Is the Supra a BMW chassis?
The Toyota Supra has long been a beloved sports car, known for its sleek design and impressive performance. However, the latest generation of the Supra, introduced in 2019, has sparked a lot of discussion among car enthusiasts due to its collaboration with BMW. One of the most common questions is whether the Supra is built on a BMW chassis. Let’s dive into the details to clarify this topic.
The Collaboration Between Toyota and BMW
The current Toyota Supra (A90 generation) is the result of a partnership between Toyota and BMW. This collaboration was aimed at reducing development costs while delivering a high-performance sports car. As part of this partnership, the Supra shares many components with the BMW Z4, including its chassis.
Understanding the Chassis
Yes, the Toyota Supra is built on a BMW chassis. Specifically, it uses BMW's CLAR (Cluster Architecture) platform, which is also used in the BMW Z4. This platform is known for its lightweight construction and rigidity, making it an excellent choice for a sports car. The shared chassis allows both vehicles to benefit from BMW's engineering expertise in handling and performance.
What Else Does the Supra Share with BMW?
In addition to the chassis, the Toyota Supra shares several other components with the BMW Z4, including:
- The engine: The Supra is powered by BMW's inline-six turbocharged engine, known for its smooth power delivery and reliability.
- The transmission: Both cars use an 8-speed automatic transmission from ZF, a well-regarded gearbox manufacturer.
- The interior: Many interior elements, such as the infotainment system and switchgear, are sourced from BMW.
What Makes the Supra Unique?
Despite the shared components, Toyota has worked hard to ensure the Supra has its own identity. Toyota engineers tuned the suspension, steering, and overall driving dynamics to give the Supra a distinct feel compared to the BMW Z4. Additionally, the exterior design of the Supra is entirely unique, paying homage to its heritage with styling cues reminiscent of earlier Supra models.
Conclusion
To answer the question: Yes, the Toyota Supra is built on a BMW chassis, specifically the CLAR platform. However, Toyota has made significant efforts to differentiate the Supra from its BMW counterpart, creating a car that stands out in its own right. Whether you're a fan of the collaboration or not, there's no denying that the Supra delivers an exciting driving experience that lives up to its legendary name.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Supra interior look like a BMW?
The interior of the Supra is upscale, similar to a luxury BMW vehicle. The dashboard, knobs, switches, buttons, shifter and steering wheel are sourced from BMW parts. Though there is a Toyota badge on the steering wheel somewhat hidden beneath a few layers of tape, this initial version is for production purposes.
What BMW is similar to Supra?
And the Toyota is built alongside the closely related BMW Z4 in Austria. Both the Supra and the 230i use the same BMW turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine making outputs of 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque in both cars.
Is the 2024 Toyota Supra a BMW?
By now, you almost certainly know that the 2024 Toyota GR Supra is essentially a BMW underneath. But if you don't know the story, here's the super-abridged version. Both Toyota and BMW partnered to make a chassis on which they'd build their own sports cars. BMW built a new Z4 and Toyota resurrected the Supra.
Which Toyota has a BMW engine?
Supra
The Supra is powered by two BMW-sourced engine options: a turbocharged B48 2.0-litre inline-four or a turbocharged B58 3.0-litre inline-six. The 2.0-litre engine was initially offered in Japan, some Asian countries and Europe; the United States received the engine in 2020 for the 2021 model year.
Why does a Supra have BMW parts?
By using a BMW engine they saved millions of dollars on research and development. Toyota does not Currently have a rear wheel drive performance platform. To create this would be extremely expensive and the Supra is a low production vehicle.
Do Toyotas use BMW engines?
The Toyota WW engine family is a series of 16 valve DOHC inline-4 Common rail direct injection turbo diesel diesel engines with common rail injection. These engines are based on the BMW N47, modified for use in Toyota vehicles, starting with the Verso in 2014.
Is the Supra basically a BMW?
You may have heard that the Toyota is actually a BMW in sheep's clothing. It's true that the Supra has a BMW engine and transmission and that the chassis for these cars was co-designed by the two manufacturers. But once the basic structures were figured out, BMW and Toyota went their own separate directions.
Are Supra and BMW Z4 the same?
The Z4 M40i, equipped with the Handschalter Package, uses the exact same powertrain as the Supra: a 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six, a six-speed manual, and rear-wheel drive. It even makes the exact same 382 horsepower. However, BMW tuned the Z4 to sound different, with a quieter, deeper growl than the Supra's.
Does Rolls-Royce use a BMW engine?
Yes, since the acquisition by BMW, Rolls-Royce has used engines developed and manufactured in Germany. The BMW V12 engines, in particular, are engineered at BMW's facilities and then sent to the Rolls-Royce production plant in Goodwood, England, where they are integrated into the vehicles.
Is the Toyota Supra basically a BMW?
You may have heard that the Toyota is actually a BMW in sheep's clothing. It's true that the Supra has a BMW engine and transmission and that the chassis for these cars was co-designed by the two manufacturers. But once the basic structures were figured out, BMW and Toyota went their own separate directions.
