Why does the new Supra have a BMW engine?
Toyota’s GR Supra uses BMW’s turbocharged inline-six, a result of a long-running collaboration that shared development costs and helped bring a high-performance sports car to market more quickly.
Background of the partnership
The Supra’s development is rooted in a joint effort between Toyota and BMW that began in the early 2010s. The two brands agreed to co-develop a pair of two-seat sports cars—the Toyota GR Supra and the BMW Z4—sharing a platform and key components to cut costs and shorten the time to market. Under this arrangement, BMW supplied the powertrain expertise, while Toyota contributed tuning, steering, suspension, and interior design elements to give the car its distinct character.
Engine and performance
At the heart of the GR Supra is BMW’s B58 turbocharged inline-six engine, a modern, efficient, and high-torque powerplant. In most markets, including the United States, the engine is tuned by Toyota to deliver about 335 horsepower and 365 lb-ft of torque, enabling 0-60 mph in roughly 4.1 seconds with the eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine is shared with the BMW Z4 M40i, though Toyota adjusts the exhaust note, throttle response, and chassis calibration to emphasize Supra’s driving identity.
Key reasons for the engine choice
Before laying out the main factors, it is helpful to know why Toyota leaned on BMW’s powertrain as the backbone of the GR Supra.
- Shared platform and engineering: The GR Supra and BMW Z4 ride on the same architecture, which reduces development costs and accelerates time to market.
- Proven turbo inline-six: The BMW B58 provides a refined blend of power, torque, and smoothness that suits a modern performance coupe.
- Alignment with performance targets: The engine’s output matches Toyota’s goal for a high-revving, capable driver’s car with strong everyday drivability.
- Global supply and parts network: Using a well-established BMW powertrain helps ensure reliable supply across markets where both cars are sold.
- Toyota’s driving character tuning: Toyota engineers shape throttle response, exhaust character, suspension feel, and interior ergonomics to deliver the Supra’s signature experience.
In short, the collaboration leverages BMW’s powertrain prowess while letting Toyota craft the driving character that defines the Supra for enthusiasts around the world.
Impact on ownership and market reception
The engine partnership has shaped perceptions of the GR Supra. Some buyers prize the engine’s refinement and the car’s punchy performance, while others hoped Toyota would pursue a standalone, Toyota-developed powertrain. Toyota has consistently framed the Supra as a joint product that blends BMW’s technical strengths with Toyota’s chassis tuning and design philosophy, emphasizing driving dynamics and everyday usability.
Summary
The new Supra uses a BMW-supplied engine because Toyota and BMW collaborated to share the platform and powertrain, reducing development costs and enabling quicker time to market for a high-performance sports car. The B58 inline-six provides strong power and torque, while Toyota’s tuning shapes the Supra’s character and behavior behind the wheel. This partnership remains a defining element of the model in markets worldwide.
