What Cars Have a 2JZ Engine? Exploring the Iconic Toyota Motor

The 2JZ engine has cemented its place as a legend in automotive history, achieving an almost mythical status among car enthusiasts worldwide. Celebrated as one of the greatest engines from the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM), its reputation is built on exceptional performance and remarkable versatility. Beyond its technical merits, the 2JZ has become a cultural icon, largely thanks to the vibrant orange Toyota Supra’s starring role in the Fast and Furious film franchise. This cinematic exposure propelled the 2JZ into mainstream consciousness, making it a recognizable name not just for car aficionados but for the general public as well.

However, the 2JZ engine’s story is much richer than just one famous car. Over its 17-year production run (1991-2007), this engine found its way into a diverse array of vehicles, spanning from high-performance sports cars to luxurious sedans. Available in three primary variations – the GE, GTE, and FSE – the 2JZ was engineered to be adaptable. It excelled in various applications, consistently delivering robust performance and exceptional longevity, earning its reputation as one of the most reliable engines ever conceived.

Why Is The 2JZ So Popular?

The enduring popularity of the 2JZ engine is rooted in several key factors that have resonated with car enthusiasts and the automotive industry alike. Its robust construction, inherent tunability, and proven reliability have combined to create a truly exceptional powerplant.

[ ]

At the heart of the 2JZ’s strength is its heavily reinforced cast iron block, considered by many to be among the most durable ever manufactured. This robust foundation is a primary reason why so many 2JZ engines are still running strong today, even after years of demanding use in drifting, drag racing, and high-performance applications. But the durability isn’t limited to just the block. The internal components are equally renowned for their resilience. A forged crankshaft and incredibly strong pistons contribute to the 2JZ’s ability to withstand significant stress and strain. While the connecting rods in the naturally aspirated versions are slightly less robust, they are still forged, ensuring a high level of durability. Sequential electronic fuel injection was standard across most variants, further enhancing performance and reliability, with the exception of the less common FSE version, which incorporated direct injection for improved efficiency.

The 2JZ-GTE variant is the performance-oriented member of the family. It features a sequential twin-turbocharger system, engineered to deliver smooth and progressive power delivery. This setup utilizes two identically sized turbochargers operating in sequence, which provides a more linear power curve compared to systems using turbos of different sizes.

Introduced in 2000, the 2JZ-FSE marked the arrival of the newest and least common variant. This version incorporated direct injection technology, primarily aimed at reducing emissions and improving fuel economy without sacrificing performance. It represented Toyota’s commitment to evolving the 2JZ platform to meet modern environmental standards while maintaining its core strengths.

A Tuner’s Dream

[ ]

One of the defining characteristics of the 2JZ engine is its remarkable versatility, particularly in the realm of performance tuning and engine swaps. Its highly modifiable nature makes it a prime candidate for those seeking to extract significantly more power or adapt it for use in different vehicles. From drag racing and drifting to circuit racing and even everyday performance street cars, the 2JZ has proven its adaptability across a wide spectrum of automotive disciplines.

Initially, due to the “Gentlemen’s Agreement” among Japanese automakers – a self-imposed limit on horsepower to reduce traffic fatalities – the 2JZ-GTE was officially rated at 276 horsepower. However, it quickly became apparent that this engine possessed considerably more untapped potential. Skilled tuners soon discovered that with appropriate modifications, the 2JZ could produce staggering power figures, with some builds reaching as high as 1,500 horsepower and beyond. For enthusiasts focused on pushing performance boundaries, the 2JZ engine offers virtually limitless possibilities.

Cars With The 2JZ Engine

While the 2JZ engine has become a popular choice for engine swaps in custom high-horsepower projects, it was originally designed and implemented in a range of Toyota and Lexus production vehicles. Although the Toyota Supra is undoubtedly the most iconic association with the 2JZ, this engine, in its various forms, was utilized in over a dozen different models from these two manufacturers.

Here’s a comprehensive list of cars that featured the 2JZ engine directly from the factory:

Toyota Supra

Ask anyone familiar with cars, or even just a fan of automotive films, to name a car equipped with a 2JZ engine, and the Toyota Supra will almost certainly be the first answer. The Supra, particularly the fourth-generation (Mk IV), is inextricably linked with the 2JZ, largely due to its prominent role in the Fast and Furious movie series. This cinematic exposure elevated the Supra to a global icon, cementing its place in popular culture.

Interestingly, the Supra’s journey began not as a standalone model but as a high-performance derivative of the Toyota Celica in the 1970s, featuring an inline-six engine. It wasn’t until 1986 that the Supra officially became its own distinct model line. Seven years later, the fourth-generation Supra was launched, equipped with the 2JZ-GE engine. A turbocharged variant, the 2JZ-GTE, was also offered, further enhancing its performance credentials.

The Supra quickly gained favor among tuners due to its immense modification potential. The aftermarket scene responded enthusiastically, leading to a vast array of customized Supras appearing on the used car market. Today, finding a completely stock and unmodified Supra Mk IV at an affordable price is exceptionally challenging, reflecting its enduring desirability and collector status.

Toyota Altezza / Lexus IS 300

The Toyota Altezza, marketed internationally as the Lexus IS 300, demonstrated the versatility of the 2JZ engine beyond outright performance. It showcased that the 2JZ could also be successfully implemented in more refined, upscale vehicles, like those produced by Toyota’s luxury division, Lexus. While the Altezza/IS initially debuted with a four-cylinder engine, the 2JZ was added to the lineup in 2000. In this application, the 3.0-liter engine was naturally aspirated, receiving the 2JZ-GE designation and producing a more modest 211 horsepower and 212 lb-ft of torque. Power was delivered to the rear wheels through either a five-speed manual or automatic transmission.

Toyota Mark II

The Toyota Mark II is a long-standing and prestigious nameplate in Toyota’s history, having featured JZ-series engines since 1984. However, it was with the introduction of the sixth-generation X80 model in 1992 that the 2JZ engine found its way under the hood. The 2JZ variant offered was the naturally aspirated GE version, sold alongside a Mark II equipped with the 1JZ-GTE as the sole gasoline turbocharged option in the range. Notably, this 2JZ-powered version, specifically the Grande G trim, was exclusively paired with a four-speed automatic gearbox. It produced the same 211 horsepower as the Altezza/IS 300.

The 2JZ engine continued to be available in the eighth-generation (X100) Mark II, again exclusively with an automatic transmission. While 1JZ-GTE-powered Mark IIs have become popular choices in the drifting scene, the 2JZ models offered a more refined and luxurious driving experience.

Toyota Cresta

In the Japanese market, Toyota employed a multi-channel sales strategy, offering certain models under different names through distinct dealer networks. The Mark II was accompanied by two sister cars, one of which was the Toyota Cresta. Mechanically, the Cresta was virtually identical to the Mark II. It was sold through the Netz Store starting in 1998, and prior to that, through the Toyota Vista store. Effectively, it represented a variation of the Mark II platform with subtle styling differences.

Toyota Chaser

Completing the trio of Mark II-based sedans is the Toyota Chaser. Like the Mark II and Cresta, both the X90 and X100 series Chaser models featured the 2JZ-GE engine. Visually, the Chaser closely resembled its siblings but was distinguished by minor trim variations, including a more understated grille and lower front bumper design, as well as a slightly different interior color scheme.

The Chaser has become a sought-after project car among JDM enthusiasts and tuners globally, sharing a similar appeal with its Mark II and Cresta counterparts.

Toyota Crown & Crown Majesta

The Toyota Crown holds the distinction of being the oldest nameplate in Toyota’s entire model range, in continuous use since 1955. In 1991, the facelifted eighth-generation Toyota Crown received a performance upgrade with the introduction of the 2JZ-GE engine. This engine option remained available until the end of the eleventh generation in 2003. The Crown’s larger sibling, the Crown Majesta, also incorporated the 2JZ engine into its lineup.

In 1999, both the eleventh-generation Crown and the third-generation Crown Majesta transitioned from the more common 2JZ-GE engine to the less prevalent 2JZ-FSE variant, which featured direct fuel injection and produced 225 horsepower. In the Royal Saloon model, this engine was paired with a mild hybrid system, showcasing Toyota’s exploration of fuel efficiency technologies even within its luxury sedan range.

Toyota Aristo / Lexus GS 300

Informally known as the “Gentleman’s Supra,” the Toyota Aristo (sold as the Lexus GS in North American and European markets) offered both naturally aspirated and turbocharged versions of the 2JZ engine. Naturally aspirated models featured 219 horsepower and 219 lb-ft of torque, while the turbocharged GTE variant (exclusively available in the Aristo) delivered 275 horsepower. These engine options continued into the second generation of the model. 2JZ-GTE-equipped Aristos also benefited from advanced technologies such as VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence), electronic four-wheel steering, and a manual sequential mode for the automatic transmission, further enhancing their performance and driving dynamics.

The GS 300, like the IS 300, represented a shift in the 2JZ’s image, moving it away from a purely “boy racer” persona and associating it with a driving experience characterized by luxury and sophisticated style.

Toyota Progres / Brevis

The Toyota Progres was a midsize sedan that predated but was mechanically related to the Altezza/IS platform. This model, exclusively sold in Japan, also utilized the 2JZ engine, offering both GE and FSE variants. The Toyota Brevis is essentially the Progres’ twin, sharing the same powertrain and chassis but featuring distinct styling cues.

Released three years after the Progres in 2001, the Brevis was targeted towards a younger demographic. In terms of pricing, these models positioned themselves between the Lexus IS and GS. Beyond styling differences, the Progres and Brevis were also sold through different Toyota dealer networks, with the Brevis available at Toyota Store dealerships and the Progres exclusive to the Toyopet Store. Interestingly, some models of the Progres and Brevis were also offered with the 1JZ engine, specifically in all-wheel-drive configurations.

Toyota Soarer / Lexus SC 300

For those seeking a 2JZ-powered Toyota coupe but perhaps found the Supra too focused on outright sports performance, the third-generation Toyota Soarer (1991-2000) presented an excellent alternative. Marketed as the Lexus SC 300 outside of Japan, the Soarer was a sleek and elegant two-door coupe. It produced 225 horsepower from its 2JZ engine, slightly more than the naturally aspirated Supra of the same era. This made the SC 300 a more accessible and affordable entry point for enthusiasts desiring the 2JZ experience compared to the higher-priced Supra.

In 1997, the introduction of VVT-i technology further enhanced the Soarer’s performance compared to earlier versions. The Lexus SC 300 was one of only two vehicles sold in the American market equipped with a 2JZ engine, the other being the turbocharged Supra. Despite its initial popularity, sales of the first-generation Soarer/SC 300 began to decline towards the end of the 1990s. When the second generation was launched, it was offered exclusively with a V8 engine, a carryover from the top-trim version of the first-generation model.

Toyota Origin

The Toyota Origin stands out as the rarest car on this list by a significant margin. Produced for only a single year, from May 2000 to April 2001, by Kanto Auto Works, only 1,073 units were ever manufactured. Utilizing the same chassis as the Progres sedan, the Origin also inherited the 2JZ-GE engine as its sole powertrain option, producing 220 horsepower and paired with a four-speed automatic transmission driving the rear wheels.

Distinguished by its retro styling, inspired by the original Toyota Crown, the Origin was initially planned for a limited production run of just 1,000 units, but demand led to a slight increase. While Toyota models were often exclusive to specific dealer channels in Japan, the Origin was uniquely available through Toyota Store, Toyopet Store, and Corolla Store dealerships. Beyond its retro aesthetics, the Origin also featured distinctive design elements like suicide rear doors and a rearward-sloping C-pillar, further enhancing its unique and collectible nature.