Toyota GR Supra Gets V8 Power for Supercars Racing — But Not for the Street originally appeared on Autoblog.
Toyota has confirmed what many enthusiasts have long dreamed of: the GR Supra is getting a V8. There’s just one minor issue — it won’t be sold to you.
Instead, the V8-powered GR Supra is being developed exclusively for Australia’s Supercars Championship, with no plans for a road-going version. That might sting for some, but there’s still plenty to get excited about, especially if you enjoy seeing Toyota flex its motorsport muscle.
V8, But Only For The Track
Starting in 2026, Toyota will enter the Supercars series with a 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 GR Supra, built with the help of Walkinshaw Andretti United and Brad Jones Racing. Under the hood is the 2UR-GSE, the same Lexus V8 found in the LC 500 and IS 500. That engine will go toe-to-toe with the Mustang and Camaro in what remains one of the most V8-happy race series left on Earth.
It’s not just a badge swap, either. This is a proper, fire-breathing Supra that will go racing at Bathurst and beyond. But as for customer cars? Toyota’s been clear: this one is for racing only.
A Supra Caught Between Generations
The V8 arrival also highlights where the road-going GR Supra stands today: at the end of its run. Toyota hasn’t said much publicly, but the A90 Supra is expected to bow out by mid-2026. Sales have slowed significantly — even as its more affordable siblings continue to perform solidly in the U.S. market. In fact, the cheapest Toyota models, including the Corolla, have recently seen updated pricing and spec tweaks to remain competitive. The 2026 Corolla, for example, still undercuts the Civic by around $2,000 and sold over 120,000 units in the first half of this year.
Meanwhile, Toyota continues to promote value-first entries like America’s cheapest new Toyota, keeping its entry-level cars relevant in a market increasingly skewed toward pricey crossovers and electric SUVs.
So while the Supra has served as a halo car — and let’s face it, a very cool one — it hasn’t been the volume player. That leaves cars like the Corolla and Camry doing the sales heavy lifting. Even then, Toyota’s Q2 sales are being pressured by Ford’s year-over-year surge, which could spell trouble heading into Q3.
No Road-Going V8 (For Now)
Despite some fan speculation — and occasional hints from Toyota engineers — the company has confirmed this V8 isn’t road-legal and won’t be offered to the public. Internal discussions about a production version reportedly ended before they ever really started. Toyota’s sticking with the BMW-sourced inline-six until the model retires, and any hopes of a factory-built V8 Supra for the street remain locked behind a race trailer.
Still, for brand image alone, this V8 project matters. It shows Toyota hasn’t forgotten what made the Supra badge iconic in the first place: noise, aggression, and racing credibility. Even if you’ll never drive one, you’ll still be able to hear it scream around Mount Panorama come 2026.
Toyota GR Supra Gets V8 Power for Supercars Racing — But Not for the Street first appeared on Autoblog on Aug 6, 2025
This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Aug 6, 2025, where it first appeared.
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