Toyota's maddest move yet! GRMN Supra to score BMW M3 engine, 397kW and AWD - reports

Toyota's rapid-fire transition from safe and sensible to performance madhouse continues, with fresh reports the incoming GRMN Supra will unleash almost 400kW thanks to its BMW M3 Engine.

We know the Toyota's performance stepping stones right now, starting with GR Sport (mostly visual upgrades), then stepping to GR, which pack a significant performance boost (look to the GR Yaris and GR Corolla for evidence).

But the rung above GR is GRMN, or Gazoo Racing Meister of Nürburgring, which is reserved only for the most performance-focused variants.

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And fresh reports from Japan's Spyder 7 suggest that early next year the GRMN Supra will arrive, packing seriously incredible grunt and the option of AWD.

How much grunt? The site says the new model will be equipped with the next BMW M3's turbo 3.0-litre, six-cylinder engine, with the power dialled right up to an epic 375kW.

That power will be channeled through a seven-speed DCT transmission, before being sent to the rear tyres, though AWD could also appear as an option. Expect much high-tech aero, too, including carbon-fibre wings and skirtings, and light-weight carbon-fibre roof.

Just a reminder that the current Supra packs a 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder engine good for 285kW, and a sprint from 0-100km/h time of 4.1 seconds. So a GRMN version should be very fast indeed.

Interestingly, if reports are accurate, it would also act as something of a heroic farewell for the Supra, with growing reports it – and its BMW Z4 sibling – will finish production in 2025 in the face of slowing sales and the changing face of performance globally.

Will the GRMN Supra appear next year? We have our fingers crossed.