Is the Toyota Supra basically a BMW?
The Toyota Supra is an iconic sports car with a rich history, but its latest iteration, the fifth-generation A90 Supra, has sparked a heated debate among car enthusiasts. Many have questioned whether the Supra is truly a Toyota or if it’s essentially a BMW in disguise. Let’s dive into the details to uncover the truth behind this collaboration.
The Toyota-BMW Partnership
The current Toyota Supra was developed as part of a collaboration between Toyota and BMW. This partnership aimed to reduce development costs while leveraging the strengths of both automakers. The result was two distinct vehicles: the Toyota Supra and the BMW Z4. While they share a platform and many components, there are key differences that set them apart.
Shared Components Between the Supra and Z4
To understand why some people call the Supra a "BMW," it’s important to look at the shared components between the two cars. Here’s what they have in common:
- Engine: Both the Supra and Z4 use BMW’s B58 inline-six turbocharged engine, known for its smooth power delivery and reliability.
- Transmission: The 8-speed automatic transmission in the Supra is also sourced from BMW.
- Chassis: The underlying platform and suspension design are shared between the two vehicles.
- Interior Elements: Many interior components, such as the infotainment system, switchgear, and even the steering wheel, are borrowed from BMW.
What Makes the Supra Unique?
Despite the shared components, Toyota has made significant efforts to give the Supra its own identity. Here are some of the ways the Supra stands out:
- Tuning: Toyota’s engineers tuned the suspension, steering, and overall driving dynamics to deliver a distinct feel that aligns with the Supra’s heritage.
- Exterior Design: The Supra’s bold and aggressive styling is entirely Toyota’s work, setting it apart visually from the Z4.
- Brand Philosophy: Toyota has marketed the Supra as a pure sports car, emphasizing its connection to the legendary Supra lineage.
Is It Really a BMW?
While it’s true that the Supra borrows heavily from BMW, calling it "just a BMW" oversimplifies the story. The collaboration allowed Toyota to bring the Supra back to life with a high-performance platform while maintaining a reasonable price point. Toyota’s tuning and design efforts ensure that the Supra retains its own character, even if it shares DNA with the Z4.
Conclusion
In the end, the Toyota Supra is a product of collaboration, blending the best of both Toyota and BMW. It’s not entirely a BMW, nor is it purely a Toyota—it’s a fusion of engineering expertise from both brands. For enthusiasts, the most important question is whether the Supra delivers an exhilarating driving experience, and by most accounts, it absolutely does.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who builds Toyota engines?
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama employs more than 2,000 team members and builds more than 3,000 engines each day. Producing one-third of Toyota's engines in the U.S. at its 1.3 million-square-foot facility, TMMAL is the only plant to build four-cylinder, V-6 and twin-turbo under one roof.
Is the Toyota Supra actually 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.
What car did BMW and Toyota make?
Together so it is actually at least half a Toyota. And although it shares the same platform in many underpinnings with the BMW. Z4 the two cars do look outwardly.
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.
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.
What is so special about a Supra?
With its sleek lines, powerful engines, and exceptional handling, the Supra has earned a reputation as one of the most coveted sports cars on the market. Its legendary status and desirability have made it an icon in the automotive world, and its appeal continues to grow with each passing year.
What is the Supra engine called in BMW?
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.
What car is the Supra based on?
According to Akio Toyoda, the new Supra's design and performance identity were inspired by the Toyota 2000GT. The interior design, layout, and parts (like the materials, seats, and steering wheel) were also done by Toyota, while only small interior switchgear come from BMW.
Are Toyotas using 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.
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.
