The Toyota V8 Supercars engine is no longer a mystery, thanks to a UK-based company's recent unveiling. But this isn't just any engine; it's a powerhouse designed to challenge the status quo in the world of racing.
Unveiling the Powerhouse
Speedcafe's report last year (https://speedcafe.com/supercars-news-toyota-v8-engine-supra-walkinshaw-andretti-united-uk-carl-faux/) revealed that Swindon, a UK firm, was chosen as the engine partner by Toyota's Supercars homologation team, now known as Walkinshaw TWG Racing. This partnership was facilitated by Carl Faux, Walkinshaw's team principal and Gen3 Toyota project architect, who had previously collaborated with Swindon's Raphaël Caillé at Triple Eight in the UK.
Toyota's choice for the Supra is a 5.2-liter variant of its all-aluminum, quad-cam 2UR-GSE engine (https://speedcafe.com/supercars-news-2025-toyota-supra-reveal-v8-engine-specifications-details-gen3-comments-reaction/). This selection was made to comply with Supercars' requirement of an engine size between 5.0 and 5.7 liters. Raphaël Caillé, Swindon's boss, praised the engine's architecture, emphasizing its square 94×94 bore and stroke as an excellent foundation for a robust and competitive power unit capable of delivering 600bhp.
Behind the Scenes Development
Swindon has been at the forefront of this project, leading the development, simulation, and production of the development engines. Their focus has been on the crank train and valvetrain hardware, ensuring optimal performance. The engine incorporates OE parts such as the cylinder head, block, main caps, timing chain, and followers. Additionally, it features hydraulic variable valve timing (VVT) and a cutting-edge 3D-printed inlet tract.
Performance Questions and Testing
Swindon's engine promotion comes amidst growing inquiries about its performance and readiness for the 2026 season (https://speedcafe.com/supercars-news-2026-toyota-supra-brodie-kostecki-wau-bjr-aero-engine-wind-tunnel/). With five Supras set to compete in the championship, two from Walkinshaw TWG and three from customer team Brad Jones Racing, the pressure is on. However, Jones recently disclosed that his team only has a 'dummy' engine, highlighting the tight schedule for car assembly.
Testing has already begun, with Walkinshaw's first Supra, equipped with a mule engine, hitting the track last September. Meanwhile, Supercars has been running a 'production version' of the engine on its dyno in recent weeks. Despite concerns about performance parity with established competitors, Supercars motorsport boss Tim Edwards remains confident, drawing parallels between the Toyota's architecture and Ford's Coyote V8.
The Challenge Ahead
While the Australian series presents a significant challenge, with approximately five times the mileage of the BTCC, Swindon is up for the task. Caillé acknowledges the competitive nature of Supercars and the experience of established engine producers with Gen3 regulations. He expresses respect for their work and emphasizes the team's commitment to learning, developing, and bringing their best to the track. The ultimate goal? To start winning and leave a mark on the racing world.
The Road to the Track
Walkinshaw is scheduled to test its second Supra on Monday at Queensland Raceway, where Supercars will also have a Mustang and Camaro for comparison (https://speedcafe.com/supercars-news-2026-toyota-supra-ford-mustang-chevrolet-camaro-parity-testing-bathurst-ipswich/). Caillé's presence at the Townsville 500 last July and Swindon's Sylvain Rubio's attendance at the 2026 season's opening events demonstrate their commitment to the project. This isn't Caillé's first Supercars venture; he was involved in the 2004 V8 engine project with French firm Sodemo while at Triple Eight.
Swindon's expertise extends beyond this project, as they are also responsible for the 2025-title winning Hyundai BTCC engine. Their design, simulation, and manufacturing capabilities are applied across various automotive applications, showcasing their versatility and engineering prowess.
