FYI: The legendary Jun Akira Supra, a powerhouse in the Japanese tuning scene, set remarkable records with its street-legal performance car format.
The Unforgettable Jun Akira Supra
Ever since our love for cars began, there have been countless videos and moments that captured our imagination. Among them, one clip stands apart—a brief 21-second video of a vivid yellow MKIV Toyota Supra, expertly modified by the famed Jun Auto, sliding effortlessly across the Tsukuba Circuit. Its online presence in the early 2000s, before YouTube even existed, marked it as a significant part of automotive culture.
A Glimpse into Automotive History
Just a few years later, fans like myself experienced the thrill of seeing what seemed to be the very same vehicle, parked casually across from Jun’s Iruma Shop. Not only had this Supra graced magazine covers globally in 2001, but it also achieved an impressive top speed of 401.20 km/h (249.292 mph) at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, USA.
Tracing Back to Roots
Rewinding to 1999, my journey brought me to interact with Susumu ‘God Hand’ Koyama, Jun Auto’s master mechanic, during a visit to New Zealand. This meeting sparked a deep interest in Jun Auto’s pioneering work, leading me to finally see their operations in Japan by 2004, including a personal tour of Jun’s facilities courtesy of company founder Jun Tanaka.
Jun’s Legacy and Performance
Since its humble beginnings in 1980, branching from the Tanaka Industrial Company founded just after WWII, Jun Auto pioneered Japanese car tuning. With Koyama’s expertise, they quickly transformed into a leader in high-performance vehicles, venturing into global arenas, including multiple entries at the renowned Bonneville Speed Week.
Engineering Excellence and Transformative Design
The Jun Akira Supra took shape around a 1993 Toyota Supra RZ and quickly became the epitome of modified street-legal performance. Its engine, a 2JZ-GTE, was upgraded with forged components and turbo advancements, delivering 950ps (937 hp) even in its street configuration. Specifically, after the Bonneville ventures, it reverted from a dual turbo setup back to a single turbo, maintaining agility and power tuned through sophisticated engine management systems.
An Icon of Speed
The Supra’s capabilities were unmatched. Its Hollinger sequential gearbox and extraordinary aerodynamic enhancements allowed it to achieve an outstanding speed of 401.20 km/h during one of its competition runs. Worth noting, this was not a purpose-built race car but an enhanced street vehicle, offering functionality and performance in a unique fashion.
Continued Legacy and Final Chapters
Following its iconic performance phases, the once yellow Supra received a facelift in 2011, adopting silver tones with fresh graphics. Despite being sold in 2013, it captured enthusiasts’ attention until its reputed purchase in late 2014. Although rumors suggest it may have ended up in Australia, verification remains elusive.
Sadly, both Tanaka Tomo and Koyama have since passed away, but the legacy they forged, particularly through the Akira Supra, continues to inspire automotive enthusiasts worldwide.
The Conclusion
Jun’s Supra represents an era where innovation met raw power, culminating in a versatile vehicle capable of both track and street prowess. Its unmatched achievements and vivid history render it a prime example of Japanese automotive ingenuity and spirit.
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Donald Smith, Editor of Automotive.fyi
