The Supra is one of Toyota’s most beloved and iconic sports cars. While the Supra has long been discontinued, rumors of its resurrection continue to circulate.

Among the latest news concerning the sports car is from the folks at Car and Driver, who assert that the Supra name has officially been trademarked by Toyota, which means that the automaker now has three years to utilize it. With some competitors dropping their sports cars, the timing could be right for a new Supra, Maryland Toyota says.

Although there’s no official word on production of the next-generation Supra, Toyota president Akio Toyoda has recently said that he wants “to see the next Supra tested in the near future.” Already, Toyota is developing at least one sports car model, so it will be interesting to see if the upcoming FT-86 sports car ends up donning a ‘Supra’ badge. In Santa Fe, used cars sales are still brisk. Stay tuned.

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Toyota Supra Image

Toyota fans have eagerly anticipated the introduction of the next generation Supra, which has been absent from the Toyota lineup since 1998. But new reports suggest that the legendary Supra sports car is no longer part of Toyota’s production plans.

While GM and other automakers are pushing for new battery technology and hybrid models, Toyota is doing the same, focusing on new nickel-metal hydride batteries for next generation hybrids. In addition, Toyota is ramping up for the introduction of the next generation Toyota Prius, which will also include to a plug-in version that is anticipated to debut in 2010.

While the Supra has excited many Toyota enthusiasts, other models are simply more crucial to Toyota in a time when the automotive industry is struggling. Among the models coming down the pipeline include additional hybrid versions of the Toyota Sienna minivan and the all-new Venza crossover vehicle. Several other models including the Camry, RAV4, and Avalon, will also be receiving redesigns.

To the dismay of those who were eagerly anticipating the upcoming GT-R-fighting Supra, Toyota is smart to hold off on the iconic sports car. Focusing on the growing hybrid segment which are hot sellers at Minnesota Toyota dealer and at dealers around the country, and on existing popular models, Toyota will be able to improve upon an already strong formula.

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Source: eGMCarTech

Get the latest on Toyota’s hybrid plans right here.