Is the Next Toyota GR Supra Getting a Mazda Inline-Six?

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A New Heart for the Supra? Let’s Talk About It

You know how the car community always has its ears to the ground? Well, the latest buzz is big. Like, supra-sized big. Word on the street is that Toyota might be planning to swap out the BMW-sourced inline-six in the current GR Supra for a Mazda-built 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-six. Yep, you read that right: a Mazda engine in a Supra. Wild, right? But as crazy as it sounds, the idea is actually gaining traction—and there’s more to it than just speculation.

To break this down properly, let’s dig into what this rumored shift could mean for the Supra, Mazda, and the JDM world at large. If you’re a fan of modified cars, performance builds, or just automotive drama, buckle in. This could be the start of something very different for both brands.

The Current GR Supra: A Quick Recap

So, let’s set the stage. When Toyota dropped the fifth-generation GR Supra (A90/A91), fans had mixed feelings. Sure, it looked aggressive, handled brilliantly, and finally brought the Supra name back. But underneath, it wasn’t entirely Toyota. Its 3.0L turbo inline-six? Straight outta BMW. The whole chassis, in fact, is shared with the BMW Z4. And while purists might grumble, the B58 engine proved itself. It’s reliable, tunable, and an absolute beast once modified.

Still, the badge under the hood has always been a sticking point. Even if the GR Supra is a performance weapon, the BMW heart left some enthusiasts wanting a bit more authenticity. That’s where Mazda might come in.

Why Mazda’s Inline-Six is Even on the Table

Now to the juicy part. Mazda’s new 3.3L turbocharged inline-six is currently doing quiet duty in their CX-70 and CX-90 SUVs. It’s part of Mazda’s push toward premium, rear-wheel-drive-based platforms. And guess what? It’s got all the right ingredients for a performance car: longitudinal layout, RWD-compatible, and solid turbo torque.

What makes this rumor even more believable is Toyota and Mazda’s history of quietly collaborating. Remember the Yaris iA? Or the Mazda2-based Toyota hybrids in Japan? These two aren’t strangers. A new partnership where Toyota gets a clean-slate, non-German inline-six while Mazda gets performance car credibility? Makes sense on paper.

And with Mazda not currently offering a proper sports coupe, there's buzz that they might use the same platform for their own halo car. Picture it: a Mazda sports coupe using the Supra chassis with its own tuning philosophy. A true comeback for Mazda in the performance game.

What This Means for JDM Fans

Let’s be honest. For many in the JDM scene, authenticity matters. Whether you're cruising a stanced S13 or wrenching on a turbo EK, there's pride in knowing your ride represents your country’s engineering soul. That’s why the BMW-powered Supra always felt a bit... foreign. Good? Yes. JDM? Debatable.

Swapping in a Mazda inline-six could give the GR Supra the full-Japan stamp it’s been missing. Think of it as returning to the roots—Toyota chassis, Mazda engine, Japanese tuning culture all the way down. It might not be a 2JZ-GTE, but it would be a uniquely modern interpretation of the old-school formula: inline-six, rear-wheel drive, tons of tuning potential.

And speaking of tuning potential, Mazda’s engine might surprise us. While we haven’t seen wild builds based on it yet, remember how the B58 was underappreciated at first? If this engine ends up in a GR Supra, you can bet tuners from HKS, Greddy, and Tomei will be all over it.

The Mazda Sports Car Rumour: A Bonus Win?

Here’s where it gets even more interesting. The same rumor mill suggests that Mazda might take this platform and spin it into their own car—a true sports coupe. That would mark a return to form for Mazda, who haven’t had a proper RWD sports car since the RX-8 (and we all know how that ended).

Imagine it: a new MazdaSpeed coupe, maybe even something rotary-hybrid in concept, sharing architecture with the Supra but with Mazda’s own handling DNA and interior flair. Not just badge engineering, but two totally unique cars sharing a solid backbone. Kinda like how Toyota and Subaru split the GR86 and BRZ—but with inline-sixes instead of boxer fours.

If Mazda pulls it off, they could once again become a serious name in the tuner space. Modified cars built from this new coupe could start showing up in shows like SEMA, RaceWorz, or even on the cover of your favourite car magazine.

Should We Be Hyped or Cautiously Optimistic?

Right now, nothing is confirmed. Toyota hasn’t officially said they’re dropping BMW. Mazda hasn’t teased any coupes. But where there’s smoke, there’s usually fire—and this kind of fire could light up the entire automotive news cycle for months.

If it happens, it would mark a major shift in how Toyota approaches performance cars going forward. It also gives Mazda the opportunity to step into the performance spotlight again, this time with a real backbone (literally and figuratively).

For the average car enthusiast, especially the kind that follows stance builds, auto reviews, and free car mags like Stance Auto Magazine, this is the kind of development you want to keep an eye on. If Toyota ditches BMW and embraces Mazda, the whole landscape of JDM builds might shift in the next few years.

Final Thoughts: A New Era or Just Another Rumour?

We’ve seen plenty of wild rumours before. Some pan out, some don’t. But this one feels...different. Maybe it’s because the pieces fit a little too well. Or maybe because deep down, everyone’s still craving a Supra that’s truly, wholly Japanese again.

Either way, one thing’s for sure: the next couple of years are going to be exciting. Whether you're into JDM cars, hunting down the next magazine subscriptions for collector issues, or just a fan of fresh engine swaps and industry shake-ups—stay tuned. We'll be here to break it all down, keep you informed, and maybe even spark your next build.

And hey, if Mazda and Toyota really do pull this off? We’ll be first in line to test-drive them both.

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