What is Toyota Supra based on?
The current Toyota Supra is based on the BMW Z4 platform (G29).
In its revived form, the GR Supra was developed through a Toyota–BMW partnership, sharing the Z4's front-mid engine, rear-drive chassis and many components while Toyota adds its GR tuning and interior touches. It is assembled at Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria, alongside the Z4.
Platform, partnership and core components
Here are the essential elements that define the Supra's basis, including its platform, powertrain, and production details.
- Platform and chassis: Front-mid engine, rear-wheel-drive layout based on BMW's Z4 (G29) architecture, with Toyota tuning to fit GR characteristics.
- Engines: BMW-supplied turbocharged powerplants—2.0-liter inline-four (B48) and 3.0-liter inline-six (B58)—adapted for Supra by Toyota.
- Transmission: Eight-speed automatic transmission; a factory manual option has not been offered for the GR Supra as of 2024.
- Production: Built alongside the Z4 at Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria, marking a rare joint production arrangement.
- Collaboration: Result of a long-running Toyota–BMW collaboration that blends BMW engineering with Toyota’s GR branding and tuning.
In short, the Supra’s core underpinnings come from BMW’s Z4 platform, with Toyota’s tuning and branding shaping its character.
Historical context: how the Supra’s basis differs across generations
While the modern GR Supra is rooted in a joint development with BMW, the badge’s earlier generations were designed and built entirely by Toyota without BMW involvement.
- MKIV generation (A80, 1993–1998): Based on Toyota’s own JZA80 platform and powered by the 2JZ-GTE inline-six, the fourth-generation Supra became a standalone Toyota performance icon.
- Earlier generations (first and second Supra lines): Originated from Toyota’s in-house designs and did not rely on BMW engineering or shared platforms.
Taken together, the modern Supra sits on a BMW-based platform with Toyota-specific tuning, while its historical roots are firmly planted in Toyota’s own engineering traditions.
Summary
The GR Supra’s foundation is a shared platform with the BMW Z4, built through a collaborative development program that blends BMW engineering with Toyota’s GR tuning and branding. Production occurs in Austria alongside the Z4, and the two engines offered (2.0L B48 and 3.0L B58) come from BMW, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Unlike the current model, its predecessors were produced entirely by Toyota without BMW involvement.
Why is the Supra built by BMW?
Toyota partnered with BMW for the Supra to share development costs and access BMW's inline-six engine technology, which Toyota no longer produced. This collaboration allowed both companies to create their respective sports cars, the Supra and the Z4, more efficiently and cost-effectively by using a shared platform and components.
- Cost savings: Joint development and production significantly reduced the costs associated with creating a new sports car platform, which benefited both Toyota and BMW.
- Access to BMW's inline-six engine: BMW is a leading producer of inline-six engines, and Toyota did not have one in production at the time. The partnership allowed Toyota to use BMW's B58 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine, which met customer demand for a straight-six engine in the Supra.
- Shared platform: The two cars were built on the same platform, with shared mechanical components like the chassis, suspension, and powertrain. This was a strategic decision to save time and money.
- Rear-wheel-drive (RWD) layout: The partnership allowed Toyota to develop the new Supra on a dedicated RWD platform, which is a signature feature of the Supra and one Toyota didn't have in its current lineup.
- Manufacturing efficiency: Production takes place at a shared plant in Austria, which has the necessary BMW components readily available.
What is the Toyota Supra based on?
Celica Supra
The Celica Supra was produced between 1979 and 1981, showcasing a unique combination of sporty styling and power. The Toyota Supra was based on the Toyota Celica, and it featured a 2.6-liter engine and a five-speed manual transmission.
What is the origin of the Toyota Supra?
The company launched the Supra 40 years back in the year 1978 and it charted its own history throughout these years. The Supra was conceived by the Japanese carmaker with the objective to face competition in the Grant Tourer markets across USA and Japan. The vehicle takes its cues from the Toyota Celica.
Is the new Supra just a BMW Z4?
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).
