The first 2JZ-powered Toyota A90 Supra drift car

Since the reveal of the 2019 Toyota GR Supra, one question has been a constant: when is someone going to put a 2JZ engine in one?

It was inevitable, but now someone’s done it. And that someone is drifting champion Daigo Saito.

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If the name sounds familiar, but you don’t really follow competitive drifting, it might be because you’ve seen some of his previous cars – the most famous of which is arguably his Monster Energy Lamborghini Murciélago.

Now, teaming up with HKS, Saito has almost finalised the build for his Mk.V Toyota Supra, with the iconic straight-six engine from the Mk.IV Supra residing in its snout.

Posted to Instagram last night, and detailed in a Japanaes-language press release, the car features a Monster Energy livery, with HKS branding, and plenty of body modifications.

A video of the car sans-livery was posted to Saito’s Instagram account yesterday, as was a video of the car in action. Unfortunately, the latter was taken down before this story published.

The turbocharged 3.5-litre Toyota six running in Saito’s new Supra is putting out a figure just shy of 600kW, with the development of the car having been undertaken in only 42 days.

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Though the press release seen by MOTOR features quotes from Saito regarding the build, it was translated into English. As such, the following is a paraphrased quote from Daigo Saito:

“I’m happy to have turned the new Supra into a drift car for the first time. Building a new car is always enjoyable, but this feels like a return to my initial goal.

“Since the wheelbase is short and the body is compact, it’s able to run sharper with more aggressive driving, but able to be controlled easily.”

The HKS Toyota A90 Supra will debut with Saito driving at the D1GP All Star Shoot-out on March 23 and 24 in Tokyo.