The automaker’s original Supra trademark, originally established in 1979, had expired in 2006, four years after the last car rolled off the assembly line. The new application was filed last week with the US Patent and Trademark Office and later spotted by The Motor Report.
Before taking his current position as chairman, Takeshi Uchiyamada last year said that he wanted Toyota’s next sports car to be a spiritual successor to the Supra, though the company has yet to officially commit to using the nameplate for any new vehicles.
The most likely candidate is the FT-1, a performance concept that was unveiled earlier this year in Detroit. Reports suggest the base production model may integrate a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, with an upgraded version offering a 2.5-liter turbocharged V6 hybrid with up to 402 horsepower.
The company is also working on another sports car, co-developed through a partnership with BMW, that will slot below the Toyota 86/Scion FR-S. This entry-level sports car is unlikely to be considered appropriate for the Supra badge, however.
The FT-1 is expected to arrive on the market as early as 2016.
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