CLASSIC NEVER DIES

Toyota GR Supra V8 Platform Coming to Supercar Championships

Dark grey Toyota Supra with a large red and white decal towards the rear of the car as the car is staged outside of a garage — *Source: Toyota Australia*

Toyota Australia has officially announced its return to the Supercar Championships in 2026, with the iconic GR Supra leading the charge. The new Supra will be powered by Toyota’s 5.0-litre naturally aspirated 2UR-GSE V8, a notable shift from the BMW-sourced inline-six powerplant that has been a focal point since the Supra’s reintroduction. However, it’s important to note that this V8 platform is currently exclusive to Australia for the Supercar Championships, and no official V8 variant has been announced for consumers. This move emphasizes Toyota’s commitment to reasserting its engineering prowess on a global motorsport stage, tapping into its own resources for a robust V8 engine already proven in Lexus F models and the Dakar Rally-winning HiLux.

Clay Toyota Supra model with 4 men in suits standing next to it — *Source: Toyota Australia*

The significance of Toyota choosing a homegrown V8 for its entry cannot be overstated. The 2UR-GSE V8 represents a blend of Toyota’s rich motorsport heritage and modern engineering, directly competing with Ford and Chevrolet, both of whom continue to race V8s under the Supercars Gen3 regulations. For Toyota enthusiasts, this shift not only aligns the GR Supra with the V8-dominated Supercar tradition but also brings an added level of brand authenticity, separating it from the BMW engine partnership in the consumer model.

Two cars one white one dark grey parked next to one another. The dark grey Supra has a red and white decal on the rear — *Source: Toyota Australia*

The return to Australia’s premier motorsport marks Toyota’s first serious entry since competing with the Corolla in the 1980s and 1990s. Partnering with Walkinshaw Andretti United, Toyota aims to make an immediate impact, with plans for a four-car commitment.

Grey GR Supra parked by the entrance of a large garage — *Source: Toyota Australia*

Yes! A V8 in the A90 Supra! If you’re not excited, then something’s seriously wrong! Toyota’s decision to commit to using their own 5.0-liter V8 in one of the brand’s flagship models is a bold move that elevates the Supra to a whole new level. This isn’t just about joining the Supercar Championship; it’s about reinforcing Toyota’s identity with its own high-performance technology. While the V8 is only confirmed for racing in Australia, it sparks the imagination—if the GR Supra finds success on the track, could this lead to a V8 engine option for consumers? Hopefully, this is the future for Toyota, and it could be just the beginning of an even more exciting era!

Source: Walkinshaw Andretti United