by Gabrielle DeSantis

The Toyota Supra is one of the most popular cars you see at tuner car shows and on the street, partly because of its role in pop culture and partly because of its performance capabilities and potential. Overall, the Toyota Supra became more popular than the brand may have originally anticipated, and none of us are complaining — except maybe about how the popularity of the car has kept the value and price up even decades later. The Supra was always designed to be something special, and with its Latin-based namesake, it did exactly what Toyota had hoped that it would.

The Toyota Supra name

If you refer to Toyota, you may notice that many of the model names have more meaning than you think. The MR2, for example, stands for mid-engine, rear-wheel drive, 2 seater — and while that model name is somewhat practical, other Toyota model names have a bit more meaning. The Prius, for example, got its name from the Latin word for “to go before,” and it isn’t that far off from the Toyota Supra. The Supra also got its name from a Latin root, and in Latin, the Toyota Supra means “to surpass” or “to go beyond,” which is exactly what the manufacturers aimed to do with this iconic car.

The Toyota Supra in pop culture

The Toyota Supra was designed to go beyond in performance and styling, but the car’s popularity was really highlighted by its starring role in the Fast and Furious franchise. The movies didn’t just show off the car’s styling as you see in movies like James Bond, which has overexaggerated the abilities of cars like the Lotus Esprit. The Toyota Supra, on the other hand, was highlighted for its styling and capable 2JZ engine that has established itself as a staple in the car community. While it was the most popular in the first movies that we released over a decade ago, the car is still popular, and the Fast and Furious franchise changed car shows forever.

The comeback of the classics

While it was cut from production for some time, the Toyota Supra was brought back into production only a few years ago, with a new design that has been somewhat controversial. The new Supra features a BMW drivetrain — which has lead to all of the annoying jokes about the new Toyota Supra actually just being a fancy BMW Z4 M40i but has distinct styling and impressive performance nonetheless. Regardless of any negative opinions, the car was a nostalgic throwback that has been popular — and it isn’t that uncommon to see them at car shows or meets. It no longer offers the 2JZ engine, but if YouTube history has taught us anything, it’s only a matter of time before a content creator makes that happen.

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The post The Toyota Supra Really is Designed to ‘Go Beyond’ appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Some people enjoy full-size RV campers for traveling around, but that does not apply here. The new Mercedes-Benz Citan is called a micro camper van and really can do it all. The small van segment is heating up with the addition of the Citan, and yes, we mean because of the kitchen.

The Mercedes-Benz Citan Tourer micro camper has a kitchen!

OK, it isn’t a full kitchen, but it’s a kitchenette all the same. Robb Reports says the Citan Tourer module was created by a partnership with VanEssa, the camping experts. The kitchenette is a 132-pound module that can fit in the back of the Mercedes van. It comes with a gas cooker, sink, fridge, and room to store necessities like plates and cups.

The sink offers a 3.4-gallon water tank, and buyers can customize other bits of the kitchenette. The second module offered turns the van into a bedroom of sorts. The bed measures 3.8 feet by 6.2 feet, with a bed big enough for two. You can store this piece above the kitchenette module. Plus, you can fold it up and continue to use the rear seat in the van.

The 2022 Citan also has all of the upgraded technology drivers might want. The newest MBUX infotainment system, touchscreen, blind-spot warning, and active lane keep. Mercedes-Benz is offering it in a 1.5 L diesel option, 1.5L gasoline option, or a fully electric eCitan is coming eventually.

The Mercedes-Benz Citan is an all-around van

Mercedes-Benz says the Citan is “the professional among urban delivery vans and a true all-arounder.” Mercedes also called it spacious, agile, efficient, and safe. While it might not look like your usual sporty Mercedes-Benz, it will share the unmistakable front grille. The van also comes in a variety of lengths. These lengths are 12.92 ft (Compact) to 14.17 ft (Long) and then 15.45 ft (Extra-long).

“The travel and leisure vehicle market is increasingly important for us as part of our strategic orientation. This also applies to the brand new generation of our Citan, which is an ideal basic vehicle for micro camper van conversions,”

Klaus Rehkugler | Head of sales & marketing for Mercedes-Benz Vans

While Mercedes has always had an extensive lineup, adding more vehicles to the van and motorhome segment is quite the move. The Citan is due sometime in 2022, but hopefully, this won’t be the last we see of the new Mercedes van until then.

The van segment is heating up

If you couldn’t already tell, the words “city” and “titan” made the Mercedes-Benz Citan. Mercedes set out to make a van that was still a luxury vehicle but offered more all-around versatility. The Citan isn’t just a delivery van. It’s a delivery van, a daily driver, and a weekend-camper. Take it to watch the fireworks or take it to the grocery store; Mercedes wants you to be able to do it all. There is value in that. Hope to see you in the U.S. sometime soon, Citan.

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