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Mk1 (1979-1981)
The first Celica Supra was introduced to America in 1979
as Toyota's response to the popular Datsun (a.k.a Nissan) Z-Car. Built
on a Celica chassis that was lengthened 5.1 inches, the Supra replaced
the Celica's 4-cylinder with a 2.6-liter SOHC inline-6.
In appearance, the Supra was distinguished from the Celica
by it's longer wheelbase, wide "B" pillar, unique grille (styled
after the 2000GT) and its badging. The first generation Supra is commonly
referred to as the Mark I (MKI).
| Year |
1979 |
1980 |
1981 |
| U.S. Sales* |
26,207 |
21,542 |
16,146 |
| Recalls |
None |
None |
None |
| Original List |
$ |
$ |
$ |
Changes:
1979: The first Celica Supra is introduced in America.
Built on a Celica chassis that was lengthened 5.1 inches, the Supra replaced
the Celica's 4-cylinder with a 2.6-liter SOHC inline-6. It also featured
a four-link rear suspension with coil springs, lateral track bar and stabilizer
bar. In appearance, the Supra was distinguished from the Celica by its
longer wheelbase, wide "B" pillar, unique grille (styled after
the 2000 GT) and its badging.
1980:(Ed note: Thanks to Christopher Eng for
the following information) Changes are mostly cosmetic for the interior
and exterior. The interior gets a redesigned/reshaped center console and
a digital quart clock (the 79s had a analog quartz clock). On the exterior
are redesigned left/right side view mirrors, the 14x5.5 aluminum rims,
which were optional in 79, are now standard (the 79s had steel rims w/plastic
wheel covers standard). In addition body molded mudflaps become available.
On the Copper Metallic and White cars the flaps were painted the body
color while on all other colors the flaps were left black. On the rear
of the flaps, painted in white lettering, was the word "Celica".
1981: The big news is a new 2.8 liter SOHC engine
that boasts 116 hp and 145 ft-lbs of torque. (hey it may not seem like
much today but in 1981 these were fairly respectable numbers). A new
Sports Performance Package is offered as an option including sport suspension,
raised white letter tires, and front and rear spoilers. Alas this is the
last year that an 8-track stereo tape deck is to be offered.
| Year |
1979 |
| Model tested |
5-spd |
5-spd |
5-spd |
| 0-30 (sec) |
3.3 |
3.6 |
3.1 |
| 0-40 (sec) |
5.5 |
5.7 |
ND |
| 0-50 (sec) |
7.7 |
8.3 |
7.2 |
| 0-60 (sec) |
11.2 |
11.5 |
10.2 |
| 0-70 (sec) |
15.0 |
15.7 |
13.7 |
| 0-80 (sec) |
20.7 |
21.5 |
18.7 |
| 0-90 (sec) |
28.0 |
ND |
ND |
| 0-100 (sec) |
46.1 |
ND |
ND |
| 1/4-mile (sec@mph) |
18.4 @ 76 |
18.4 @ 74.6 |
18.0 @ 79.0 |
| Top Speed (mph) |
110 |
ND |
112 |
| Braking 60-0 mph (ft) |
ND |
168 |
145 |
| Braking 70-0 mph (ft) |
185 |
ND |
ND |
| Braking 80-0 mph (ft) |
ND |
ND |
273 |
| Roadholding |
ND |
ND |
0.726 |
| Mileage (mpg) |
19 (city) |
19 (city) |
20 (normal) |
| Source: |
CD |
MT |
RT |
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