Toyota GR Supra Turned Right into a N/A-V8-Powered Supercar for 2026 Repco Supercars Championship : Automotive Addicts

Automotive

The legendary Toyota Supra is about to stage up in a serious means. As soon as famend for its iconic twin-turbo 2JZ engine, the Supra is ready to interrupt new floor within the Repco Supercars Championship with a naturally aspirated V8 engine. Toyota’s Australian arm is prepping the GR Supra for 2026, turning the sports activities automotive right into a aggressive supercar that may go head-to-head with the likes of Ford’s Mustang and Chevy’s Camaro. Right here’s what it’s essential to find out about this thrilling growth.

A Legendary Comeback

The Toyota Supra earned its fame within the ’90s, significantly the MkIV Supra, because of its highly effective twin-turbo 2JZ-GTE inline-six engine. After Toyota discontinued the Supra, it wasn’t till 2019 that we noticed its return, this time in partnership with BMW. The fifth-generation Supra introduced a contemporary twist, utilizing BMW’s inline-six engine platform, which drew each reward and criticism from followers.

However Toyota isn’t accomplished making waves. The brand new GR Supra destined for the Supercars Championship in 2026 is not like any Supra we’ve seen earlier than. As an alternative of the inline-six, this supercar shall be powered by a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine, placing it proper in the course of some fierce competitors.

What’s the Repco Supercars Championship?

The Repco Supercars Championship, as soon as generally known as the Australian Touring Automobile Championship, is a premier racing sequence in Australia that has grown into an intense, multi-race competitors. Groups battle it out in main cities throughout the nation, culminating within the well-known Bathurst 1000 race.

As of 2023, the grid is dominated by Ford Mustangs and Chevrolet Camaros, however come 2026, the GR Supra will be a part of the fray with a four-car lineup. Toyota has teamed up with Walkinshaw Andretti United (WAU), a powerhouse within the racing world, to construct two of those vehicles, with Chaz Mostert and Ryan Wooden behind the wheel.

A Supra with V8 Energy

For the 2026 Repco Supercars Championship, Toyota will equip the GR Supra with the naturally aspirated 5.0-liter 2UR-GSE V8 engine, the identical engine present in high-performance Lexus fashions just like the LC500 and RC-F. This highly effective engine even helped Toyota win the grueling Dakar Rally in 2019, making it greater than able to holding its personal on the observe. Whereas particular efficiency figures for the Supra’s racing model haven’t been launched but, it’s anticipated to ship comparable output to its competitors, with round 600 horsepower.

Not Your Common Supra

That is no mere highway automotive conversion. The GR Supra heading into the Supercars Championship is constructed from the bottom up. Toyota will make the most of a chromoly tubular chassis, with the automotive’s bodywork representing the long-lasting Supra design as intently as doable. Nonetheless, the automotive could have some notable modifications, together with strengthened entrance and rear clips that may be changed shortly after any collisions, a standard incidence in such high-speed races.

The car will even characteristic a polycarbonate laminate windshield with a heated filament to forestall fogging, and it may possibly shed layers of plastic movie to maintain visibility excessive after lengthy races. The construct high quality and efficiency enhancements come at a price—setting up a brand new Gen3 Supercar, like this upcoming GR Supra, can exceed $600,000.

Design Tweaks for the Monitor

Toyota has already given us a sneak peek at what the GR Supra will seem like on the observe. Utilizing CAD and VR know-how, a clay mannequin was introduced, displaying off some important design tweaks. The hood has dramatic creases, giant facet ducts, and a pronounced entrance splitter, whereas an enormous rear wing provides an aggressive contact. The design prioritizes aerodynamics however adheres to the stricter Gen3 guidelines, which diminished downforce by 65% to emphasise driver talent over technical aerodynamics.

A Wealthy Racing Legacy

Toyota isn’t any stranger to motorsport success. From their World Endurance Championship and World Rally Championship wins to NASCAR and Dakar Rally victories, Toyota has deep roots within the racing world. The model’s dedication to the Supercars Championship is long-term, with Toyota pledging to subject 4 GR Supras for no less than 5 years, solidifying its place within the sport.

The Way forward for Supra Racing

The arrival of a V8-powered Supra marks a daring new chapter for the storied sports activities automotive. As Toyota continues to refine its design and efficiency over the subsequent few years, followers of each the Supra and motorsport can stay up for seeing how this new supercar takes on its rivals. With a wealthy racing historical past, a fierce aggressive spirit, and cutting-edge know-how, the GR Supra is poised to depart its mark on the Supercars Championship—and the world of motorsports.

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