Next-generation Toyota GR Supra confirmed by Australian executive
10/10/2024 11:08 PM
Australian boss emphatically quashes speculation Toyota's flagship sports car is facing the axe just as it gears up for V8 Supercars racing.
The Toyota GR Supra will be in local new-car showroom beyond 2026 according to an emphatic Toyota Australia sales and marketing boss Sean Hanley.
Speaking to Drive at the unveiling of the Toyota GR Supra V8 Supercar at Mount Panorama, Bathurst – ahead of its racing debut in 2026 – Hanley said suggestions the Supra will be dropped simply aren't true.
"No, no, that’s speculation. Let me tell you: Supra as a model is not stopping," Hanley sad.
When asked about a timeframe, and if Supra will continue beyond 2026 when it will be in its seventh year of production and due for a new-generation refresh, the Toyota boss repeated: "It's not stopping. I don’t know where this impure thinking is coming from."
"People always say 'When's the new model?' but the day we launch a new model we start to think about the next one – you'll have to wait and see when the new one's coming," he added.
"But I'm telling you now – Supra keeps going."
The Supra – on sale in Australia since 2019 – is currently manufactured in Austria by Magna Steyr where it's built alongside its twin, the BMW Z4.
Magna Steyr is a highly reputable manufacturer and also builds other vehicles including the BMW 5 Series, Jaguar E-Pace SUV and the Mercedes G-Class SUV.
The Z4 and Supra share the same platform and mechanical components, including the 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, with Supra essentially a restyled hard-top coupe version of the Z4 convertible.
Reports by BMW Blog suggesting Z4 will end production in March 2026 have fuelled speculation the Supra – given it shares the same production line – will also be axed.
Neither BMW nor Toyota have confirmed the end of either car – with the Toyota Australia boss first to affirm the Supra will still be on sale beyond 2026.
As previously reported by Drive the next-generation Supra may use Toyota hybrid technology, downsizing to a four-cylinder petrol engine with electrification.
For V8 Supercars Toyota Australia will use a V8 petrol engine it has raced in GT sports car racing with its premium brand Lexus.
The post Next-generation Toyota GR Supra confirmed by Australian executive appeared first on Drive.
