Automotive
Toyota is preparing to take the Supra in a bold new direction, and it’s a move that might rattle purists while still holding the potential to silence them with raw performance. According to recent reports out of Japan, the next-generation Supra will no longer rely on BMW’s engines and instead will go fully Toyota, starting with a turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid setup expected to make around 400 horsepower.
For many enthusiasts, the name “Supra” carries weight. It calls to mind the legendary A80 Supra of the 1990s, a car that earned a cult following thanks to its indestructible 2JZ-GTE inline-six and tunability that bordered on the absurd. When the Supra returned in 2019 after a 17-year hiatus, excitement was tempered by controversy. Toyota partnered with BMW to develop the fifth-gen GR Supra, sharing its bones and engines with the BMW Z4. For some, this “Zupra” arrangement diluted the car’s identity, even though the end result was a dynamically sharp and thoroughly enjoyable sports car.
Now, as the current GR Supra prepares to bow out by 2026, Toyota appears ready to reclaim full ownership of the nameplate. Reports from Japanese magazine Best Car, echoed by Forbes, claim the all-new Supra set for a late 2027 debut will ditch the BMW powertrain in favor of a fully Toyota-developed engine. Specifically, a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four paired with hybrid assist that could put out around 400 horsepower in production trim. In test mules, that figure may already be reality.
To the die-hard Supra fanbase, the idea of a four-cylinder Supra—even a high-output hybrid—might sound like blasphemy. After all, the Supra has always been associated with six-cylinder engines, from the inline-six in the original 1979 model to the iconic 2JZ of the ’90s. But Toyota’s track record with hybrid technology shouldn’t be underestimated. From the Prius to Le Mans, they’ve proven they know how to do electrification right. If they manage to inject some of that race-bred hybrid expertise into the next Supra, we could be looking at a compact powerhouse that keeps up with far pricier machinery.
The engine rumored to take center stage is Toyota’s G20E—a red-topped 2.0-liter that’s already been teased in concepts like the GR Yaris M, where it made upwards of 435 horsepower. And that was without hybrid assistance. Add a larger turbo and some electric torque-fill, and suddenly 600 horsepower isn’t out of the question. Toyota engineers have even noted that the block has room to grow, with space between the cylinders to allow for boring out the displacement. That’s not just future-proofing—it’s a blueprint for something genuinely potent.
Still, not everyone will be sold. There’s speculation of a potential straight-six option, possibly sourced from Mazda’s e-SkyActiv G platform, though that’s said to be unlikely. With most automakers downsizing for emissions and efficiency, and even Mazda replacing its six-cylinder with the upcoming SkyActiv-Z four-pot, it’s clear where the industry is heading. A lighter, more agile Supra with hybrid punch might be a better fit for the times—even if it ruffles some feathers.
Let’s not forget that when the R35 GT-R launched, it faced criticism for abandoning Nissan’s historic inline-six in favor of a V6. Yet that car went on to dominate for over a decade. The Supra could follow a similar path, especially if Toyota leans into what it does best: delivering performance through innovative engineering, not just nostalgia.
What’s most exciting here is the shift toward independence. By building the next Supra without BMW’s help, Toyota has the chance to win back those who never fully embraced the current model. If the new car manages to deliver thrilling dynamics, brutal acceleration, and that unique Toyota character, it won’t matter how many cylinders are under the hood. In fact, it might just redefine what a modern Japanese sports car can be.
In a world where performance cars are increasingly rare and often out of reach, a turbo-hybrid Supra with Toyota DNA could be exactly what enthusiasts didn’t know they needed.
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Darryl Taylor Dowe is a seasoned automotive professional with a proven track record of leading successful ventures and providing strategic consultation across the automotive industry. With years of hands-on experience in both business operations and market development, Darryl has played a key role in helping automotive brands grow and adapt in a rapidly evolving landscape. His insight and leadership have earned him recognition as a trusted expert, and his contributions to Automotive Addicts reflect his deep knowledge and passion for the business side of the car world.
