What Engine Does Supra Have

So, you’re wondering what engine the Supra has. Good question. It’s not as simple as you might think, because this car has a bit of a split personality. Let’s dive in, but first, grab your coffee—this is going to be fun.

The answer depends entirely on which Supra we’re talking about. If you mean the legendary MK4 from the ’90s, you’re thinking of the 2JZ. That engine is basically a mythical creature made of cast iron and magic. It’s why Fast & Furious fans still lose their minds.

The 2JZ-GTE is a 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged inline-six. Stock, it made around 320 horsepower. But here’s the kicker—it can handle stupid amounts of power with just a few bolt-ons. People have pushed them past 1,000 horsepower without breaking a sweat. It’s like the engine that never says “uncle.”

But What About the New One? The MK5?

Ah, here’s where things get spicy. The new Supra, the A90 (or A91 if you’re fancy), doesn’t use a Toyota engine. I know, right? It feels like a betrayal. But hear me out—it’s actually a BMW engine underneath.

Specifically, it’s the B58, a 3.0-liter, single-turbocharged inline-six. Yes, the same one found in the BMW Z4, among others. Toyota didn’t just slap it in; they tuned it, tweaked it, and gave it a different exhaust note. But make no mistake—it’s Bavarian through and through.

Stock, the B58 makes 382 horsepower in the Supra. But here’s the secret—it’s also a beast for tuning. With a simple tune and exhaust, you’re looking at 450 to 500 horsepower. It responds like a golden retriever on a treat.

Why Did Toyota Use a BMW Engine?

Great question. Short answer: money and time. Developing a new inline-six from scratch costs billions. Toyota didn’t want to do that for a niche sports car. So, they shook hands with BMW, who had the B58 ready to go.

Plus, the B58 is really good. It’s smooth, reliable, and loves revs. BMW’s turbocharging tech is top-notch. Toyota wasn’t stupid—they just borrowed the best thing their German cousins had. And honestly? It works.

But let’s not forget the 4-cylinder version. Yes, there’s a cheaper Supra with a 2.0-liter turbo-four. It’s the same engine from BMW’s 330i, called the B48. It makes 255 horsepower and is lighter, but it’s not the star of the show. You want the six, trust me.

The Old vs. The New: Which Engine Wins?

This is like asking if you prefer a leather jacket or a tailored suit. The 2JZ is the legend—the OG, the wild child. It’s heavy, old-school, and needs boost to sing. But its potential is limitless. You can build a 2JZ to run on rocket fuel (slight exaggeration).

The B58 is the modern marvel. It’s lighter, more efficient, and comes with a freaking 8-speed automatic that shifts faster than you can blink. It also has a better power curve right out of the box. No waiting for spool, just instant grunt.

But here’s the trade-off: the B58 is scary reliable but not as overbuilt as the 2JZ. You can’t just dump 1,500 horsepower into a stock B58 and expect it to smile. It’ll break, probably in a spectacular way. The 2JZ would just laugh and ask for more.

What About the Supra’s Racing Heritage?

Oh, you want that story? The Supra’s engine lineage goes back to the 1JZ and 7M-GE. Basically, Toyota has been refining the inline-six since the 1980s. They nailed it with the 2JZ, then took a 20-year nap, and woke up with a BMW.

Some purists hate this. They say it’s not a “real” Supra because it doesn’t sound like a 2JZ. And they’re not wrong—it doesn’t. It sounds more like a German mill, all tech and precision. But a few people actually prefer it. It’s an acquired taste.

Quick trivia: The MK4 Supra’s engine was also used in the Toyota Aristo and the Lexus GS300. So, it wasn’t even exclusive to the Supra. The 2JZ was everywhere. Meanwhile, the B58 is in the BMW 340i, 440i, X3 M40i… and now the Supra. It’s a shared platform, baby.

So, What Should You Buy?

If you want a time capsule of ’90s insanity, get the MK4. Good luck finding one for under $40,000—they’re stupidly expensive now. And even then, the engine might need a full rebuild. But it’s a piece of history.

If you want a modern sports car that handles like a dream and can hit 60 mph in 3.8 seconds, get the MK5. The B58 is a joy. It’s also covered by a warranty, which is nice. You know, for when you accidentally redline it six times in a row.

At the end of the day, the Supra has always been about one thing: the joy of a straight-six. Whether it’s a roaring, angry 2JZ or a silky, efficient B58, it’s the soul of the car. The engine is the heart. The chassis is just the vessel.

So, which engine does the Supra have? Both, depending on the year. One is a legend. The other is a brilliant impostor. And in both cases, they make that rear end slide like butter. Just don’t forget to wave at your local BMW owner—you’re basically cousins now.