Listen in as Toyota fires up V8 going into GR Supra Supercars racer

A V8-powered Toyota GR Supra? That’s essentially what Toyota’s going to race in Australia’s Supercars Championship starting in 2026.

More specifically, the engine of choice is a 2UR-GSE, currently found in versions of the LC 500 and IS 500.

But what does it sound like? Toyota Gazoo Racing and Toyota’s Australian outfits shared the following clip on social media:

While the rules do allow for different engine configurations, the idea of using something other than a V8 in the Supra race car was discussed “for about three minutes,” according to Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations Sean Hanley.

The first GR Supra Supercars racer is set to make its public debut at a special launch event on September 1 in Sydney, Australia.

Comments

Colin Wood Associate Editor
8/5/25 1:00 p.m.

So this technically means that a 2UR-GSE fits under the hood of a production Supra, right?

MadScientistMatt UltimaDork
8/5/25 1:00 p.m.

Clicked on this wondering if they had used a BMW V8.

There needs to be a roadgoing homologation special.... Along with a RWD NASCAR Camry.

J.A. Ackley Senior Editor
8/5/25 2:15 p.m.

In reply to MadScientistMatt :

I'd second that notion. Would love to see both.

cashsnively New Reader
8/6/25 2:01 p.m.

I listened and heard a familiar sound- the one coming from my LC500 every time I start her up... Supra and that awesome performing and sounding motor should rock things, especially in the lighter Supra platform. I love the LC and her tranny- let's see how it goes in Australia!

Colin Wood Associate Editor
8/6/25 2:14 p.m.

In reply to cashsnively :

I'm not shocked that you love your LC, it's a thing of beauty. You can really tell Lexus put a lot of thought into making it.

And yeah, I'm eager to see/hear the V8 Supra race next year.

JG Pasterjak Tech Editor & Production Manager
8/6/25 3:08 p.m.

Colin Wood said:
So this technically means that a 2UR-GSE fits under the hood of a production Supra, right?

Australian Supercars are tube-frame silhouettes, but that Supra in the photo looks awfully production-proportioned at least, so I'm gonna say yes, it's a direct bolt-in.

stafford1500 GRM+ Memberand Dork
8/6/25 5:05 p.m.

The 2UR-GSE is also the engine in the Lexus RCF. It has been around a while and sounds quite nice in the race car RCF's. It is a tight packaging job to say the least but should not pose any problems with height in the Supra. Width would be the biggest challenge for a production body.

earlybroncoguy1 Reader
8/9/25 1:17 p.m.

More Toyotas need to sound like this.

Hell, more CARS need to sound like this.