Toyota GR Supra Is Living On Borrowed Time

It seems the fifth generation Toyota Supra might be shortlived, as a report from Automotive News claims that Magna Steyr’s Austrian plant in Graz will stop producing both the Supra and its BMW cousin, the Z4 Roadster, in 2026. Should this prove true, the A90-generation Supra would be the third-longest lasting Supra since the nameplate was introduced in 1978 as a six-cylinder version of the Celica.

• 

  Toyota GR Supra

  8.6/10

  What is Buzzscore?

  Base MSRP

  $44,640

  Engine

  2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas

  Horsepower

  255 hp

  Fuel Economy

  25/32 MPG

  Base Trim Engine

  2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas

  Base Trim Transmission

  8-speed automatic

  Base Trim Horsepower

  255 hp

  Base Trim Torque

  295 lb-ft

• 

  BMW Z4 Roadster

  7.4/10

  What is Buzzscore?

  Base MSRP

  $53,600

  Engine

  2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas

  Horsepower

  255 hp

  Fuel Economy

  25/33 MPG

  Base Trim Engine

  2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas

  Base Trim Transmission

  8-Speed Automatic

  Base Trim Horsepower

  255 hp

  Base Trim Torque

  295 lb-ft

The news was initially overshadowed by the report of Magna’s plans to scale back in light of Fisker idling production of the Ocean – which is handled by Magna – and production of key models like the Jaguar I-Pace, BMW 5 Series, and Jaguar E-Pace ending. The report claims that following these moves this year, the Z4 and Supra will be sunsetted in 2026.

Naturally, neither BMW nor Toyota confirmed the news, but Toyota Motor North America Group Vice President Dave Christ went on record to state, “We partnered with BMW and it’s been successful. We’re evaluating what’s next.” This is by no means confirmation, but it does suggest Toyota knows the end is nigh.

One Last Hurrah For The GR Supra

Before the A90 GR Supra ends production, Toyota is expected to deliver an even more hardcore version expected to bear the GRMN (Gazoo Racing Meisters of the Nurburgring) badge. Test mules have been spotted on the Nurburgring on multiple occasions, with the sports car seen wearing upgraded brakes from the BMW X3 M on one occasion, a vented hood on another, and iterations of a prominent wing every time.

The vented hood suggests there may be truth to the rumors that the GRMN Supra will inherit the S58 inline-six from the BMW M3, which was previously thought to be something BMW M would never allow, up until it gave Range Rover a BMW M engine for the Range Rover Sport SV. Footage of the GRMN Supra prototype around the Ring also hints that the most hardcore Supra could make use of a manual transmission – which would be a delight for purists.

What Happens When The A90 Supra Is Gone?

Fans clamored for nearly 20 years for Toyota to revive the Supra, and since its resurrection, it’s been a roaring success. As of the first quarter of 2024, Toyota has delivered 23,689 GR Supras since it went on sale in late 2019 as a 2020 model. It’s been an integral vehicle in turning Toyota into one of the best-selling sports car brands in America. It was also part of a huge product shift for Toyota that saw it launch a series of aspirational models like the GR Supra, GR86, and GR Corolla. Toyota has indicated the GR brand will be pivotal in its brand identity going forward, with plans for GR-badged SUVs and a commitment to build gas-powered sports cars for as long as possible.

While that’s no guarantee the Supra will return for a sixth generation, we’d like to believe it’s a strong possibility. With Toyota using the GR Yaris and GR Corolla as proof of concept that it’s worthwhile developing a bespoke performance engine, it’s not beyond the realms of possibility that a Supra might be powered by a Toyota motor instead of a BMW one – something that wasn’t an option when the GR Supra was conceived.

Source: Automotive News