The new V-8-powered Supra will be equipped with Toyota's 2UR-GSE engine, a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V-8 known for its aluminum construction and reputation for delivering performance in a variety of Toyota and Lexus models. This powerplant has already proven itself in high-performance cars like the Lexus RC F, LC 500, IS 500 F Sport, and even the legendary IS F. Beyond passenger cars, it has also seen success in motorsports, most notably powering the Hilux pickup that conquered the grueling Dakar Rally in 2019.

With a rich history behind the engine, the 2UR-GSE will now find a new home in the Supra race car for the Supercars Championship. This marks a significant departure from the current Supra lineup, which features four- and six-cylinder engines sourced from BMW. Even the track-only GT4 variant sticks with the Bavarian inline-six engine. But starting in 2026, Toyota will introduce a big, homegrown V-8 under the hood of its race car, setting the stage for some thrilling track battles.

Toyota's entry into the Repco Supercars Championship will occur under the Gen3 ruleset, which was introduced in 2023. These regulations have been designed to bring the competition closer, with an emphasis on reducing costs, enhancing parity between cars, and making the racing even more exciting for fans. Toyota aims to commit to the series for at least five years, taking on key rivals like Ford and Chevrolet.

The new V-8 Supra will face off against formidable competitors such as Ford’s Mustang, which currently runs a 5.4-liter Coyote V-8 engine. Additionally, Chevrolet teams will be fielding a replacement for the Camaro, which had been equipped with a 5.7-liter V-8 before the model was discontinued at the end of 2023. Toyota’s entry into the mix promises a return to a three-manufacturer grid for the first time since 2019, when Volvo, Nissan, and Mercedes also participated in the series before exiting.

The partnership between Toyota and Walkinshaw Andretti United (WAU) will be central to Toyota’s Supercars Championship campaign. WAU, a well-established team in the series, will switch from racing Ford Mustangs to the Toyota GR Supra starting in 2026. Two of the four Supra race cars in the championship will be driven by Chaz Mostert and Ryan Wood, representing WAU. The remaining two cars will be piloted by another team, yet to be announced.

The collaboration between WAU and Toyota doesn’t come as a complete surprise, as Walkinshaw Automotive Group already works with Toyota, converting Tundra trucks to right-hand drive at its facilities in Melbourne, Australia. This existing relationship could prove beneficial as the two entities work together to build and refine the race-spec Supra for its Supercars debut.

Toyota’s involvement in the Repco Supercars Championship marks a significant milestone for the series, which has long been dominated by American muscle in the form of Ford and Chevrolet. The addition of the Supra race car, powered by a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V-8 engine developed in-house, not only adds more variety to the grid but also showcases Toyota’s commitment to motorsport and its ability to compete at the highest levels.

With its impressive pedigree and powerful engine, the V-8 Supra promises to be a fierce competitor. Fans of the Supercars Championship can look forward to some epic showdowns between Toyota, Ford, and Chevrolet starting in 2026, as the legendary Supra takes on the established muscle car giants.

This marks an exciting new chapter for Toyota in motorsport, and its return to V-8 racing is sure to be one of the most anticipated developments in the years ahead.