Get ready for an exciting reveal! We're about to dive into the world of Toyota's V8 Supercars engine, and it's a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Unveiling the Powerhouse: Toyota's V8 Supercars Engine
Last year, Speedcafe broke the news that Swindon, a UK-based firm, had been appointed as the engine partner for Toyota's ambitious Supercars project. This project, now under the banner of Walkinshaw TWG Racing, has an intriguing backstory.
The connection between Swindon and Toyota was facilitated by Carl Faux, the team principal of Walkinshaw and the architect behind the Gen3 Toyota project. Faux's previous collaboration with Raphaël Cailléat, the boss of Swindon, at Triple Eight in the UK, laid the foundation for this partnership.
Toyota has opted for a 5.2-litre version of its all-aluminium, quad-cam 2UR-GSE engine for the Supra. This choice was dictated by Supercars' regulations, which require the engine to fall within a 5.0 to 5.7-litre range.
Caillé, from Swindon, highlighted the engine's architecture, with its square 94x94 bore and stroke, as a solid foundation for a competitive and durable power unit capable of achieving 600bhp.
Swindon has taken the lead in developing, simulating, and producing prototype engines for the project, with a particular focus on the crank train and valvetrain hardware. The engine incorporates 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 team's innovative approach.
The final assembly and ongoing maintenance of the race engines will be handled by Walkinshaw at their facility in Clayton, Victoria.
But here's where it gets controversial... Swindon's recent promotion of the engine 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.
Brad Jones revealed that his team currently only has a 'dummy' engine, indicating a tight timeline for completing the build of their cars. Meanwhile, Walkinshaw has been testing their first Supra fitted with a mule engine since last September, and Supercars has been running a 'production version' on their dyno for weeks.
Tim Edwards, Supercars' motorsport boss, has downplayed concerns about balancing the performance of the new Toyota engine with the incumbents. He noted the similarities between the Toyota and Ford's Coyote V8, suggesting that the transition might not be as challenging as some anticipate.
However, Caillé from Swindon acknowledged that the Supercars schedule involves around five times the mileage as the BTCC, indicating that the Australian series presents a unique and demanding challenge.
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, adding an element of excitement to the event.
Caillé's involvement in the Toyota project isn't his first encounter with Supercars. His time at Triple Eight included working on the ill-fated 2004 V8 engine project in collaboration with Sodemo, a French firm.
Swindon's current motorsport projects include the 2025-title-winning Hyundai BTCC engine, showcasing their expertise in engine development. Their design, simulation, and manufacturing capabilities extend across various automotive applications, making them a key player in the industry.
And this is the part most people miss... Swindon's collaboration with Toyota is a testament to the global nature of motorsport, where expertise and innovation know no borders.
So, what do you think? Will Toyota's V8 Supercars engine live up to the hype? Join the discussion in the comments and share your thoughts on this exciting development!
