A Legendary Partnership in the Making?
Recent reports suggest that Toyota and Mazda are exploring a collaboration to develop the next-generation Toyota Supra and a potential new Mazda sports car. This partnership could lead to the creation of two distinct models, each reflecting the unique heritage and engineering philosophies of their respective brands.
The Next-Gen Toyota Supra: A New Chapter
Toyota’s Supra has long been a symbol of high-performance JDM engineering, and it looks like the upcoming model is set to push boundaries once again.
Expected Features of the 2026 Toyota Supra
🔹 Engine: A 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder
🔹 Horsepower: Around 400 HP before hybrid enhancements
🔹 Hybrid Technology: Expected to boost power to 450-500 HP
🔹 Drivetrain: Likely to retain rear-wheel-drive (RWD) configuration
This hybrid performance boost could be a game-changer, combining efficiency with the thrill of a turbocharged sports car. Toyota has been gradually integrating hybrid technology into performance models, and the Supra seems to be the next in line.
Mazda’s Sports Car Revival: A Twin to the Supra?
Mazda has been rumored to be working on a new performance car, which could share its platform and powertrain with the next-gen Supra. While details are scarce, the reports suggest that Mazda may use a straight-six engine, possibly adapted from their 3.3L Skyactiv-G turbocharged unit.
Key Speculations for the New Mazda Sports Car
🔹 Engine: Possible straight-six with turbocharging
🔹 Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel drive (FR)
🔹 Platform: Potentially shared with the Supra
If this speculation proves true, Mazda could be making a long-awaited return to high-performance sports cars.
The RZ-7: A Nod to the Past?
The biggest mystery surrounding this collaboration is whether Mazda will revive the legendary RX-7 under a new name—possibly RZ-7.
The RX-7, famous for its rotary engine, is one of Mazda’s most iconic cars. However, with stricter emissions regulations, a rotary-powered comeback seems unlikely. Instead, Mazda may use a hybridized inline-six, keeping the spirit of the RX-7 alive while meeting modern standards.
While nothing is confirmed yet, a new Mazda performance coupe would surely shake up the JDM scene.
Why This Collaboration Makes Sense
If Toyota and Mazda combine resources, both companies stand to gain in several ways:
✅ Shared Development Costs: Splitting R&D expenses makes high-performance cars more financially viable.
✅ Brand Identity Maintained: Even if they share platforms and engines, each model will have its own unique tuning and design language.
✅ Hybrid Performance Revolution: Toyota’s hybrid expertise could benefit Mazda’s sports car ambitions.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect?
🚗 Will we see a new Supra with hybrid power by 2026?
🚗 Could Mazda finally bring back a true successor to the RX-7?
🚗 Will this collaboration create a JDM rivalry like the old Supra vs. RX-7 days?
As of now, Toyota and Mazda haven’t officially confirmed these details, but the rumors alone are enough to excite JDM fans worldwide.
Would you buy a hybrid Toyota Supra or a new Mazda sports car? Let us know in the comments!