LSA Whips: Matt Chung drives a futuristic Toyota Supra A70 from 1990

LSA “Whips” takes a look at the people of Hong Kong and their connection with their cars. From classics to hypercars, amazing vehicles are seen all over the city but rarely do we get to learn how their owners come to possess them and what it’s like owning them in the city.

In our last episode, Max Sutera Sardo gave us a tour of the new McLaren 750S, but for this episode, we are headed back to the ’90s for one of Toyota’s sports car icons, the Supra. This time around, we are joined by Matt Chung and his third-generation Toyota Supra A70. Launched in 1986, the A70 was the first point in which  Toyota’s Celica and Supra automotive brands/models went their separate ways for a clearer distinction between the two.

For Matt, the Toyota Supra A70 contains several elements that make it one of his favourite cars to drive. First, the front styling features hidden pop-up headlamps, a very classic touch that reminds him of his grail JDM sports car — the Honda NSX. Another nostalgic touch for Chung is the original decal at the side representing the old Supra branding and typeface. He comments that he’s seen a few examples around the city but none had a complete sticker still intact.

Moving to the interior, Chung references some of his top films like Blade Runner and Akira when it comes to the digital dashboard and hardware. Noting Cyberpunk and Cassette Futurism as some of his go-to aesthetics, Chung loves the look of the tachometer animation and retro green hues that transport him to the past.

Above all, despite its 3.0L turbocharged engine and appearance, his Toyota Supra A70 puts comfort first with its automatic transmission and tuned-down suspension. Having driven his fair share of exotics, Chung still prefers something with a little more character for his daily driver. He reiterates that a car should be something the driver really feels connected to rather than trying to impress those on the outside.

He ended our chat with, “I think so many people in Hong Kong have cars that onlookers comment with ‘Wow, that’s an expensive car,’ but I want to drive a car that makes them say, ‘Wow, what car is that?’ and will make someone want to learn more about the make and model of the vehicle.”