Toyota lands second Supercars team for 2026 season
Brad Jones Racing joins Toyota's testing team Walkinshaw Andretti United in making the jump to the GR Supra.
The outfit currently fields four Chevrolet Camaros, driven by Andre Heimgartner, Jaxon Evans, Bryce Fullwood and Macauley Jones.
The Supra model has been redesigned in-house to feature a five-litre V8 engine.
"I'm a creature of habit, and so change is not always easy," Brad Jones told Fox Sports.
"But once I met with the guys and could spend some time understanding them and they took me through their vision, it seemed very clear that this was a great opportunity I couldn't miss.
"I think Toyota will be up there or thereabouts. We need to earn our stripes and there'll be a lot of work, but it's a very exciting time for the group."
Brad Jones Racing's defection to Toyota comes amid a General Motors rebuild following competition heavyweight Triple Eight's shock move to rival Ford.
The remaining Chevrolet teams are Matt Stone Racing, PremiAir Racing, Erebus Motorsport and new homologation team Team 18.
Out of the four, only Erebus has won a drivers' and teams' championship.
General Motors are also pondering the future of the Camaro, after production ceased last year, and a possible extension to 2027 with Supercars.
Toyota will be the first manufacturer other than Ford and General Motors to race in the competition since 2019, when Nissan pulled out of the category.
The automotive giant is no stranger to Australia's touring cars circuit, with the GR Cup, featuring Toyota 86 coupes, a longtime support category on the Supercars track.
The brand also competes in many motorsport events around the world, including NASCAR and Formula Drift in the United States, Super GT and Super Formula in Japan and Formula Three in Europe.
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The Advertiser
4 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Toyota Supra dead in Australia, will live on in Supercars
Customer orders for the current Toyota GR Supra will close later this month in Australia, before the current-generation sports coupe is axed. However, Toyota has indicated that the GR Supra nameplate will live on beyond 2026. The move will see the outgoing GR Supra join the Chevrolet Camaro as another vehicle being raced in Supercars that can't be purchased by customers. Only the Ford Mustang will have a corresponding road car on sale. "The GR Supra already had a sterling legacy when the current generation launched in 2019, and we're pleased to say it has exceeded the expectations set by its predecessors," said Toyota Australia vice president of sales, marketing and franchise operations, Sean Hanley. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. "Its pulse-raising performance, sleek coupe design and thrilling dynamics helped raise the profile of our GR portfolio, helping to pave the way for other exciting models like the GR Yaris and GR Corolla. "While customers will no longer be able to purchase their own GR Supra by the end of August, fans of the GR Supra will be able to follow its story when it lines up on the Supercars Championship grid in 2026 and beyond." The announcement doesn't come as much of a surprise, given reports from last year that the Supra and its BMW Z4 platform-mate would exit production in Austria before 2027. Toyota Australia explained the decision to use a vehicle in its twilight years for Supercars racing, arguing it was an "iconic nameplate" and it was easy to drop a V8 into it and take it racing. Above: GR Supra Track Edition And Mr Hanley has previously told CarExpert "there is no plan to discontinue the Supra brand in this car company", suggesting a sixth generation is coming. The current fifth-generation Supra was launched in Australia in 2019, marking the first time Toyota's flagship sports car had been offered locally since the last third-generation example reached customers in 1993. We missed out on the sought-after fourth-generation model. Unlike past Supras, the fifth-generation vehicle shared its platform and powertrain with a BMW. While the current Supra is shuffling off, Toyota is rumoured to have plenty planned in the sports car space with persistent rumours out of Japan of a revived MR2 and Celica, as well as a Supra replacement that could use a hybrid powertrain and spawn a Lexus cousin. Above: GR Supra Final Edition Toyota is closing out the Supra on a high, having launched the Track Edition earlier this year. This flagship variant features retuned steering and suspension as well as various aesthetic upgrades, though there's no extra power under the bonnet. Overseas, Toyota has also offered an even hotter Final Edition, which not only features upgraded suspension and styling but also more power. This send-off produces 320kW of power and 570Nm of torque from its turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six, up 35kW and 70Nm on Australian-market Supras including the Track Edition. The GR Supra may be gone – at least for now – but Toyota still has a raft of Gazoo Racing-branded vehicles, including the smaller and also rear-wheel drive GR86 coupe, plus the turbocharged three-cylinder, all-wheel drive GR Yaris and GR Corolla hot hatches. The demise of Toyota's flagship sports coupe, however, leaves the Nissan Z without any other rivals from Japanese brands – a far cry from the glory days of the 1990s when even Mazda and Mitsubishi had sultry sports coupes in this segment. MORE: Explore the Toyota Supra showroom Content originally sourced from: Customer orders for the current Toyota GR Supra will close later this month in Australia, before the current-generation sports coupe is axed. However, Toyota has indicated that the GR Supra nameplate will live on beyond 2026. The move will see the outgoing GR Supra join the Chevrolet Camaro as another vehicle being raced in Supercars that can't be purchased by customers. Only the Ford Mustang will have a corresponding road car on sale. "The GR Supra already had a sterling legacy when the current generation launched in 2019, and we're pleased to say it has exceeded the expectations set by its predecessors," said Toyota Australia vice president of sales, marketing and franchise operations, Sean Hanley. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. "Its pulse-raising performance, sleek coupe design and thrilling dynamics helped raise the profile of our GR portfolio, helping to pave the way for other exciting models like the GR Yaris and GR Corolla. "While customers will no longer be able to purchase their own GR Supra by the end of August, fans of the GR Supra will be able to follow its story when it lines up on the Supercars Championship grid in 2026 and beyond." The announcement doesn't come as much of a surprise, given reports from last year that the Supra and its BMW Z4 platform-mate would exit production in Austria before 2027. Toyota Australia explained the decision to use a vehicle in its twilight years for Supercars racing, arguing it was an "iconic nameplate" and it was easy to drop a V8 into it and take it racing. Above: GR Supra Track Edition And Mr Hanley has previously told CarExpert "there is no plan to discontinue the Supra brand in this car company", suggesting a sixth generation is coming. The current fifth-generation Supra was launched in Australia in 2019, marking the first time Toyota's flagship sports car had been offered locally since the last third-generation example reached customers in 1993. We missed out on the sought-after fourth-generation model. Unlike past Supras, the fifth-generation vehicle shared its platform and powertrain with a BMW. While the current Supra is shuffling off, Toyota is rumoured to have plenty planned in the sports car space with persistent rumours out of Japan of a revived MR2 and Celica, as well as a Supra replacement that could use a hybrid powertrain and spawn a Lexus cousin. Above: GR Supra Final Edition Toyota is closing out the Supra on a high, having launched the Track Edition earlier this year. This flagship variant features retuned steering and suspension as well as various aesthetic upgrades, though there's no extra power under the bonnet. Overseas, Toyota has also offered an even hotter Final Edition, which not only features upgraded suspension and styling but also more power. This send-off produces 320kW of power and 570Nm of torque from its turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six, up 35kW and 70Nm on Australian-market Supras including the Track Edition. The GR Supra may be gone – at least for now – but Toyota still has a raft of Gazoo Racing-branded vehicles, including the smaller and also rear-wheel drive GR86 coupe, plus the turbocharged three-cylinder, all-wheel drive GR Yaris and GR Corolla hot hatches. The demise of Toyota's flagship sports coupe, however, leaves the Nissan Z without any other rivals from Japanese brands – a far cry from the glory days of the 1990s when even Mazda and Mitsubishi had sultry sports coupes in this segment. MORE: Explore the Toyota Supra showroom Content originally sourced from: Customer orders for the current Toyota GR Supra will close later this month in Australia, before the current-generation sports coupe is axed. However, Toyota has indicated that the GR Supra nameplate will live on beyond 2026. The move will see the outgoing GR Supra join the Chevrolet Camaro as another vehicle being raced in Supercars that can't be purchased by customers. Only the Ford Mustang will have a corresponding road car on sale. "The GR Supra already had a sterling legacy when the current generation launched in 2019, and we're pleased to say it has exceeded the expectations set by its predecessors," said Toyota Australia vice president of sales, marketing and franchise operations, Sean Hanley. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. "Its pulse-raising performance, sleek coupe design and thrilling dynamics helped raise the profile of our GR portfolio, helping to pave the way for other exciting models like the GR Yaris and GR Corolla. "While customers will no longer be able to purchase their own GR Supra by the end of August, fans of the GR Supra will be able to follow its story when it lines up on the Supercars Championship grid in 2026 and beyond." The announcement doesn't come as much of a surprise, given reports from last year that the Supra and its BMW Z4 platform-mate would exit production in Austria before 2027. Toyota Australia explained the decision to use a vehicle in its twilight years for Supercars racing, arguing it was an "iconic nameplate" and it was easy to drop a V8 into it and take it racing. Above: GR Supra Track Edition And Mr Hanley has previously told CarExpert "there is no plan to discontinue the Supra brand in this car company", suggesting a sixth generation is coming. The current fifth-generation Supra was launched in Australia in 2019, marking the first time Toyota's flagship sports car had been offered locally since the last third-generation example reached customers in 1993. We missed out on the sought-after fourth-generation model. Unlike past Supras, the fifth-generation vehicle shared its platform and powertrain with a BMW. While the current Supra is shuffling off, Toyota is rumoured to have plenty planned in the sports car space with persistent rumours out of Japan of a revived MR2 and Celica, as well as a Supra replacement that could use a hybrid powertrain and spawn a Lexus cousin. Above: GR Supra Final Edition Toyota is closing out the Supra on a high, having launched the Track Edition earlier this year. This flagship variant features retuned steering and suspension as well as various aesthetic upgrades, though there's no extra power under the bonnet. Overseas, Toyota has also offered an even hotter Final Edition, which not only features upgraded suspension and styling but also more power. This send-off produces 320kW of power and 570Nm of torque from its turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six, up 35kW and 70Nm on Australian-market Supras including the Track Edition. The GR Supra may be gone – at least for now – but Toyota still has a raft of Gazoo Racing-branded vehicles, including the smaller and also rear-wheel drive GR86 coupe, plus the turbocharged three-cylinder, all-wheel drive GR Yaris and GR Corolla hot hatches. The demise of Toyota's flagship sports coupe, however, leaves the Nissan Z without any other rivals from Japanese brands – a far cry from the glory days of the 1990s when even Mazda and Mitsubishi had sultry sports coupes in this segment. MORE: Explore the Toyota Supra showroom Content originally sourced from: Customer orders for the current Toyota GR Supra will close later this month in Australia, before the current-generation sports coupe is axed. However, Toyota has indicated that the GR Supra nameplate will live on beyond 2026. The move will see the outgoing GR Supra join the Chevrolet Camaro as another vehicle being raced in Supercars that can't be purchased by customers. Only the Ford Mustang will have a corresponding road car on sale. "The GR Supra already had a sterling legacy when the current generation launched in 2019, and we're pleased to say it has exceeded the expectations set by its predecessors," said Toyota Australia vice president of sales, marketing and franchise operations, Sean Hanley. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. "Its pulse-raising performance, sleek coupe design and thrilling dynamics helped raise the profile of our GR portfolio, helping to pave the way for other exciting models like the GR Yaris and GR Corolla. "While customers will no longer be able to purchase their own GR Supra by the end of August, fans of the GR Supra will be able to follow its story when it lines up on the Supercars Championship grid in 2026 and beyond." The announcement doesn't come as much of a surprise, given reports from last year that the Supra and its BMW Z4 platform-mate would exit production in Austria before 2027. Toyota Australia explained the decision to use a vehicle in its twilight years for Supercars racing, arguing it was an "iconic nameplate" and it was easy to drop a V8 into it and take it racing. Above: GR Supra Track Edition And Mr Hanley has previously told CarExpert "there is no plan to discontinue the Supra brand in this car company", suggesting a sixth generation is coming. The current fifth-generation Supra was launched in Australia in 2019, marking the first time Toyota's flagship sports car had been offered locally since the last third-generation example reached customers in 1993. We missed out on the sought-after fourth-generation model. Unlike past Supras, the fifth-generation vehicle shared its platform and powertrain with a BMW. While the current Supra is shuffling off, Toyota is rumoured to have plenty planned in the sports car space with persistent rumours out of Japan of a revived MR2 and Celica, as well as a Supra replacement that could use a hybrid powertrain and spawn a Lexus cousin. Above: GR Supra Final Edition Toyota is closing out the Supra on a high, having launched the Track Edition earlier this year. This flagship variant features retuned steering and suspension as well as various aesthetic upgrades, though there's no extra power under the bonnet. Overseas, Toyota has also offered an even hotter Final Edition, which not only features upgraded suspension and styling but also more power. This send-off produces 320kW of power and 570Nm of torque from its turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six, up 35kW and 70Nm on Australian-market Supras including the Track Edition. The GR Supra may be gone – at least for now – but Toyota still has a raft of Gazoo Racing-branded vehicles, including the smaller and also rear-wheel drive GR86 coupe, plus the turbocharged three-cylinder, all-wheel drive GR Yaris and GR Corolla hot hatches. The demise of Toyota's flagship sports coupe, however, leaves the Nissan Z without any other rivals from Japanese brands – a far cry from the glory days of the 1990s when even Mazda and Mitsubishi had sultry sports coupes in this segment. MORE: Explore the Toyota Supra showroom Content originally sourced from:
7NEWS
5 hours ago
- 7NEWS
Toyota Supra dead in Australia, will live on in Supercars
Customer orders for the current Toyota GR Supra will close later this month in Australia, before the current-generation sports coupe is axed. However, Toyota has indicated that the GR Supra nameplate will live on beyond 2026. The move will see the outgoing GR Supra join the Chevrolet Camaro as another vehicle being raced in Supercars that can't be purchased by customers. Only the Ford Mustang will have a corresponding road car on sale. 'The GR Supra already had a sterling legacy when the current generation launched in 2019, and we're pleased to say it has exceeded the expectations set by its predecessors,' said Toyota Australia vice president of sales, marketing and franchise operations, Sean Hanley. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. 'Its pulse-raising performance, sleek coupe design and thrilling dynamics helped raise the profile of our GR portfolio, helping to pave the way for other exciting models like the GR Yaris and GR Corolla. 'While customers will no longer be able to purchase their own GR Supra by the end of August, fans of the GR Supra will be able to follow its story when it lines up on the Supercars Championship grid in 2026 and beyond.' The announcement doesn't come as much of a surprise, given reports from last year that the Supra and its BMW Z4 platform-mate would exit production in Austria before 2027. Toyota Australia explained the decision to use a vehicle in its twilight years for Supercars racing, arguing it was an 'iconic nameplate' and it was easy to drop a V8 into it and take it racing. Above: GR Supra Track Edition And Mr Hanley has previously told CarExpert 'there is no plan to discontinue the Supra brand in this car company', suggesting a sixth generation is coming. The current fifth-generation Supra was launched in Australia in 2019, marking the first time Toyota's flagship sports car had been offered locally since the last third-generation example reached customers in 1993. We missed out on the sought-after fourth-generation model. Unlike past Supras, the fifth-generation vehicle shared its platform and powertrain with a BMW. While the current Supra is shuffling off, Toyota is rumoured to have plenty planned in the sports car space with persistent rumours out of Japan of a revived MR2 and Celica, as well as a Supra replacement that could use a hybrid powertrain and spawn a Lexus cousin. Above: GR Supra Final Edition Toyota is closing out the Supra on a high, having launched the Track Edition earlier this year. This flagship variant features retuned steering and suspension as well as various aesthetic upgrades, though there's no extra power under the bonnet. Overseas, Toyota has also offered an even hotter Final Edition, which not only features upgraded suspension and styling but also more power. This send-off produces 320kW of power and 570Nm of torque from its turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six, up 35kW and 70Nm on Australian-market Supras including the Track Edition. The GR Supra may be gone – at least for now – but Toyota still has a raft of Gazoo Racing-branded vehicles, including the smaller and also rear-wheel drive GR86 coupe, plus the turbocharged three-cylinder, all-wheel drive GR Yaris and GR Corolla hot hatches. The demise of Toyota's flagship sports coupe, however, leaves the Nissan Z without any other rivals from Japanese brands – a far cry from the glory days of the 1990s when even Mazda and Mitsubishi had sultry sports coupes in this segment.
Perth Now
5 hours ago
- Perth Now
Toyota Supra dead in Australia, will live on in Supercars
Customer orders for the current Toyota GR Supra will close later this month in Australia, before the current-generation sports coupe is axed. However, Toyota has indicated that the GR Supra nameplate will live on beyond 2026. The move will see the outgoing GR Supra join the Chevrolet Camaro as another vehicle being raced in Supercars that can't be purchased by customers. Only the Ford Mustang will have a corresponding road car on sale. 'The GR Supra already had a sterling legacy when the current generation launched in 2019, and we're pleased to say it has exceeded the expectations set by its predecessors,' said Toyota Australia vice president of sales, marketing and franchise operations, Sean Hanley. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Supplied Credit: CarExpert 'Its pulse-raising performance, sleek coupe design and thrilling dynamics helped raise the profile of our GR portfolio, helping to pave the way for other exciting models like the GR Yaris and GR Corolla. 'While customers will no longer be able to purchase their own GR Supra by the end of August, fans of the GR Supra will be able to follow its story when it lines up on the Supercars Championship grid in 2026 and beyond.' The announcement doesn't come as much of a surprise, given reports from last year that the Supra and its BMW Z4 platform-mate would exit production in Austria before 2027. Toyota Australia explained the decision to use a vehicle in its twilight years for Supercars racing, arguing it was an 'iconic nameplate' and it was easy to drop a V8 into it and take it racing. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Above: GR Supra Track Edition And Mr Hanley has previously told CarExpert 'there is no plan to discontinue the Supra brand in this car company', suggesting a sixth generation is coming. The current fifth-generation Supra was launched in Australia in 2019, marking the first time Toyota's flagship sports car had been offered locally since the last third-generation example reached customers in 1993. We missed out on the sought-after fourth-generation model. Unlike past Supras, the fifth-generation vehicle shared its platform and powertrain with a BMW. While the current Supra is shuffling off, Toyota is rumoured to have plenty planned in the sports car space with persistent rumours out of Japan of a revived MR2 and Celica, as well as a Supra replacement that could use a hybrid powertrain and spawn a Lexus cousin. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Above: GR Supra Final Edition Toyota is closing out the Supra on a high, having launched the Track Edition earlier this year. This flagship variant features retuned steering and suspension as well as various aesthetic upgrades, though there's no extra power under the bonnet. Overseas, Toyota has also offered an even hotter Final Edition, which not only features upgraded suspension and styling but also more power. This send-off produces 320kW of power and 570Nm of torque from its turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six, up 35kW and 70Nm on Australian-market Supras including the Track Edition. The GR Supra may be gone – at least for now – but Toyota still has a raft of Gazoo Racing-branded vehicles, including the smaller and also rear-wheel drive GR86 coupe, plus the turbocharged three-cylinder, all-wheel drive GR Yaris and GR Corolla hot hatches. Supplied Credit: CarExpert The demise of Toyota's flagship sports coupe, however, leaves the Nissan Z without any other rivals from Japanese brands – a far cry from the glory days of the 1990s when even Mazda and Mitsubishi had sultry sports coupes in this segment. MORE: Explore the Toyota Supra showroom
