Get ready for an exciting revelation! The Toyota V8 Supercars engine, a closely guarded secret, has been unveiled by a UK-based firm, and it's a game-changer.
Last year, Speedcafe broke the news that Swindon, a renowned engine specialist, was chosen by Toyota's Supercars homologation team, now known as Walkinshaw TWG Racing, to partner on this groundbreaking project. The connection was facilitated by Carl Faux, the team principal of Walkinshaw and the mastermind behind the Gen3 Toyota project.
Toyota has opted for a 5.2-litre version of its cutting-edge, all-aluminium, quad-cam 2UR-GSE engine for the Supra. This engine, with its impressive 94x94 bore and stroke, forms the basis of a powerful and durable power unit capable of achieving 600bhp, according to Raphaël Caillé, the boss of Swindon.
Swindon has taken the lead in developing, simulating, and producing these engines, with a particular focus on the crank train and valvetrain hardware. The engine incorporates original equipment (OE) parts, including the cylinder head, block, main caps, timing chain, and followers. Additionally, it features hydraulic variable valve timing (VVT) and a 3D-printed inlet tract, showcasing the latest advancements in automotive technology.
The final assembly and ongoing maintenance of these race engines will be handled by Walkinshaw at their facility in Clayton, Victoria.
But here's where it gets controversial... Swindon's announcement of the engine's development has sparked questions about its performance and readiness for the 2026 season. With five Supras set to compete in the championship, including two from Walkinshaw TWG and three from customer team Brad Jones Racing, the pressure is on to deliver.
Brad Jones revealed that his team currently only has a 'dummy' engine, highlighting the tight timelines they're working with. Track testing of Walkinshaw's first Supra, fitted with a mule engine, began last September, and Supercars has been putting a 'production version' through its paces on the dyno.
Tim Edwards, Supercars' motorsport boss, has played down concerns about balancing the performance of the new Toyota engine with the incumbents, noting its similarities to Ford's Coyote V8. However, Caillé emphasizes that Swindon is not underestimating the challenge posed by the Australian Supercars series, despite its lower mileage compared to the BTCC.
And this is the part most people miss... Toyota will face its rivals in parity tests at Bathurst and Ipswich, where Walkinshaw's second Supra will be shaken down on Monday at Queensland Raceway. Supercars will also have a Mustang and Camaro on track for comparison, providing an exciting glimpse into the future of the championship.
Caillé's involvement with Supercars goes beyond this project. He was part of Triple Eight's ill-fated 2004 V8 engine venture with Sodemo, a French firm. Swindon's current motorsport endeavors include the successful 2025 Hyundai BTCC engine, showcasing their expertise in engine design and manufacturing.
So, what do you think? Will Toyota's V8 Supercars engine live up to the hype? Can it challenge the established engine producers in the Supercars championship? Let's discuss in the comments and share our thoughts on this exciting development!
