I Was Right About The Toyota Supra's Future: Toyota Supra Goes Hybrid, Ditches BMW Partnership

Back in 2019, mixed feelings surrounded the debut of the fifth-generation Toyota Supra. Toyota went on to develop its sports cars with other manufacturers and more than a few JDM enthusiasts were surprised by the Japanese carmaker's team-up with BMW.

That said, a recent scoop from the Japanese publication Best Car Web confirmed what I had already suspected – the next-generation Toyota GR Supra will be made by Toyota, without the involvement of another carmaker. But that's not all as we now have more details about the powertrain too as well as a rough idea of how it will look. 

No more straight-six 

There is an obvious trend to what Toyota is doing. Ever since I heard the next-generation GR86 will not be co-developed with Subaru, I expected Toyota to do the same with its other models. The Japanese carmaker is on a roll, chirming out exciting models under the GR, GR Sport, and GRMN designations.

Toyota recently introduced two new engines, which will replace most powertrains used in Toyota and Lexus models. They are both four-cylinder units and will be available in hybrid and non-hybrid form. The next-generation Toyota Supra will ditch the iconic B58 engine for a 2.0-liter turbo-four. This is the same engine that would power the upcoming Toyota Celica GR Sport and the revival of the mid-engine Toyota MR-2. 

The first Toyota GR Supra hybrid 

The Toyota Supra was always the range-topping Toyota sports car. With the next-generation Toyota sports cars on the way, the hierarchy would look like this: S-FR, GR86, Celica GR Sport, MR-2 GRMN, and GR Supra, with the latter being the range-topping model. We know the Celica, MR-2, and Supra will feature the same 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 400 horsepower, but the GR Supra is getting hybrid assist for some extra oomph. 

One important distinction is that in the Supra, the 2.0-liter engine will make less torque - 369 pound-feet versus 405 pound-feet in the Celica and MR-2. This is likely due to the Supra being rear-wheel-drive only and having a hybrid electric motor.

The diagram, as explained, by Kirk Kreifels, shows the inline-four engine positioned behind the front axle, for a front-mid-engine layout. We also see an automatic transmission, which is expected to be Toyota's own, eight-speed unit, and a carbon-fiber driveshaft going to the rear axle. At the rear, we also see a battery pack and an electric motor, said to provide around 100 additional horsepower with a lot more torque.

According to the Japanese scoop, the hybrid assist would allow the GR Supra to run on electricity alone, but mostly when coasting or slowing down, so don't expect an impressive electric range. There are talks of an additional electric motor generator, in the transmission housing, which is not shown on the diagram, nor is confirmed.

The 2026 Toyota GR Supra is expected to make around 450-500 horsepower and at least 442 pound-feet of system output. No mention of a manual transmission just yet. It sounds like the hybrid GR Supra will be more balanced with the electric motor and battery in the back. Given the smaller, turbo-four engine, I predict the curb weight to be no more than 3,450 pounds. Interestingly enough, the Japanese scoop mentioned a curb weight figure of 1,550 kg, which comes up to 3,417 pounds.

The new Toyota Supra design will not be vastly different, but Lexus will have its own version of the car

In the past, Best Car Web has proven a fairly reliable source when it comes to the design of upcoming models. While there have been exceptions to the rule, the latest renderings of the next-generation Toyota GR Supra show familiar proportions.

The model will, once again, be a two-seater coupe, but with slightly more exaggerated edges. We see thinner lights, front and rear, as well as more vents, hopefully, functional this time. Lexus will have its own version of the Supra, which could have different power levels.  

One of the lesser versions of the 2.0-liter engine will produce 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet and will be extensively featured in the Lexus lineup while replacing the 2.4-liter unit. We know Lexus is planning to replace the RC and LC models, and one of those might be succeeded by Lexus’ version of the Supra, which will feature a distinctive design. Will it be a two-plus –two? Regardless, the new Supra is confirmed as a hybrid and it is coming soon. What are your thoughts on it? 

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.

Image sources: 2025 Toyota GR Supra, 2026 Toyota Supra