I Think These 5 Brand-new Cars Make The Mk4 Toyota Supra Sound Unreasonable

When it comes to 1990s JDM sports cars, the Toyota Supra has always been one of the top picks of JDM fans. Like other Japanese sports cars from the 1990s, the Supra saw its ascend to legendary status through pop culture. Even before Mk4 Toyota Supra prices went sky-high, the Supra wasn't an affordable vehicle. Back in 1994, the Supra turbo had a starting MSRP of $49,451, which was about $16,000 more than a 1994 Porsche 911 Carrera. 

Currently, Classic.com shows Mk4 Toyota Supra prices starting from $56,900 for highly-original examples. Later model years with low miles are, often, listed for as much as $215,000. At 280 to 330 horsepower, this is hardly a performance car bargain in today's world. 

I think it is important to mention that even JDM legends aren't immune to the effects of time. No mechanical or electronic components are safe from wear and tear, and at such a price point, there really isn't any excuse not to pick up one of the brand-new models listed below. Each of them can be had for under $60,000 and can match or outperform the Mk4 Supra stock for stock. 

1. Nissan Z  

In 2022, the Nissan Z finally replaced the aging, but great Nissan 370Z. Underneath the retro-futuristic design, the car is still a 370Z, albeit with a few refinements. The biggest novelty compared to the outgoing model is the VR30 DDTT engine, which brought forced induction back into the Japanese Z-car, after a quarter of a century.

That same twin-turbocharged V-6 engine is used in the now-discontinued Infiniti Q60 and the soon-to-be-discontinued Q50. Also new is the automatic transmission, which is a nine-speed unit, derived from Mercedes. The best part is you don't even need to go for the slightly-overpriced Nissan Z NISMO to get a properly fast Nissan Z.  

Moreover, the Z's engine is already showing promising results with just basic modifications.  

2024 Nissan Z specifications: 

• Engine: 3.0-liter, DOHC, twin-turbo V-6 
• Engine output: 400 horsepower at 6,400 RPM, 350 pound-feet at 1,600 – 5,600 RPM 
• 0-60 MPH: 4.2 - 4.5 seconds 
• Nissan Z starting MSRP: $42,310 

2.Chevrolet Camaro SS 

2024 is the last year of the Chevrolet Camaro in its current state. While GM promises the name will live on, it will no longer be a V-8-powered Muscle car. The Camaro came a long way, especially in its sixth generation when it adopted the much-sportier Alpha platform.

It became a Muscle car that could, not only go confidently around a corner but also compete with established European sports cars like the BMW M3. The Camaro SS still relies on an old-design, pushrod V-8 engine, but with cylinder deactivation, for improved fuel economy. 

2024 Chevrolet Camaro SS specifications:  

• Engine: 6.2-liter OHV V-8 with displacement on demand 
• Engine output: 455 horsepower at 5,700 RPM, 455 pound-feet at 4,600 RPM 
• 0-60 MPH: 4.0 seconds 
• Chevrolet Camaro SS starting MSRP: $43,895 

3.Toyota GR Supra 3.0 

The upcoming Toyota Supra GRMN is expected to be even more poised, albeit at a steeper price, but even so, the standard GR Supra is a force to be reckoned with. With a nimble, BMW-derived chassis and a more modern inline-six, the GR Supra 3.0 makes even more sense than the Mk4 Supra.

Before JDM enthusiasts start throwing stones at me, I will point out that the GR Supra responds extremely well even to basic mods. The B58 engine is also underrated from the factory, as dyno tests show over 400 horsepower. It also adds modern amenities and an interior, far superior to its 1990s predecessor. In 2022, Toyota made it possible to get the GR Supra 3.0 with a six-speed manual. 

2024 Toyota GR Supra 3.0 specifications: 

• Engine: 3.0-liter, DOHC, turbocharged inline-six 
• Engine output: 382 (claimed) horsepower at 5,800 o 6,500 RPM. 368 pound-feet at 1,800 – 5,000 RPM 
• 0-60 MPH: 4.2 - 3.8 seconds  
• Toyota GR Supra 3.0 starting MSRP: $56,495 

4.Lexus IS500 F Sport Performance 

Toyota's V-8 engines are just as well-received as their iconic inline-six powertrains. One such engine is the 2UR-GSE, found in the Lexus IS500 F Sport Performance. The Japanese V-8 engine made its debut in the 2007 Lexus IS-F.

While naturally-aspirated V-8 engines are getting phased out, Lexus of all carmakers, will still sell you a few of its models, powered by one. The Lexus IS500 is not the most spacious in its class, but it brings Toyota's legendary dependability, high-quality interior, and rev-happy V-8 with a soundtrack to match. 

2024 Lexus IS500 F Sport Performance specifications: 

• Engine: 5.0-liter, DOHC, naturally-aspirated V-8 
• Engine output: 472 horsepower at 7,100 RPM, 395 pound-feet at 4,800 RPM 
• 0-60 MPH: 4.2 seconds 
• Lexus IS500 F Sport Performance starting MSRP: $60,020 

5.Ford Mustang GT 

In its seventh generation, the Ford Mustang still relies on the old model's bones. That's not necessarily a bad thing, considering the Generation Four, Coyote V-8 is one of the best V-8 engines currently in production.

Still naturally aspirated, but reacting very well to forced induction, the Ford V-8 engine is widely praised for its tuning potential and reliability. Actually, the main difference between the 2024 Mustang's V-8 and the one in the previous-generation Mustang is the dual-intake plenum and dual throttle bodies, along with new software calibration.

This is also the first time, Ford Mustang has a track-focused variant aimed at the Porsche 911 GT3. 

2024 Ford Mustang specifications: 

• Engine: 5.0-liter, DOHC, naturally-aspirated V-8 
• Engine output: 480 horsepower at 7,250 RPM, 418 pound-feet at 4,900 RPM 
• 0-60 MPH: 4.3-3.9 seconds 
• Ford Mustang GT starting MSRP: $41,960 

Dimitar Angelov's automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov's car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications, and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Facebook.