick-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission, and a chassis engineered for balance and agility makes the GR Supra the clear flagship of Toyota’s performance lineup and its fastest street-legal model.
Has Toyota ever made a supercar?
While Toyota’s luxury division, Lexus, famously produced the V10-powered LFA supercar, the Toyota brand itself has not released a vehicle that fits the traditional supercar definition for mass production. The closest historical model is the 1967 Toyota 2000GT, which is often considered Japan’s first supercar due to its exotic styling, limited production run, and high performance for its era. However, it was technically more of a high-end grand tourer than a mid-engine supercar.
More recently, Toyota has demonstrated its capability to build a true hypercar with the GR Super Sport concept. This vehicle is a road-legal machine based directly on the technology from its Le Mans-winning TS050 Hybrid LMP1 race car, featuring a twin-turbo V6 hybrid system generating nearly 1,000 horsepower. Although its path to production has been uncertain, the GR Super Sport project proves that Toyota possesses the engineering prowess to create a world-class hypercar, blurring the lines between its racing ambitions and future road-going vehicles.
How does the GR Supra’s performance compare to its legendary predecessor, the Mk4 Supra?
In stock form, the modern GR Supra is significantly faster and more agile than its iconic predecessor, the fourth-generation (Mk4) Supra. The GR Supra 3.0, with its 382-horsepower engine and modern 8-speed automatic transmission, can accelerate from 0-60 mph in under four seconds. In contrast, the legendary Mk4 Supra Turbo, with its 320-horsepower 2JZ-GTE engine, had a 0-60 mph time in the high four-second range when it was new. The new model also benefits from decades of advancements in chassis design, suspension technology, and aerodynamics, giving it superior handling and cornering capabilities right out of the factory.
However, the legend of the Mk4 Supra is built upon its immense tuning potential. The robust iron-block 2JZ engine is famously overbuilt, allowing tuners to easily extract over 1,000 horsepower with heavy modification, a feat that cemented its god-like status in car culture. While the GR Supra’s B58 engine is also highly tunable and has a strong aftermarket community, the Mk4 remains the icon for its raw, mechanical feel and unparalleled modification ceiling, representing a different philosophy of performance from a bygone era.
What is the absolute fastest car ever to wear a Toyota badge, including race cars?
The fastest vehicle ever created by Toyota is not a road car but a purpose-built racing prototype. The Toyota TS050 Hybrid, which competed in and won the LMP1 class at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans, holds this title. This car has been clocked at speeds exceeding 215 mph (approximately 350 km/h) on the Mulsanne Straight. Its speed comes not just from raw power but also from an extremely aerodynamic design that generates immense downforce, allowing it to take corners at speeds unimaginable for a production car.
The TS050 Hybrid is powered by a sophisticated powertrain combining a 2.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine with a powerful 8-megajoule hybrid system, delivering a combined output of nearly 1,000 horsepower to all four wheels. This vehicle represents the absolute pinnacle of Toyota’s engineering, designed with a singular focus on endurance racing performance. It sacrifices all non-essential elements like comfort and practicality to achieve the fastest possible lap times, showcasing what the company can achieve when unburdened by road car regulations.
Are there any upcoming Toyota models or concepts that could be even faster?
Yes, Toyota is actively developing concepts that point toward a future with even faster vehicles. The most prominent example is the Toyota GR Super Sport, a hypercar concept derived directly from the Le Mans-winning TS050 Hybrid race car. This road-going machine is slated to use a similar twin-turbo V6 hybrid powertrain producing close to 1,000 horsepower. If it reaches production, it would shatter all previous performance records for a road-legal Toyota, placing the brand in direct competition with elite hypercar manufacturers.
Beyond the GR Super Sport, Toyota has also showcased its commitment to future performance through electric concepts. The FT-Se concept, a sleek, low-slung electric sports car, previews what a next-generation, high-performance model from Gazoo Racing could look like. With the instant torque and blistering acceleration inherent in electric powertrains, such a vehicle would have the potential to surpass the GR Supra’s 0-60 mph time, signaling that Toyota’s quest for speed is evolving with new technologies.
What engine and technology make the fastest Toyota so quick?
The core of the GR Supra’s speed is its 3.0-liter inline-six engine with a twin-scroll turbocharger. This B58 engine, co-developed with BMW, is tuned by Toyota’s Gazoo Racing to produce 382 horsepower and 368 lb-ft of torque, with that peak torque available very early in the rev range for explosive acceleration. This potent engine is mated to a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission, which is celebrated for its incredibly fast and smooth gear changes, ensuring that power is delivered to the rear wheels with minimal interruption.
Performance is further enhanced by a suite of advanced technologies. The GR Supra features an active rear sport differential that intelligently manages torque split between the rear wheels, maximizing traction when accelerating out of corners. It also comes with an Adaptive Variable Suspension system that can adjust damping forces in milliseconds, providing a balance between ride comfort and track-ready handling. Combined with a rigid chassis, low center of gravity, and a perfect 50:50 weight distribution, these systems work in harmony to make the Supra not just fast in a straight line, but also exceptionally nimble and controlled.
How does Toyota’s fastest car stack up against competitors?
The Toyota GR Supra holds a very strong position against its key competitors, which include the Nissan Z, Ford Mustang GT, and premium sports coupes like the Porsche 718 Cayman. In terms of pure acceleration, the GR Supra 3.0 is a dominant force, often posting faster 0-60 mph times than both the Nissan Z and the V8-powered Mustang GT. Its handling, honed by Gazoo Racing on demanding circuits like the Nürburgring, is frequently praised for its sharpness, balance, and driver engagement, making it a highly capable machine on both road and track.
While competitors may offer different advantages—the Mustang provides a classic V8 rumble and the Porsche Cayman a surgically precise mid-engine layout—the Supra’s unique selling proposition is its blend of performance, style, and engineering pedigree. It offers a premium feel and a level of dynamic sophistication from its German-engineered underpinnings, combined with a distinct character and design from Toyota’s Japanese tuning philosophy. This makes it a compelling package for those who want a reliable, daily-drivable sports car that delivers performance figures approaching those of more expensive, exotic machinery.