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Two of the most highly-anticipated Japanese sports cars are the sixth-generation Toyota GR Supra and the long-overdue, Mazda RX-7 successor. Toyota, Mazda, and Subaru have established a partnership, ensuring the longevity of the internal combustion engine. Toyota and Mazda have been working in tandem for a while as the former owns five percent of the latter. It appears this partnership deepens still as the two sports cars will have more in common than we initially believed.
Kirk Kreifels recently reported on a scoop from a reputable Japanese outlet, and part of the report downright contradicts some of the things we already know. The most surprising thing is that despite Mazda being a much smaller company than Toyota, it could contribute significantly to the next-generation Supra.
Mazda’s chassis, apparently, wasn’t up to the task
I know earlier I said that Mazda will contribute to the next-generation Supra in a major way, but Toyota will be doing the same for Mazda’s future sports car. There have been reports that Toyota and Mazda’s future rear-wheel-drive sports cars will share a platform, and now we know why.
Mazda developed a new rear-wheel-drive platform for its SUV models, for use in the CX-60 through CX-90. The same chassis, or a version of it, could also be used for a rear-wheel-drive Mazda 6, but whether it goes into production depends on how Mazda’s SUV models perform on the market. According to the latest reports from Japan, Toyota deemed Mazda’s new platform to be too heavy and not rigid enough to underpin a sports car. Kirk Kreifels notes that a large number of Mazda engineers went to Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division.
Remember, the Toyota GT3 Concept and Mazda RX Vision Concept? Both concepts share very similar proportions, depicting the classic sports car silhouette with a long front hood, short rear deck, and short overhangs. The Toyota version will, reportedly, first arrive as a Lexus and will feature a twin-turbo V-8 hybrid powertrain. As for the platform both sports cars would use, it sounds like it’s going be a shortened version of the Toyota GT3 platform.
Toyota is eyeing Mazda’s new inline-six engine
The most interesting bit from these latest reports concerns the next-generation Supra’s engine. While Toyota was involved in “perfecting” the BMW B58 engine, the sixth-generation Toyota Supra will not make use of this engine.
We know Toyota’s new 2.0-liter turbo-four will be used in a wide variety of upcoming Toyota and Lexus products, including the 2026 Toyota GR Celica. Toyota also planned on using this engine, in hybrid form, in the sixth-generation Toyota Supra, but things may have taken a different turn.
Apparently, someone at Toyota is adamant that the Supra needs to have an inline-six. Like other JDM enthusiasts, I completely stand behind this. Even if Toyota’s new four-cylinder proves to be “the next 2JZ”, sharing an engine with the “lesser” Toyota models could dilute the Supra nameplate. Currently, Toyota doesn’t have its own inline-six. Since BMW will no longer be involved in the next GR Supra, Toyota is eyeing Mazda’s inline-six engine.
In its current form, Mazda’s 3.3-liter, turbocharged, Skyactiv-G engine produces 340 horsepower at 5,000 RPM and 369 pound-feet (500 Nm) at 2,000 RPM. While respectable, these numbers are nowhere near what the next-generation Supra needs to have. My guess is that Toyota could take this engine and make a few tweaks. Perhaps, add an extra turbocharger, revise the heads, etc. As for Toyota’s 2.0-liter turbo-four, a normally aspirated version of that engine could be found in the next-generation GR86.
These reports contradict what we learned early on. Carmakers don’t make it easy on us, as they, often, give out cryptic messages. Kirk Kreifels also notes that even reputable publications like Best Car Web cannot outright say certain things. Self-censorship is strong in Japanese media. Japan ranks 70th in press freedom, so you can understand why we have to take many of the scoops with a pinch of salt.
Still, what are your thoughts on the Toyota and Mazda’s joint efforts at a sports car? I think an inline-six is a must-have feature on the Supra, and apparently, someone at Toyota seems to agree. Would you prefer a four-cylinder hybrid? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Dimitar Angelov‘s automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov’s car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications, and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Facebook.
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