The Toyota Supra, a legendary name in the world of sports cars, is set to make a thrilling entry into the Repco Supercars Championship in 2026, but with a significant twist under the hood. For decades, the Supra has been synonymous with its potent inline-six engines, most notably the 2JZ-GTE from the iconic MkIV generation and the BMW-sourced unit in the current Mk V. However, for its Supercars debut, Toyota is ditching the turbo six in favor of a naturally aspirated V8 engine, aligning with the regulations and spirit of this fiercely competitive Australian racing series. This bold move marks a new chapter for the Supra, blending its celebrated heritage with V8 muscle for the track.
Toyota’s decision to enter the Supercars Championship with the GR Supra has been met with excitement and anticipation. While the road-going GR Supra retains its inline-six configuration, the Supercars version will adopt a V8 powerplant to compete head-to-head with rivals like the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro, who also utilize V8 engines. This shift ensures a level playing field in the championship, where V8 power and naturally aspirated performance are central to the racing formula.
Understanding the Repco Supercars Championship
The Repco Supercars Championship, formerly known as the Australian Touring Car Championship, boasts a rich history and a reputation for intense wheel-to-wheel racing. Evolving from a single-race event, it has grown into a premier championship series, captivating fans across Australia and beyond. The series is renowned for its challenging races held in diverse locations, from bustling city circuits to demanding rural tracks like the legendary Mount Panorama at Bathurst, home of the Bathurst 1000, a highlight event on the Supercars calendar.
Currently, the championship sees a thrilling rivalry between the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang. However, the 2026 season will inject a fresh dynamic with the arrival of four Toyota GR Supras. Spearheading this Toyota charge are two prominent teams, including Walkinshaw Andretti United (WAU), Toyota’s official homologation partner. WAU will field seasoned drivers Chaz Mostert and Ryan Wood, adding further credibility and expertise to Toyota’s Supercars campaign. Interestingly, WAU also has existing ties with Toyota, converting North American left-hand drive Toyota Tundras to right-hand drive configurations at their Melbourne facility, showcasing a strong existing partnership.
Supra Embraces V8 Power: The 2UR-GSE Engine
To maintain competitive balance, Supercars regulations mandate a minimum vehicle weight of 2,943 pounds and the use of V8 engines across all teams. Ford’s Mustang utilizes an aluminum block Coyote 5.4-liter quad-cam V8, while the Chevrolet Camaro is powered by a 5.7-liter single-cam V8 with an aluminum block. Both of these engines were recently introduced and are reported to produce around 600 horsepower.
For its GR Supra Supercar, Toyota has opted for a familiar and proven powerplant: the naturally aspirated, all-aluminum 5.0-liter 2UR-GSE quad-cam V8 engine. This engine is well-known for its performance and reliability, having seen service in Lexus models like the LC500 and RC-F. Notably, the same robust V8 propelled a Toyota Hilux to victory in the grueling 2019 Dakar Rally, demonstrating its durability and power in demanding conditions. While specific performance figures for the Gen3 Supercars engine are yet to be disclosed, expectations are that it will deliver comparable output to its V8 rivals in the championship.
Supercars Supra: More Than Just a Body Kit
The Supercars GR Supra is not simply a modified road car with an engine swap. It’s a purpose-built racing machine constructed around a class-specific chromoly tubular chassis that forms the car’s structural backbone. This chassis extends throughout the vehicle, providing exceptional rigidity and safety. For ease of repair in the high-impact world of Supercars racing, the front and rear sections are designed as removable clips. These precision-welded clips are remarkably robust and allow for optimal engine placement, ensuring the Toyota 2UR-GSE V8 is positioned for peak performance.
Body panels, styled to resemble the road-going GR Supra, are then fitted over this chassis. However, to meet racing requirements and aerodynamic demands, these panels incorporate necessary modifications to width, curves, and additions. Even details like the windshield are specialized – a polycarbonate laminate with a heated filament to prevent fogging. This windscreen, costing around $7,000, is also equipped with multiple peel-off layers to protect against debris during races. This level of engineering and bespoke components contributes to the significant cost of a new Gen3 Supercars build, averaging upwards of $600,000.
A Glimpse of the Supercars Supra Design
While the actual race-ready GR Supra Supercar is still under development, Toyota has offered a preview of its design through a clay model and digital renderings created at their Altona facility using C.A.D. and VR technology. At first glance, the Supercars Supra retains the recognizable silhouette of the road car, but closer inspection reveals distinct racing enhancements.
The hood features prominent creases flowing towards the bumper’s center, and a recessed section near the windscreen. The front bumper is lowered and incorporates larger side ducts and a pronounced splitter for improved aerodynamics. At the rear, a substantial wing is mounted on sweeping pedestals. Exhaust outlets are positioned just below the car’s left side. Notably, Supercars regulations underwent a significant overhaul in 2023, reducing downforce by over 65% on Gen3 racers. This shift emphasizes driver skill and aims to promote closer racing and more overtaking opportunities.
Toyota’s entry into Supercars is not a fleeting endeavor. The company has a long and successful history in motorsport, participating in championships like the World Endurance Championship, World Rally Championship, Dakar Rally, and NASCAR, among others. This commitment to Supercars is a five-year program with a four-car lineup, signaling Toyota’s serious intent to compete at the highest level of Australian motorsport.
Sean Hanley, Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Franchise Operations at Toyota Australia, emphasized the significance of this move, stating, “At Toyota, we have been toying with the idea of competing in Supercars for more than 20 years and now with the right car, the right team, and a very strong partnership with the Repco Supercars Championship, the time is definitely right.” The Supra V8 Engine era in Supercars is about to begin, promising an exciting future for Toyota and the championship.
