GR Supra Needs Time To Adapt
The J29/DB Toyota GR Supra arrived in 2019, some 17 years after the A80 was killed by emissions regulations in 2002. When the nameplate returned six years ago, Toyota made it clear that such a niche vehicle was only financially feasible because of collaboration with BMW, whose Z4 shared architecture and engines with the Supra. The non-identical Zupra twins are unlikely to survive beyond 2026 in their current forms, and while strong U.S. demand of late has reportedly extended the Z4’s life here by a couple of months, BMW is unlikely to do anything for 2027.
Thus, Toyota is going it alone with the next Supra in late 2027, says Forbes, citing Japanese magazine Best Car, which has already claimed that the “all-new” sixth-generation model will have Toyota power, and that the automaker is already testing at least two prototypes.
Four Cylinders, But More Power
Toyota
The magazine claims that a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with hybrid assistance will make around 400 horsepower, as seen in one prototype Toyota is testing. The U.S.-spec GR Supra Final Edition makes 382 hp from its B58 straight-six, and Toyota has been hinting at hybrid sports cars, so this aligns with what we know so far. As for which 2.0-liter four-pot is being referenced, that’s no doubt the remarkable red-topped G20E, the big brother of the black-topped 1.5-liter G15E. In the GR Yaris M concept, which may herald a new MR2, this engine produces around 435 hp, so a production application of the G20E should be more than capable of matching the B58’s current output even without hybrid assistance.
In fact, Toyota says a larger turbocharger would easily result in over 600 hp, and if that’s still not enough (other applications, like a new Celica, may need more), the engineers left “enough space between the cylinders so that the engine can be bored out considerably.” Basically, power won’t be a problem, but will the Supra be as popular with fewer cylinders?
A Six-Cylinder Is Also Rumored, But Don’t Bet On It
Toyota
Mazda and Toyota are collaborating on various projects, including EVs. According to Best Car, that partnership has expanded to the supply of a Mazda straight-six for use in a separate Supra prototype, and this engine is reportedly similar to the e-SkyActiv G mild-hybrid powertrain of the CX-70. The publication goes on to say that the four-cylinder is likely to win the battle for production because of its lower mass and improved agility, along with greater fuel efficiency, but there’s no guarantee peacocking enthusiasts will accept the loss of two cylinders. Perhaps the bigger engine will be reserved for a Lexus twin, but even Mazda is replacing the abovementioned six-pot with a four-pot SkyActiv-Z, so the four-cylinder makes more sense.
When the GT-R nameplate returned with the R35, many complained that a straight-six engine should have powered it. When the GR Supra returned, many complained that it was a BMW underneath, as if that were a bad thing. When the next Supra arrives, many will surely complain that it’s a hybrid, even if only a mild one, and reducing the cylinder count at the same time may turn too many buyers away. Then again, if the LFA successor uses a 4.0-liter V8 as has been suggested, Toyota might be able to pitch the four-cylinder Supra as half a supercar. Whichever direction Toyota takes, at least it’ll be more independent, and that removes the biggest complaint naysayers had about the current car.