Differences between Imported and UK Spec MkIV Supras

The MKIV imports that are brought into the UK do have some substantial differences to the standard UK spec car. The majority of the differences are not major but should certainly be considered when purchasing a MKIV.

Models
In the UK there were 2 models released, a Twin Turbo and an NA (normally aspirated). Both had fairly high specification with leather interiors and cruise control. The UK TT version has a large air intake in the middle of the bonnet and headlamp washers which make it stand out from the NA and import versions.
Japan had at least 5 different models released, ranging from standard NA up to full leather TT. The SZ was the NA, the GZ was a TT with leather, cruise, active spoliers, the RZ was a TT with cloth seats, airbags and sometimes and active spolier, and the RZ-S was a TT with electric seats but none of the other toys. These defining lines are blurred when you realise that most of the models can have 'cost' options to increase the specification. Look at each car individually and dont expect any of them to have exactly what is listed below.

Engines and Major Components
It should be noted that for both the UK and Import models the NA does not use the same engine as the TT simply with the turbos removed, so adding turbos to an NA is a costly exercise. With the UK spec TT and Import TT there are some major engine differences. The import has smaller injectors, it has smaller turbos with ceramic impeller, it has different turbo outlets so UK Spec downpipes will not fit, and it has Electronic Throttle Control. The import NA will not have traction control, and this is the easiest way of identifying the NA without opening the bonnet, just look below the stereo and there will probably be no TCS switch.
The Import TT has smaller brake discs as standard. These are apparently the same size as the brakes supplied on the UK Spec NA and the brake pads from a UK Spec NA may well work but would not stand up well to the abuse a TT can give them. Your only option is to use imported pads, or find some race pads which fit. Ask the mail list for more information about this if you need some pads.

Exterior
Almost all UK Spec Supras will have the large rear wing, however the NA imports will more than likely not have the wing, and some of the RZ and RZ-S models may also have the wing missing. There is no definitive answer as to whether a car will have the rear wing so don't be suprised to find something like a GZ without a rear wing. The GZ model will normally come with additional side skirts and an active spoiler at the front which lowers itself at a set speed. The RZ and SZ may or may not have these skirts, again they are an option and are easily fitted.
The import MKIVs may arrive with 16" wheels, whereas the UK Spec came with 17" as standard. The Japanese love putting new wheels on the MKIV but do be aware that they don't always stick to the correct offset, and if you damage a wheel you may not be able to find a replacement and would have to buy 4 new wheels.
As stated above the UK Spec Supra TT has a large air intake on the bonnet which is designed to aid cooling. This was not an option on the Import MKIVs and only appears to be supplied on European MKIVs as even the Americans do not have it. That said, there is no reason why it cant be fitted as it is a standard Toyota part.
Aerotop removeable roof panels were not an option on UK Spec cars. They are certainly an option on GZ TT models, but it would appear only with an auto gearbox. The aerotop may also be available on the RZ models but I cannot verify this yet.
We have recently found that the rear light clusters on the UK Spec are different to the imports. The overall shape and size is the same, it is the location of the reversing, brake and fog lights that is different. This means that if you damage a rear light cluster a new one will need to be imported.

The information in table above was gathered from various sources including the following -

http://www.mkiv.co.nz/home.htm
http://www.mkiv.co.nz/specs.htm
http://www.mkiv.com/faq/japanese_and_export.htm

If you can fill in any of the 'unknowns' or blanks above, or have additional differences not listed here please email Branners@mindless.com