Toyota has decided to raise the level of its emblematic Supraa machine that has divided opinions since its relaunch, when introducing a V8 engine.
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But before enthusiasts get excited thinking about a commercial version available on the streets, it is important to note that this model has been designed exclusively for the Australian Supercars championship, one of the most prestigious touring car competitions in the world.
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Since his return in 2019 with the fifth generation, known as A90the Toyota Supra has been a topic of heated debate.
The fact that the Japanese brand collaborated closely with BMW to develop the car was a source of criticism from Toyota purists.
Many expected the Supra to maintain a completely Japanese identity, but, by sharing the technical base with the BMW Z4 Roadsterincluding its engines, Toyota adopted a pragmatic solution that did not convince everyone.
The current Supra A90 comes with engines of Bavarian origin: an inline six-cylinder engine, which is appreciated for its power and performance, and a less powerful four-cylinder version.
However, the arrival of a Supra with a V8 engine marks an exciting change of direction for the model, albeit with one important condition: it will not be a series production car.
The V8 Engine that redefines the Supra
Toyota has decided to equip this exclusive Supra with the 2UR-GSE engine, a 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8known for its impressive power and unmistakable sound, originally developed in collaboration with Yamaha.
This engine is no stranger to the world of high performance, as it has been previously used in iconic models from the Lexus range, such as the Lexus LC500, IS-F and RC-F.
Besides, was the driving force behind the Toyota Hilux that won the prestigious Dakar Rally in 2019demonstrating its durability and performance in extreme conditions.
This V8 engine has been praised by motorsport enthusiasts due to its ability to deliver a unique driving experience, characterized by its immersive sound and impeccable response at high revs.
Although many expected to see a Supra with a V8 engine circulating on the streets, this model will be exclusive to the Australian circuits, within the exciting Supercars competition.
The Supra and its debut in the Australian Supercars Championship
The Australian Supercars Championship is one of the most exciting touring car series in the world.
With a rich history and a passionate fan base, this competition has been home to iconic vehicles such as the Ford Mustang and the Chevrolet Camaro.
However, in recent years, the departure of large brands like Mercedes and Nissanand the closure of the iconic Australian brand Holden, diminished some of the championship’s luster.
In this context, Toyota has decided to take a step forward and commit to participating in Supercars from 2026.
The Japanese manufacturer has signed an agreement that guarantees at least five years of participation in the championship, with the Supra V8 as its strong card to revitalize the competition and compete directly against the giants Ford and Chevrolet.
The Supercars championship, comparable to the German DTM in its best years, will be an ideal showcase for Toyota to demonstrate its engineering capacity in the development of high-performance vehicles.
Although this Supra is not available to the general public, Its presence on Australian circuits will be a testament to Toyota’s commitment to competitive motorsport and automotive engineering innovation.
Toyota’s entry into the Supercars scene comes at a crucial time for the competition. The loss of emblematic figures such as Holden and the departure of other international manufacturers had left a void on the starting grid.
With the arrival of the Supra V8, Toyota not only offers a new option for enthusiasts, but also provides renewed impetus to a series looking to regain its global relevance.
The Supra V8 in Supercars will be a competition vehicle with all the technological advances necessary to keep up with their competitors.
And although Toyota has not revealed many additional technical details about this specific version of the Supra, the V8 engine and aerodynamic and suspension improvements are expected to make it a formidable contender.
The V8-powered Toyota Supra is a reminder of Toyota’s ability to surprise and disrupt expectations.
Toyota has shown, once again, that it can make bold decisions to position itself in the world of motorsports, and the Supra V8 is a clear example of this.
While fans of the traditional Supra may regret that this model is not part of the commercial catalog, Toyota’s legacy of power, performance and precision remains stronger than ever on the most demanding racing circuits in the world.