Toyota Motor Corporation has announced its intention to enter the V8 Supercars championship in Australia and New Zealand from the 2026 season onwards. The Japanese automaker will field a factory-supported team, fielding the highly anticipated GR Supra race car.
This marks a significant expansion of Toyota’s motorsport program, which already includes successful campaigns in Formula 1, World Endurance Championship, and various regional series. The decision to join V8 Supercars aligns with Toyota’s global strategy to engage with passionate motorsport fans around the world.
Toyota Revving Up for V8 Supercars with the GR Supra
The GR Supra, a sports car that has garnered critical acclaim for its performance and design, will be adapted for V8 Supercars competition. While specific details about the race car’s specifications are yet to be revealed, Toyota has confirmed that it will adhere to the series’ technical regulations, which mandate the use of V8 engines and rear-wheel-drive chassis.
“We are thrilled to announce our entry into V8 Supercars,” said Akio Toyoda, President of Toyota Motor Corporation. “Australia and New Zealand have a rich motorsport heritage, and we believe that V8 Supercars offers a competitive and exciting platform for our brand. The GR Supra is a car that embodies our passion for performance, and we are confident that it will be a formidable competitor in this series.”
Toyota’s entry into V8 Supercars is expected to bring a new level of excitement and competition to the championship. The Japanese brand has a long history of success in motorsport, and its participation will undoubtedly attract a wider audience to the series.
The announcement of Toyota’s entry into V8 Supercars has been met with enthusiasm from fans and industry experts alike. Many believe that the presence of a global automotive giant like Toyota will help to elevate the profile of the series and attract new sponsors and television viewers.
Toyota’s Ambitious Motorsport Journey: From Avalon to V8 Supercars
In addition to fielding a factory-supported team, Toyota is also exploring opportunities to partner with local teams and drivers. This approach will help to foster a sense of connection between the brand and the Australian and New Zealand motorsport community.
Toyota’s entry into V8 Supercars is a testament to the series’ growing global appeal. As the championship continues to evolve and expand, it is poised to become one of the most competitive and exciting motorsport series in the world.
Sean Hanley, the head of sales and marketing for Toyota Australia, told local media that the business originally explored getting into supercars more than 20 years ago.
How often over the course of how many years have you seen the rumors that Toyota is entering the supercar market? And you know what, it wasn’t always unjustified right before the year 2000.
“I can attest from my experience that, while getting ready to introduce Avalon [a big sedan introduced in 2000], we gave substantial consideration to Supercars.
In the end, though, we determined that the category at the time was a tad too tribal. How times have certainly changed.”
