A new rumor from Japan suggests that Toyota’s next-generation Supra might feature a Lexus counterpart. This potential Lexus model could serve as a replacement for the RC coupe and the aging LC grand tourer. The next Supra is expected to feature a hybrid turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, marking a significant evolution in Toyota’s sports car lineup.
The GR Supra is nearing the end of its seven-year production run, but Toyota officials have confirmed that a new generation is on the horizon. While speculation abounds regarding its form, including the possibility of a hybrid powertrain, intriguing news has surfaced from Japan indicating that the next Supra might be developed alongside a Lexus model. This development could add an interesting twist to Lexus’s luxury sports car offerings.
Lexus’s Strategic Move in the Sports Car Market
With the discontinuation of the RC and the aging LC grand tourer, which has been around since 2017, Toyota’s luxury arm, Lexus, might be looking to fill the void in its lineup. This presents an opportunity for a new, low-slung, Supra-sized coupe to emerge, featuring two doors, a 2+2 seating layout, and the performance and style expected from a vehicle in this segment.
According to Japanese media outlet Best Car, this wouldn’t be the first instance of Lexus borrowing from the Supra’s blueprint. In the early ’90s, the A80 Supra shared its underpinnings with the Toyota Soarer and the Lexus SC, both of which were grand tourers in their own right. It remains to be seen if the new model will revive the SC nameplate or if Lexus will opt for a fresh identity.
Distinct Design and Luxury Features
While it’s too early to delve into design specifics, the Lexus model will likely feature a distinct design to differentiate itself from the Supra. It could borrow styling cues from the Electrified Sport Concept that debuted in 2021, albeit with more restrained proportions and updated features. Carrying the Lexus badge, it will also need to offer more luxury than its Toyota counterpart to justify a higher price tag.
Powertrain Innovations and Speculations
The latest reports suggest that the next Supra will abandon its BMW Z4-sourced platform in favor of a new, Japanese-developed architecture. The most likely powertrain option is Toyota’s newly developed turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine combined with a self-charging hybrid system. Given Toyota’s extensive experience with hybrid technology, this seems a logical choice.
Power would likely be delivered to the rear wheels through an eight-speed or ten-speed automatic transmission, possibly paired with a carbon fiber propeller shaft.
As for the Lexus version, it is expected to be nearly identical under the skin to the Toyota, though engineers may tweak the suspension to provide more of a grand tourer feel. Meanwhile, a wild rumor suggests Toyota might use a Mazda-sourced inline-six engine in the next Supra, with some reports even hinting at Mazda developing a Supra-based car as a spiritual successor to the RX-7.
Anticipated Timeline and Market Impact
Toyota has yet to announce an official timeline for the debut of the next-generation Supra, but industry insiders predict it could arrive in 2026 or 2027. If this timeline holds, a Lexus variant could follow shortly thereafter. According to Toyota’s North American executives, the gap between the current and next-gen models won’t be as lengthy as the 17-year hiatus between the fourth and fifth generations, so enthusiasts can expect a shorter wait this time around.
The introduction of a Lexus version of the Supra could significantly impact the luxury sports car market, offering consumers more options and potentially drawing in new buyers to the Lexus brand. As the automotive world eagerly awaits more details, the collaboration between Toyota and Lexus on this project promises to be one of the most exciting developments in the sports car segment in recent years.
