Here's Why Toyota Supra GRMN Might Not Be Worth It, Over The GR Supra

In March 2019, we saw the introduction of what was, initially, a very controversial sports car – the fifth-generation Toyota Supra. Four years later and even the JDM purists have largely overcome the fact that the GR Supra is, essentially, a rebodied BMW Z4. The Toyota GR Supra already proved it can punch way above its weight, outperforming more powerful sports cars, but 2025 would bring something even spicier.

For some time now, Toyota's Gazoo Racing has been working on the high-performance Toyota Supra GRMN, which is expected to make an official appearance sometime in 2025. Taking into account everything we know about the track-focused Supra GRMN, we beg the question, is it different enough from the GR Supra 3.0, to make sense?

The B58 Engine In The GR Supra Is Nearly As Potent As The S58 Powering The Upcoming Supra GRMN

It's no secret that the GR Supra utilizes BMW straight-six engines. In this case, it is the B58 3.0-liter engine with a twin-scroll turbocharger that makes 382 horsepower and 368 pound-feet (499 Nm) according to the official ratings. In reality, the B58 engine is underrated as it makes just over 400 crankshaft horsepower and a lot more torque. Meanwhile, the S58 engine is already said to be the engine of choice for the Supra GRMN. So far, we have seen up to 542 horsepower in BMW's M3 and M4 models, but in the Supra GRMN, the engine will likely be de-tuned to the base M3's 473 horsepower.

The B58 and S58 inline-six engines are more different than people give them credit for, despite the S58, essentially, being a high-performance version of the B58. The S58 features a larger cylinder bore (84 mm vs 82 mm) and a shorter piston stroke (90 mm vs 94.6 mm), making it more capable at the higher rev range while the B58 boasts better low-end torque. The S58 is also twin-turbocharged. Despite those differences, both engines have a similar horsepower cap of around 700 wheel-horsepower.

What doesn't help the Supra GRMN's case is the fact, the GR Supra's B58 engine unlocks a ton of power with just simple modifications.
 

Toyota GR Supra Is Shaping Up To Be More Of A Bargain Compared To The Supra GRMN
 

Browsing the Toyota website, I see that the current prices for the GR Supra start from $46,440 for the four-cylinder model. The 45th Anniversary sits at the top of the range at $66,275, but you can get behind the wheel of a brand-new, 3.0-liter GR Supra for as little as $58,550. While official pricing for the 2025 Supra GRMN is not out yet, according to a report from Japanese publication, BestCarWeb, in Japan, the Supra GRMN will start at around 13.0 million Yen, which is around $87,000. That's nearly $30,000 more expensive than the standard GR Supra 3.0, so the Supra GRMN better be something special when it comes out.

What You Are Getting For Those $30,000 Extra

We know the GRMN Supra will be firmer and feature a body kit optimized for more downforce. The S58 inline-six engine will pack at least 89 extra horsepower over the standard car's B58.

The biggest concern among enthusiasts was whether or not a manual transmission would still be offered for the Supra GRMN. While everyone expected the ZF eight-speed automatic to be the sole transmission option for the high-performance Toyota Supra, the latest spy footage from the Nurburgring suggests a manual will be available. One redeeming aspect of the GRMN Supra is that while you can easily get the GR Supra to similar performance levels, Toyota's own motorsport division has done it for you.
 

About The Author: 

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.