What car is the Supra based on?
The Toyota Supra is one of the most iconic sports cars in automotive history, known for its sleek design, powerful performance, and a legacy that spans decades. However, the latest generation of the Supra, the A90 (or GR Supra), has sparked curiosity among car enthusiasts due to its shared platform with another well-known vehicle. In this article, we’ll explore the car that the Supra is based on and what this partnership means for its performance and design.
The BMW Connection
The current Toyota Supra, introduced in 2019 as the fifth-generation model (A90), is based on the BMW Z4. This collaboration between Toyota and BMW was a strategic partnership aimed at reducing development costs while delivering a high-performance sports car. Both vehicles share the same platform, engine options, and many internal components, but they are distinct in their design and driving dynamics.
Key Shared Features Between the Supra and the Z4
While the Toyota Supra and BMW Z4 are unique in their own ways, they share several critical components that define their performance and capabilities:
- Platform: Both cars are built on BMW’s CLAR platform, which is designed for rear-wheel-drive vehicles and ensures a lightweight yet rigid structure.
- Engine: The Supra is powered by BMW’s turbocharged inline-six engine (B58), delivering impressive power and smooth performance. There’s also a four-cylinder option in some markets, also sourced from BMW.
- Transmission: Both vehicles use an 8-speed automatic transmission, providing quick shifts and excellent efficiency.
- Interior Components: Many interior elements, such as the infotainment system, controls, and switchgear, are borrowed from BMW, giving the Supra a premium feel.
What Makes the Supra Unique?
Despite its shared DNA with the BMW Z4, Toyota has ensured that the Supra retains its own identity. Here’s how the Supra stands out:
- Exterior Design: The Supra features a bold and aggressive design inspired by Toyota’s FT-1 concept car, setting it apart from the Z4’s convertible roadster styling.
- Driving Dynamics: Toyota’s engineers tuned the Supra’s suspension, steering, and chassis to deliver a distinct driving experience that aligns with the brand’s sports car heritage.
- Hardtop Coupe: Unlike the Z4, which is a convertible, the Supra is offered exclusively as a hardtop coupe, catering to a different segment of sports car enthusiasts.
Why the Collaboration Works
The partnership between Toyota and BMW has allowed both companies to create exceptional sports cars while sharing development costs. For Toyota, it meant access to BMW’s expertise in engine and chassis development, while BMW benefited from Toyota’s engineering prowess and reliability standards. The result is two vehicles that cater to different audiences but share a foundation of performance and innovation.
Conclusion
The Toyota Supra’s connection to the BMW Z4 has been a topic of much discussion, but it’s clear that this collaboration has resulted in a sports car that lives up to the Supra name. By combining BMW’s engineering with Toyota’s design and tuning, the GR Supra offers a thrilling driving experience that honors its legacy while embracing modern technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
What platform is the Supra based on?
The first generation of the Supra was based largely upon the Toyota Celica liftback, but was longer by 129.5 mm (5.10 in). The doors and rear section were shared with the Celica but the front panels were elongated to accommodate the Inline-6 instead of the Celica's 4-cylinder engine.
Why is Toyota discontinuing 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.
Which BMW looks like a Supra?
So everyone in YouTube is tired of hearing these alpha numeric names but b58. 3 l straight 6 Twin scroll uh 382 horsepower 368 pound feet of torque. For both the only difference.
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.
Why did Toyota put a BMW engine in the Supra?
Why? Because customer surveys showed that was a must considering all four previous generations of the car had an inline-six. The easiest way to obtain one was to ink a deal with BMW and grab their 3.0-liter you'll find in the Z4 M40i as well as in the new M340i.
Which is faster, Bugatti or Supra?
The Toyota Supra, while a high-performance sports car, is not in the same category as hypercars like the Bugatti Chiron and Koenigsegg Jesko Absolute in terms of top speed.
How much is the Toyota Supra BMW?
The price of the 2025 Toyota GR Supra starts at $57,345 and goes up to $60,495 depending on the trim and options.
Does Rolls-Royce use a BMW engine?
Contrary to popular belief, Rolls-Royce vehicles do not use BMW engines. However, there is a historical connection between the two brands. To understand their relationship, we must first delve into the history of Rolls-Royce and the circumstances that led to their partnership with BMW.
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 BMW Z4 and Supra 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.
