The Mighty 2JZ and the Modern Marvel: Untangling Horsepower Legends
For years, saying “2JZ” has thrilled car enthusiasts. This engine is a legend. It is known in garages and on racetracks. We mean the 2JZ-GTE, the turbocharged variant that made the Toyota Supra (MK4, 1993-1998) famous. It’s as tough as a honey badger in a titanium suit. It’s tunable like a piano. How much power can it handle?
Let’s look at the numbers. From the factory, the North American 2JZ-GTE had about 320 horsepower. That was good for the 90s; your neighbor’s minivan might match it today. The 2JZ was never about ‘stock is king’. Its true glory is in modifications. Toyota built it ready for boosts, and we turned it way up.
Modified 2JZ engines go wild with power. We see levels that would astonish a Formula 1 engineer. Picture this: a 2JZ with a jaw-dropping 2,100 horsepower sent to the rear wheels. Yes, that is two thousand one hundred horsepower. This isn’t just power; it’s a massive statement. Want proof? Look at this 2,000-HP Toyota Supra. It shows what the 2JZ can achieve.
Now, if you’re new to 2JZ, let’s clarify the difference between the 2JZ-GE and the 2JZ-GTE. Both are 3.0-liter inline-six engines with cast-iron blocks and aluminum heads. The 2JZ-GE is the naturally aspirated sibling, while the GTE is the turbocharged beast we cherish. The GTE was designed for boost. It has stronger internals and enhancements. Curious why the 2JZ is special? Check out Haltech. It explains the impressive design and tunability of this engine.
Fast forward to today, and Toyota has revived the Supra name. The fifth-generation GR Supra is sleek and modern. But under the hood, there’s a change. It has a BMW powertrain. This shocked many Supra purists. The new GR Supra uses a BMW B58 inline-six engine. For those who loved the 2JZ Supra, this feels like finding out Santa uses Amazon Prime. Some cried blasphemy! Where’s the Toyota heart?
Before we write off the B58, let’s give it some credit. This BMW inline-six is powerful. In the GR Supra, it generates 335bhp and 500Nm of torque. The car can go from 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 155 mph. Such numbers were once supercar territory, now found in a Toyota with some German influence.
Similar to its ancestor, the B58 is proving itself as a strong tunable engine. Although it lacks decades of history like the 2JZ, it is carving out its name in high performance. Many B58 builds now aim for over a thousand horsepower. Yes, this BMW engine keeps up with powerful competitors. Will it gain the same admiration as the 2JZ? It’s possible, but time will tell.
But what does “GR” mean in GR Supra? It stands for Gazoo Racing. Gazoo Racing is Toyota’s in-house performance and racing division. This badge isn’t just decoration; it’s their commitment to performance. They engineer cars for speed and precision for racing, not just straight lines. The GR Supra seeks to mix German polish with Toyota’s racing legacy. For insights on performance in inline-six engines like the 2JZ (and the B58), look to resources from Garrett Motion. They focus on turbocharging relevant to these engines.
Ultimately, both the 2JZ and B58 represent different eras in performance engineering. The 2JZ is the classic legend, known for its tunability and excellence in 90s Japanese design. The B58 brings modern German technology into sports cars, proving that even with changes, the Supra spirit of speed remains alive. Whether you love the 2JZ or embrace the B58 era, one thing stands out: the passion for horsepower and thrilling drives is here to stay.
