Toyota built its reputation in North America on the backs of ultra-reliable commuter cars and unkillable compact trucks, both of which the company churned out in droves throughout the 1980s and 1990s. At the same time, however, it continued to make a play not just for the dollars of its ever-growing customer base, but also their souls in the form of competent, innovative, and competitive sports cars both here and abroad.
It’s an aspect of the automaker’s history that is often overlooked from a modern perspective. While the Supra’s contributions to Toyota’s sporting past are currently in the spotlight thanks to the introduction of a new model after an extended hiatus, there’s far more to the brand’s personality than just its most famous two-door model.
Starting small
1967 Toyota 2000GT
Handout /
Toyota
Toyota’s first foray away from the sensible trucks and sedans built under its original Toyopet nameplate occurred in the 1960s, on opposite ends of the price spectrum. Internationally, all eyes were on the 2000GT coupe and the starring role it played — as a one-off convertible — in the James Bond film You Only Live Twice. In addition to its elegant looks, the 2000GT offered 150 horsepower from a six-cylinder engine, and straddled the line between sports and GT segments. Built in 1967, the car was a strong departure from what American audiences had previously been exposed to from Japanese designers, and although very few were produced it was a highly influential model both inside and outside the company.
Prior to the 2000GT’s silver screen debut, however, Toyota would move forward with the Sports 800, a two-seater that was within the reach of the average consumer. After three years on the show circuit, the 800 would hit showrooms in 1965, where it provided a modest 44 horsepower from a sub-one-litre four-cylinder engine. Weighting in a just over 1,000 kilograms, the Sports 800 — or ‘Toyota 8’ — was engaging to drive in way none of the previous Toyopet models could claim.
Bridging the gap
1971 Toyota Celica
Handout /
Toyota
After a successful showing in motorsports from both the 2000GT and the Sports 800, Toyota decided it was time to export more than just econoboxes to America. Still, there were some concessions that had to be made in order to keep the books balanced, which meant that the Toyota Celica would initially err more on the side of daily driver than canyon carver, when it what first shipped across the Pacific in 1970.
Mimicking aspects of the popular Ford Mustang in terms of styling and engineering, but lacking the domestic model’s muscle car powerplant — early Celicas would never offer more than a 2.2-litre four-cylinder — the car represented Toyota dipping its toes, rather than fully diving into the high performance pool. Following a redesign and a brief, uncomfortable co-existence as platform donor to the original Supra, the Celica’s sporty aspirations would be placed on the shelf as Toyota again adopted a dual-prong approach to pleasing sports car fans in the 1980s.
Go-Go 80s
1988 Toyota MR2 S/C
DW Burnett /
Hagerty
This time, the focus was almost fully on North America. The A60 Supra — a smart shrinking of the previous generation’s ungainly proportions, matched with a potent straight-six motor — would for the first time tempt import-curious drivers with a mix of power and comfort in the Toyota showroom for the 1982 model year. In many ways, the company was playing catch-up to Nissan/Datsun, which had seen enormous success with its Z coupe and was now pushing into a more upmarket implementation of the vehicle.
A couple of years later, Toyota would flex its engineering muscle and deliver something none of its Japanese rivals could match: A relatively cheap and attractive mid-engine sports car. Called the MR2, it adopted the same lightweight principles that had guided the Sports 800, but enhanced with near-perfect weight balance and a suspension setup that had been breathed on by the masters at Lotus. Initially offered with a naturally-aspirated four-cylinder, the MR2 would eventually gain a supercharged model that would further enhance its street cred.
Right around the same period, Toyota elected to bring the Celica back into the mix as a bridge between the impractical yet fun MR2, and the upmarket Supra. By 1987, the coupe was being offered with a turbocharged engine and an all-wheel drive system reminiscent of the automaker’s rally efforts (dubbed the GT-Four or All-trac, depending on the market), which complemented front-wheel drive models that came before it. A redesign just before the end of the decade would give the Celica more striking styling and continue the turbocharged fun into the 1990s, with power ultimately reaching 200 horses.
Even the Corolla got its share of the fun, as Toyota experimented with giving its entry-level model a twin-cam hatchback (and coupe) that would go on to be immortalized in the drift scene as the ‘hachi roku’ or ’86.’ This would close out the Corolla’s rear-wheel drive roots before the vehicle was moved to a more cost-effective, and efficient, front-wheel drive platform of its own.
Spend all the money
1994 Toyota Supra
Handout /
Toyota
The 1990s were a heady time for the Japanese auto industry, and the soaring yen and seemingly unlimited economic expansion encouraged engineers and designers to work on projects that reached well past expectations, both at home and around the world.
This is the era that the Supra — which had been motoring along for several years as a less-focused, turbocharged grand touring car — would morph into the fire-breathing, twin-turbocharged, 2JZ-equipped sports coupe that would become a legend among aftermarket tuners due to its incredible capacity for eating boost and not blowing up. It’s also the same environment that produced the final generation of the MR2, which adopted mini-exotic body work and a similarly mod-friendly turbocharged four-cylinder.
We want you back
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After the turn of the Millennium, Toyota began to divert funds away from its sports car programs, and funnel them instead into Lexus — which itself produced the limited-production LFA supercar. The Supra would disappear, and the MR2 would be replaced by the milquetoast MR-S roadster, creating a decade-long lull before the Toyota 86-nee-Scion FR-S once again shake the brand awake from its slumber.
Given the company’s long history of building potent performance cars, it’s disappointing (and somewhat baffling) that its latest Supra is a Toyota in name only, having farmed out its engineering to BMW. Sports cars may no longer move anything like the volume they once commanded, what with their status as symbols of conspicuous consumption having been usurped by SUVs, but here’s hoping that the next Toyota-badged sizzler is home-grown.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
