Are Supra and BMW Z4 the same?
The Toyota Supra and BMW Z4 are two iconic sports cars that share a surprising amount of DNA. While they may look different on the surface, their similarities run deeper than most people realize. In this article, we’ll explore the relationship between these two vehicles, their shared components, and what sets them apart.
The Collaboration Between Toyota and BMW
The Toyota Supra and BMW Z4 are the result of a collaboration between Toyota and BMW. This partnership was formed to reduce development costs and leverage each company's strengths. Toyota wanted to revive the Supra nameplate with a modern sports car, while BMW sought to create the next generation of its Z4 roadster. By working together, they were able to share resources and technology to bring these vehicles to life.
Shared Platform and Components
Both the Toyota Supra and BMW Z4 are built on the same platform, known as the BMW CLAR architecture. This shared foundation includes:
- The chassis and suspension system, which provide a sporty and responsive driving experience.
- The powertrain options, including the turbocharged inline-6 engine (BMW's B58 engine) and an 8-speed automatic transmission.
- Various interior components, such as the infotainment system and some control interfaces, which are BMW-designed.
These shared components ensure that both cars deliver exceptional performance and handling, but they also highlight the close relationship between the two models.
Key Differences Between the Supra and Z4
Despite their shared underpinnings, the Toyota Supra and BMW Z4 have distinct characteristics that set them apart:
- Body Style: The Supra is a coupe, while the Z4 is a convertible roadster. This difference in body style significantly impacts their design and driving experience.
- Brand Identity: Toyota and BMW have infused their respective vehicles with unique styling cues and brand-specific tuning. The Supra features aggressive, aerodynamic lines inspired by Toyota's design language, while the Z4 boasts a more refined and luxurious appearance.
- Driving Dynamics: Toyota has tuned the Supra's suspension and steering to deliver a sharper, more track-focused feel, whereas the Z4 leans towards a comfortable and balanced ride.
- Pricing and Features: The Supra generally comes at a slightly lower price point than the Z4, making it a more accessible option for enthusiasts.
Which One Should You Choose?
The choice between the Toyota Supra and BMW Z4 ultimately comes down to personal preference and intended use. If you’re looking for a sleek coupe with a focus on performance and track capabilities, the Supra might be the better fit. On the other hand, if you prefer open-top driving and a more luxurious experience, the Z4 is an excellent choice.
Both cars are exceptional in their own right, and their shared engineering ensures that you’re getting a high-quality sports car regardless of which one you choose.
Conclusion
While the Toyota Supra and BMW Z4 are not exactly the same, they are closely related thanks to their shared platform and components. However, each car has been carefully crafted to reflect the unique philosophies of their respective brands. Whether you’re a fan of Toyota’s racing heritage or BMW’s luxury and refinement, there’s no denying that this collaboration has produced two outstanding vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the BMW Z4 based on?
BMW Z4 (G29; 2018–present)
The G29 Z4 shares its platform with the J29 Toyota Supra and is manufactured in the same plant in Austria.
Are Supra and Z4 the same?
Everything about the Supra is a bit crisper than the Z4. While the BMW is a gentleman's roadster, the Supra is more of a nasty hot rod that you'd like to grab by the scruff of the neck and flick into corners.
What is the Lexus version of a Supra?
The 2025 Toyota GR Supra and the 2024 Lexus RC 350 F Sport are two sports coupes that punch well above their weight class as mid-budget cars that look, drive, and feel like something you might see approaching the low six-figure range.
Why does Supra have a BMW engine?
The main reason Toyota chosen BMW, is because BMW is so far the only manufacture that still mass produces straight 6 inline engines. Toyota has long stopped producing the 2JZ straight 6 decades ago and partnered up with BMW to provide an inline straight 6.
Why is Toyota discontinuing the Supra?
The notion that Supra is stopping is purely speculative, and quite frankly, I have no expectation, sitting here today, that the Supra brand will disappear. At all.” Toyota recently revealed that the current-generation Supra will compete in the Supercars championship Down Under in 2026, sporting a powerful V8.
What does Z stand for in BMW Z4?
The Z in Z1 stands for zukunft, fittingly the German word for future. Later cars in the Z Series are the Z3, Z4 and Z8, all of which were available as 2-seat convertibles, although some models were also available as 2-seat coupes.
What is the fastest BMW Z4?
Naturally enough, it's the range-topping M-lite M40i that's the most rapid, thanks to its 335bhp turbocharged straight-six. With a 4.5sec 0-62mph time, it's quicker than a PDK 718 Boxster and just 0.1sec behind a similarly equipped Boxster S.
Which BMW is the same as a Supra?
Powering the Toyota Supra & BMW M-Series
Yes, the 2020, 2021, and 2022 Supras share many of the same parts and specifications as the BMW M-Series. But the plan for sharing the BMW's 3.0L engine was a smart business move to provide Toyota customers with what they wanted.
Is the BMW Z4 made by Toyota?
That's because the Toyota GR Supra and the BMW Z4 not only share the same platform, but were co-developed by the two automakers as a cost-saving option (and are even built by Magna Steyr on the same assembly line in Graz, Austria).
Do the Z4 and Supra have the same engine?
While both roadsters have a BMW inline B-58, six-cylinder engine with a twin-scroll turbocharger, the Z4 has 382 horsepower while the Supra has 335 and four less pound feet of torque.
