The chief engineer will not agree to this.
Toyota had announced earlier this year that all models would be electrified by 2025. After the Japanese automaker had said last year that a hybrid powertrain was not possible, some hope has been revived. However, Supra Chief Engineer Tetsuya Taka has now confirmed that the Supra hybrid powertrain was not possible. He stated to Motoring.com.au that he had “no” to both a hybrid Supra and a number of other ideas.
Tetsuya TADA claims that Toyota marketing asked him to create a Supra hybrid. He replied “no”. There are technical limitations, such as limited space for additional powertrain components and the impact of their weight on the car’s performance. However, Tetsuya Tada stated that the gasoline engine sounds and smells more like a sports car. He is open to the idea if the hybrid powertrain’s weight and size improves.
The Australian publication also heard him say that hybridizing Supras would be for “the new generation engineers.” In May, he said the same thing when asked about A100 Supra and its form. He stated that he was confident that he’d be retired before the A100 launches. Tetsuya Tada said that he doesn’t believe there is a market for a convertible Supra, and that it would depend on the demand.
Toyota will continue to offer the Supra with its gasoline-only engine if it keeps its promise to add electrification to all models by 2025. Toyota has five years to decide how to use the Supra and any successors. The company has five years to design a new powertrain or explore an EV or hybrid that doesn’t compromise performance. It can also exempt the gasoline-powered Supra of its electrification plans or simply discontinue the model.