Despite the 2020 Toyota GR Supra being barely ready to be shipped out to dealerships and customers, there is already ripe talk of an even hotter version of the sports car. The partnership between BMW and Toyota that saw the creation of the 2020 GR Supra could produce a more powerful version of the Supra.

Although the two automobile companies insist that they went separate ways in terms of developing their new sports cars after agreeing on basic requirements, there is a chance that we have not seen the end of this partnership. Could the new Supra end up getting fitted with an M3 engine?

It could happen

Although only 10% of parts between the two power units are common, the new GR Supra is currently fitted with the B58 3.0-liter inline-six single turbo engine used to develop the S58. The engine has made it possible for the 2020 GR Supra to produce a recorded 335 hp on paper; though dyno tests have proved that the actual number is closer to the 380 hp mark.

Compared to other cars at the Supra’s $50,000 price range, there has been criticism directed towards Toyota during its initial reception in the market over the vehicle’s lack of power. Therefore, having a Supra fitted with BMW’s S58 M engine would be welcomed by Toyota since it could allow their car to increase its power closer to 500 hp, maybe even higher.

Though there are rumors that the Supra could gain a manual transmission and a turbo-four, and that Toyota would introduce an electrified version down the line, there hasn’t been any concrete conversation about a higher-performance Supra.

But probably won’t

While the possibility of a Supra version packing close to 500 hp is sure to intrigue many Supra enthusiasts, Markus Flasch, BMW’s new M division president, stated that it is unlikely. The good news, however, is that he has not completely closed the door on the idea.

Though the twin-turbo 3.0-liter six-cylinder new-generation S58 engine is to be fitted in all models of BMW M’s next-generation compact high-performance cars; from the M2 coupe onwards, it has currently only been fitted to the X3 M and X4 M Competition performance SUVs. It’s, however, possible that the engine could feature in a Supra as well.

Autocar had a sit down with Markus Flasch where he indicated that BMW has not made an offer to supply Toyota with the engine, and neither has Toyota requested for it. Although he mentioned that it would be a lot for them to give away and it is unlikely to happen for now. He further added that it is an interesting idea; one he would never say never to.

As it currently stands, the idea is far from being a reality. Should the deal be done, however, it would be the first M engine BMW has sold as a customer unit and would be the first, since McLaren F1’s S70 V12, to feature in a third-party vehicle.

Flasch added that because they consider the BMW M engines a strength of their vehicles, they do not offer them to third parties; with the S58 still being new, he stated that it would be a difficult decision for members of the team to accept.

It’s clear that selling the engine right now does not seem feasible to him; especially since they haven’t yet had an opportunity to use it in all the areas they plan to. But since he said, ‘never say never,’ it is still in the realm of possibility. It definitely won’t happen soon, but we are keeping our fingers crossed.

All images provided by the manufacturer unless otherwise noted.