Back in February 2023, Japanese media reported that the next generation of the Toyota Supra would launch in 2025 as an EV. However, a new report suggests Toyota has reconsidered and will make another Supra, most likely with a BMW 6-cylinder engine.
The Japanese sports car market is shifting in a lot of strange directions. Legacy models are still coming out, but JDM automakers are afraid of being left behind by sporty EVs like the Porsche Taycan. That’s why the next-gen Nissan GT-R is rumored to be electric.
The all-electric Toyota Supra was supposed to get the same treatment, potentially changing the entire formula. Since the 80s, the Supra has been known as a sports car with a powerful 6-cylinder engine under its long hood. However, the Supra EV would be shaped like a “midship”, like a big MR2.
The Supra is back to having an engine for 2025-2026
The decision to make a Supra EV happened in late 2022. However, a few things occurred since then. At the end of March 2023, the European Union changed its decision to ban the sale of internal combustion cars and allowed cars that use so-called eFuels.
That’s why the Japanese scoop website Best Car Web reports that a new GR Supra is on its way to a 2025-2026 debut. BMW will continue to play an important role in the car’s engineering and design, not to mention its powertrain.
At this point, it’s unknown what engine will be used in the 2026 Supra, but BMW still has an engineering lead, which means the Supra may have a next-gen 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo. Reports from 2022 stated the Z4 roadster would be discontinued after 2025. But that means BMW may also have reconsidered.
The German automaker recently presented the stunning Z4 Concept Touring Coupe, a modern tribute to the “Clown Shoe.” BMW also said it’s open to limited production runs of the concept, and that doesn’t sound like something you’d do for a car that will be completely discontinued.
A mild-hybrid system with a small motor integrated between the 3.0-liter engine and the ZF gearbox would be the most obvious choice. BMW produces several plug-in hybrid engines that go into everything from sedans to SUVs. However, they would be too heavy for a sports car.
Just like the GR86, the Supra will become an evolution of itself. The wheelbase will be unchanged, but the chassis will be stiffer and a new, more futuristic design will be introduced.
Why the Supra EV is a good thing
Toyota will hedge its bets by offering two types of sports cars, and the Supra EV is still under development. The idea of two Supras offered at the same time sounds strange until you realize BMW is doing exactly the same thing.
There’s already the 7 Series and i7, a partnership recently extended to the i5, soon to models like the iX5 and iX7. By the end of the decade, BMW is looking to have an almost 50/50 split between battery cars and conventional ones.
In fact, it’s possible the Supra EV somehow benefits from the partnership with BMW as well, which has been going on for more than a decade.
eFuel saves the Supra
Although Europe doesn’t appear to be the Supra’s main market, Toyota wants its famous sports car to be offered there. And although the 2035 ban on engines is still 12 years away, BMW wouldn’t develop any kind of sports car without the eFuel lifeline from the EU.
eFuel or electrofuel is made by taking carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere and mixing it with hydrogen to create a synthetic fuel. The process uses renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, or hydroelectric power, which is why the EU allowed its use.
Porsche is a major supporter of synthetic fuel. The sports car manufacturer cannot afford to lose its loyal customers by rapidly transitioning to EVs. The downside is that eFuel is several times more expensive than regular gas. But because conventional engines can run on the stuff, it means the death of ICE has been delayed.