In the middle of 1986, Toyota was ready to release its next version of the Supra. The official model year is designated as 1986.5. The bonds between the Celica and the Supra were cut; they were now two completely different kinds of models. The Celica changed to front wheel drive, while the Supra kept its rear wheel drive platform. Though the Mark II and Mark III had similar designs, the engine was updated to a more powerful 3.0 L straight 6. Although only available in naturally aspirated trim in 1986.5, a second version of the engine was introduced in 1987 which featured a turbocharger.
The new Mark III Supra engine was the flagship engine of Toyota's arsenal. Both versions of the engine contained 4 valves per cylinder and dual overhead cams. The turbocharged 7M-GTE engine was Toyota's first distributor-less engine offered in the U.S.[and was rated at 232 hp (173 kW) at 5600 RPM while the naturally-aspirated 7M-GE engine was rated at 200 hp (149 kW) at 6000 RPM.
The naturally aspirated came as standard issue with the W58 manual transmission. The turbo versions included the more robust R154 manual transmission. Both were available with the optional 4-speed A340E automatic transmission.
During the year of 1989, the car received new tail lights, a front bumper, badging and side trim amongst other features. Modifications to the wastegate and engine management netted another 2 hp on the turbo model. For the 1991 model year, the wheel design was changed to 5-spoke wheels. Both models wore 16x7 aluminium alloy wheels that were fitted with 225/50/16 tires and full-sized spares on steel wheels.
The A70 Supra was also available in two non-export models in Japan, the JZA70 with a 2.5 L 280 hp (209 kW) twin-turbo 1JZ-GTE, known as 2.5GT Twin Turbo (JZA70), and with a 2.0 L 210 hp (157 kW) twin-turbo 1G-GTE. A special version of the 1JZ-GTE equipped JZA70, the 2.5 Twin Turbo R, had black/grey Recaro seats.
The third-generation Supra represented a great deal of new technology. In 1986, Supras were already equipped with 4-channel ABS and TEMS (Toyota Electronically Modulated Suspension) which gave the driver 2 settings which affected the damper rates. All models were fitted with double wishbone suspensions front and rear. A targa top was offered along with a metal power sliding sunroof (added in '91).
The 7M-GTE MA70 is capable of propelling itself 0-60 mph in 6.2 seconds with 6.8 psi of boost. It reached the 1/4 mile in 14.7 seconds at a speed of 95 mph. Its top speed is 149 mph.
Turbo A
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In 1988 the Turbo-A model was introduced. It was a special design aimed at winning the Group-A touring car championships around the world. There were only 500 Turbo-As ever made. [citation needed] The Turbo-A was a special 7M-GTE with 267 PS (263 hp/196 kW), making it the fastest Japanese road car until the Nissan Skyline R32-GTR was introduced.[The Turbo-A model was only produced in black, featured a grey leather interior, a larger intercooler, and used speed/density (MAP + IAT sensor) air metering. In addition, it was a hardtop model and featured a larger compressor wheel on the CT-26 turbocharger and throttle body.
