Mazda Inline-Six Speculation Regarding New GR Supra and RX-7 Seems Too Far-Fetched to Be Believable | Carscoops

      The recent rumors emerging from Japan should be approached with caution, as they contradict previous reports.

      A Japanese source claims that Mazda is in the process of creating a new sports car featuring a straight-six engine. It is suggested that this new model might utilize the same platform as the forthcoming generation of the Toyota GR Supra. However, this information conflicts with earlier reports regarding a rotary-powered Mazda and a four-cylinder Supra.

      Toyota Gazoo Racing has several sports cars in development—some are confirmed, like the GR Celica, while others remain speculative, such as a new generation of the GR Supra. Although no official details about the next Supra have been released, a new report from Japan hints it could share its foundations with a Mazda sports car, potentially utilizing Mazda’s inline-six turbocharged engine currently used in its CX SUVs.

      We are immediately skeptical of these claims. The origin of this rumor, Japan’s Best Car, has a history of inconsistent reporting on this topic. Previously, the outlet stated that the next Supra would feature a new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine from Toyota that could produce up to 400 horsepower in a street-legal configuration. Now, it's proposing a six-cylinder engine provided by Mazda.

      As for the notion of a Mazda-based Supra, the claims from the Japanese outlet assert that Mazda is developing a new front-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports car that could serve as a spiritual successor to the RX-7 and RX-8. However, instead of using the company’s iconic rotary engine, it allegedly would employ a straight-six engine. The report goes on to suggest that this architecture could become the platform for the next Toyota GR Supra, transitioning its foundation from the BMW Z4 to one developed by Mazda.

      While this speculation may pique the interest of Japanese sports car fans, it should be taken with skepticism. To start with, Mazda recently abandoned plans for an internal combustion, rear-wheel-drive sedan, casting doubt on whether it would invest in developing a dedicated sports car platform. Creating a brand new architecture for a niche vehicle would be a risky—and expensive—decision.

      Moreover, Mazda has already confirmed its work on a two-rotor rotary engine intended as a range-extender hybrid for a production vehicle based on the Iconic SP concept. This seems much more plausible as a long-awaited RX-7 successor. Additionally, Mazda has not been prolific in releasing sports cars over the last couple of decades. With the MX-5 already part of its lineup, introducing another model alongside a possible rotary-driven coupe could feel excessive.

      In theory, Toyota could incorporate a Mazda-sourced six-cylinder engine into the next Supra, thereby maintaining the model's six-cylinder tradition while moving away from the BMW engine. However, this would entail a joint development of an entirely new platform, something neither company has hinted at thus far. Earlier reports from Best Car also suggested a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with potential hybrid support, which aligns more closely with Toyota's recent engineering focus.

      That said, a partnership between Toyota and Mazda isn't completely out of the question. Both companies have a history of collaboration, and joint development could enable them to reduce R&D and manufacturing costs, as seen with the GR 86 and Subaru BRZ.

      They’ve also rebadged each other’s vehicles in the past, like the Toyota Yaris and Mazda2 in various markets. Recently, Toyota provided hybrid technology for the Mazda CX-50, while Mazda shared its signature Soul Red paint with Toyota for the Corolla Cross.

      Significantly, the two manufacturers share production facilities in Alabama and are collaborating with Subaru on future developments for internal combustion engines.

      Could shared components exist between Toyota’s and Mazda’s upcoming sports cars? Possibly. However, until there is confirmation from reliable official sources, it is advisable to remain doubtful.