The legendary Toyota Supra is about to level up in a major way. Once renowned for its iconic twin-turbo 2JZ engine, the Supra is set to break new ground in the Repco Supercars Championship with a naturally aspirated V8 engine. Toyota’s Australian arm is prepping the GR Supra for 2026, turning the sports car into a competitive supercar that will go head-to-head with the likes of Ford’s Mustang and Chevy’s Camaro. Here’s what you need to know about this exciting development.

A Legendary Comeback

The Toyota Supra earned its reputation in the ’90s, particularly the MkIV Supra, thanks to its powerful twin-turbo 2JZ-GTE inline-six engine. After Toyota discontinued the Supra, it wasn’t until 2019 that we saw its return, this time in partnership with BMW. The fifth-generation Supra brought a modern twist, using BMW’s inline-six engine platform, which drew both praise and criticism from fans.

But Toyota isn’t done making waves. The new GR Supra destined for the Supercars Championship in 2026 is unlike any Supra we’ve seen before. Instead of the inline-six, this supercar will be powered by a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine, putting it right in the middle of some fierce competition.

What is the Repco Supercars Championship?

The Repco Supercars Championship, once known as the Australian Touring Car Championship, is a premier racing series in Australia that has grown into an intense, multi-race competition. Teams battle it out in major cities across the country, culminating in the famous Bathurst 1000 race.

As of 2023, the grid is dominated by Ford Mustangs and Chevrolet Camaros, but come 2026, the GR Supra will join the fray with a four-car lineup. Toyota has teamed up with Walkinshaw Andretti United (WAU), a powerhouse in the racing world, to build two of these cars, with Chaz Mostert and Ryan Wood behind the wheel.

A Supra with V8 Power

For the 2026 Repco Supercars Championship, Toyota will equip the GR Supra with the naturally aspirated 5.0-liter 2UR-GSE V8 engine, the same engine found in high-performance Lexus models like the LC500 and RC-F. This powerful engine even helped Toyota win the grueling Dakar Rally in 2019, making it more than capable of holding its own on the track. While specific performance figures for the Supra’s racing version haven’t been released yet, it’s expected to deliver similar output to its competition, with around 600 horsepower.

Not Your Average Supra

This is no mere road car conversion. The GR Supra heading into the Supercars Championship is built from the ground up. Toyota will utilize a chromoly tubular chassis, with the car’s bodywork representing the iconic Supra design as closely as possible. However, the car will have some notable changes, including reinforced front and rear clips that can be replaced quickly after any collisions, a common occurrence in such high-speed races.

The vehicle will also feature a polycarbonate laminate windshield with a heated filament to prevent fogging, and it can shed layers of plastic film to keep visibility high after long races. The build quality and performance enhancements come at a cost—constructing a new Gen3 Supercar, like this upcoming GR Supra, can exceed $600,000.

Design Tweaks for the Track

Toyota has already given us a sneak peek at what the GR Supra will look like on the track. Using CAD and VR technology, a clay model was presented, showing off some significant design tweaks. The hood has dramatic creases, large side ducts, and a pronounced front splitter, while a massive rear wing adds an aggressive touch. The design prioritizes aerodynamics but adheres to the stricter Gen3 rules, which reduced downforce by 65% to emphasize driver skill over technical aerodynamics.

A Rich Racing Legacy

Toyota is no stranger to motorsport success. From their World Endurance Championship and World Rally Championship wins to NASCAR and Dakar Rally victories, Toyota has deep roots in the racing world. The brand’s commitment to the Supercars Championship is long-term, with Toyota pledging to field four GR Supras for at least five years, solidifying its place in the sport.

The Future of Supra Racing

The arrival of a V8-powered Supra marks a bold new chapter for the storied sports car. As Toyota continues to refine its design and performance over the next few years, fans of both the Supra and motorsport can look forward to seeing how this new supercar takes on its rivals. With a rich racing history, a fierce competitive spirit, and cutting-edge technology, the GR Supra is poised to leave its mark on the Supercars Championship—and the world of motorsports.