Toyota is reportedly in talks to end its collaboration with BMW on the next-generation GR Supra and is considering a partnership with Mazda for its development. This marks a significant shift, as the GR Supra has been closely tied to the BMW Z4 platform in recent years. Toyota and Mazda have previously collaborated on various projects, including platform and powertrain sharing, which could see them join forces to develop a new platform for the next Supra.
Reviving the Supra with Mazda’s Expertise
There is high hope this collaboration will result in the next-generation Supra and possibly revive Mazda’s iconic RX-7 sports car. Mazda has a long history of developing performance-oriented vehicles, particularly with models like the RX-7 and RX-8. If the collaboration goes ahead, there is speculation that the next Supra will share a platform with a revived RX-7.
Next-Gen Toyota Supra: Inline-Six Engine in the Cards?
The next-generation GR Supra’s powertrain is also attracting attention. Since the end of the partnership with BMW, curiosity has grown about what engine the successor model will use. The most likely candidate is Mazda’s 3.3-liter inline 6-cylinder SkyActiv engine. This engine is currently used in some large SUVs, such as the CX-90, and generates a maximum output of 340 horsepower and a maximum torque of 50.2 kgf·m.
Although Mazda’s inline 6-cylinder engine may have a lower output than the existing BMW B58 engine, a mild hybrid system can improve fuel efficiency and eco-friendliness. Mazda may also apply additional tuning to maximize the engine’s sports performance.
Meanwhile, according to some sources, the next-generation GR Supra may be equipped with a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder turbo engine. Toyota is developing this engine in-house, aiming for a maximum output of over 400 horsepower. If this engine is applied, the Supra is expected to have a more dynamic driving performance.
Toyota-Mazda Collaboration: A Renaissance for Japanese Sports Car?
If Toyota and Mazda’s collaboration becomes a reality, it will likely significantly impact the Japanese sports car market.
If the two brands that led the golden age of Japanese sports cars in the 1990s join forces again, the revival of the Supra and RX-7 will likely become a reality rather than a mere rumor.
The current Supra, which was created in collaboration with BMW, has excellent performance but has not been free from controversy over its brand identity. However, the new Supra, developed in partnership with Mazda, can claim the title of a “100% Japanese sports car.” This will also be quite attractive to traditional JDM fans.
Ultimately, the key is the decisions Toyota and Mazda make. Attention is focused on whether the two manufacturers will collaborate to develop the next-generation Supra and RX-7 jointly or whether they will each present independent sports cars. Car fans are growing anxious about whether the heyday of Japanese sports cars will return.
