First look: Toyota GR Supra Supercar
Almost a year in the making, the first Toyota GR Supra Supercar has arrived and will make its anticipated on-track debut at Bathurst.
The Gen3 Supra was officially unveiled for the first time in Sydney, whetting the appetite for when it goes Supercars racing in 2026.
The Gen3 Supra has been designed by Toyota Australia in conjunction with the homologation team Walkinshaw Andretti United.
It has already hit the track with the legendary Neil Crompton behind the wheel, fitting given he has been instrumental behind the scenes.
Combined with the customer team Brad Jones Racing, there will be six Supras on the grid in 2026 as the Japanese giant returns to the top of Australian motorsport after more than three decades away.
The GR Supra on track. Image: RACE PROJECT/Supplied
With the unveiling out of the way in Sydney, the next step will be demonstration laps at Mount Panorama during the Great Race weekend in October.
It will also be seen at the following Supercars rounds, but it is fitting that the first will be at Bathurst, given that it is where the Supra shape was first showcased in the form of a clay model last year.
Testing will take place “imminently” around the country ahead of the parity measures, such as wind tunnel and AVL dyno tests over the summer before the racing debut in February.
Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations Sean Hanley was delighted to see the car in the flesh.
“What a fantastic day for Toyota, GR and for Supercars – the racecar we see here today is the culmination of years of planning and hard work from countless people, and it’s safe to say it was well worth it,” he said.
Sean Hanley and Ryan Walkinshaw do the honours of showing off the Supra. Image: Mark Horsburgh
“The GR Supra will make for an exciting addition to the Supercars grid next year, and we can’t wait to see it in action.
“Toyota has a rich history in Australian motorsport stretching way back to its first ever entry in international motorsport in the 1957 Mobilgas Round Australia Rally and our entry into the Supercars Championship takes this to new heights.
“Participating in motorsport, as Toyota does across the globe, is an integral part of the development of our road cars, and the experience and knowledge we gain is at the heart of our TOYOTA GAZOO Racing brand and our GR performance cars, which is an ever-evolving and fast-growing space for us in Australia, with further exciting development to come.
“I’d like to thank everyone at Toyota who helped make the GR Supra Supercar a reality, and to Supercars, Walkinshaw Andretti United and Brad Jones Racing for partnering with Toyota for this historic entry into the Supercars Championship.”
At the forefront of the operation has been WAU with Director Ryan Walkinshaw stunned by the sleek Supra.
The Supra shakedown has already taken place. Image: Supplied
“What a moment today is, as the covers come off the GR Supra Supercar – a huge thank you must start with everyone at Toyota, for their trust, their belief, and their support of Walkinshaw Andretti United,” he said.
“An absolute mountain of work has been poured in to get to this point, which everyone involved should be immensely proud of.
“To see it in the flesh almost feels surreal, it’s a momentous day for Walkinshaw Andretti United, for Toyota and for Supercars… I still can’t believe how good it looks!
“The program ramps up now, it definitely doesn’t slow down. We can’t wait for the GR Supra to hit the track and turn its first laps in anger, but also for fans to see it up close and personal, starting at the perfect place, Bathurst!
“We’ve got some big races to try and win this year still, but I can’t help thinking about 2026 either.”
Neil Crompton behind the wheel, christening the maiden laps of the Supra. Image: Supplied
Brad Jones was also on hand for the announcement, having already started chassis preperation at his workshop in Albury.
“Congratulations to the entire team at Toyota and WAU on what they’ve achieved over the past 12 months,” he said.
“It’s been incredible to witness a concept evolve into a reality and even more rewarding to have played a role in that journey.
“This is a landmark moment and we’re proud that BJR is part of it.
The Toyota Supra Supercar was showcased in Sydney. Image: Mark Horsburgh
“Working closely with both Toyota and Walkinshaw has been an extremely beneficial experience for our team and what they’ve delivered so far is nothing short of exceptional.”
“There’s still a long way to go before we’re lining up on the grid next year. But this next phase is where the real excitement begins.
“Our first Supra build is well underway, and I genuinely can’t wait to see it all come together.”
Main image: Mark Horsburgh
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