Why does the Toyota Supra have a BMW engine?
In short, the Supra uses a BMW-supplied engine because Toyota and BMW partnered to co-develop the car, leveraging BMW’s engine technology and platform so Toyota could deliver a competitive sports coupe quickly and cost-effectively. The engine is a turbocharged inline-six from BMW’s B58 family, tuned by Toyota for the Supra, with both brands sharing development and manufacturing responsibilities.
A collaboration born of mutual need and ambition
The story behind the Supra’s powerplant begins with a formal collaboration between Toyota and BMW that was announced in the early 2010s. The two companies aimed to pool resources to deliver a modern, capable sports car without bearing the full burden of in‑house development. The result was a joint platform—the same underlying architecture also used by the BMW Z4—and a coordinated exchange of components, including engines. Production of the joint project has involved Magna Steyr in Austria, where the two models are assembled alongside each other, reflecting a shared production ecosystem rather than two isolated programs.
Key elements of the collaboration
- Shared platform architecture derived from the BMW Z4 chassis
- BMW-supplied powertrains, including turbocharged inline engines
- Toyota-driven tuning, electronics integration, and branding to preserve the Supra’s character
- Joint manufacturing and supplier arrangements, with Magna Steyr handling assembly for the Supra and related models
Together, these choices created a product that blends Toyota’s drive-for-reliability and driver focus with BMW’s engine and chassis expertise. The result is a sports coupe that aims to stand up to rivals in its class while leveraging the strengths of both brands.
The engine story
The centerpiece of the Supra’s propulsion is a BMW-sourced powertrain that encapsulates the partnership’s goals: performance, refinement, and efficiency achieved through shared technology. Toyota integrates its own calibration, controls, and driving dynamics to deliver a distinct Supra experience, even as the engine block and turbocharging come from BMW.
What engines power the Supra
Here are the core engine options associated with the Supra and how they arrive under the hood:
- 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six from BMW’s B58 family, used in the higher-performance Supra models
- 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four from BMW’s B48 family, used in the entry-level Supra
- Toyota handles the integration of controls, drivetrain tuning, and vehicle dynamics to ensure the Supra’s distinctive driving feel
- Engines are built and supplied through the BMW ecosystem, with final assembly and integration in the Supra’s production line (notably at Magna Steyr in Austria)
Output figures vary by market and model year, but the general pattern is a turbocharged, high‑tech engine lineup that delivers strong mid‑range torque and a responsive feel, paired with a transmission choice that includes an automatic and, in some configurations, a manual option. This arrangement lets Toyota offer a modern, performance-focused sports car without building an all-new engine from scratch.
What this means for buyers
For prospective buyers, the joint engine strategy translates into several practical implications, from performance potential to ownership considerations. Below is a snapshot of what the BMW‑supplied powerplants bring to the table and how Toyota tailors them for the Supra’s character.
Pros and considerations for buyers
- Proven turbocharged performance from BMW’s modern inline engines
- Refined power delivery and strong mid-range torque, tuned to Toyota’s driving dynamics philosophy
- Multiple transmission options, including an automatic and, in certain markets, a manual variant
- Global supply and production alignment with BMW’s engineering, which supports parts availability and service across markets
In practice, the collaboration has enabled Toyota to bring a credible, well-rounded sports car to market more quickly and with a known powertrain lineage, while BMW benefits from access to Toyota’s engineering scale and brand reach. The result is a product that satisfies enthusiasts who value both refinement and driving involvement.
Summary
The Toyota Supra’s BMW engine is a direct consequence of a strategic alliance between two automakers built to deliver a high-performance, modern sports car without bearing the full cost of independent development. BMW provided the turbocharged inline engines and related engineering, while Toyota contributed tuning, electronics integration, and branding to craft the Supra’s distinctive driving experience. The collaboration extends to production and supply arrangements, with Magna Steyr handling assembly in Austria and a shared commitment to delivering a compelling, globally available sports car.
Why does Supra interior look like BMW?
All that BMW tech Part of what makes the Supra so usable and modern is all the BMW tech. It's hard to escape it. The whole interior is pretty much lifted from a BMW from the iDrive controller to the display screen, even the steering wheel and gear shifter is straight from a BMW.
Does a Supra have the same engine as a BMW?
The answer to this question would leave the same JDM tuner community who had once cried tears of joy at the GR Supra announcement to be left in shock. It was true, BMW, the German luxury brand, would be providing the engine for the GR Supra as part of a collaborative effort with Toyota.
Does a Toyota have a BMW engine?
So that is a straight 6 3 L engine that's turbocharged. And outputs 285 kW of power and 500 new m of torque. Propelling this car to 100 km/h. In just 4.1.
Will the 2026 Supra have a BMW engine?
Yes, the current 2026 Toyota Supra uses a BMW-sourced turbocharged 3.0L inline-six engine, known as the B58. However, a new generation of the Supra is expected for 2027 or later and will feature a 100% Toyota-developed hybrid powertrain, marking the end of the partnership with BMW for the Supra's engine and platform.
This video shows the engine of the Toyota GR Supra Final Edition: 1mZygreneYouTube · Nov 16, 2025
2026 Toyota Supra
- Engine: It uses a BMW B58 3.0L turbocharged inline-six engine.
- Power: The engine produces 382 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque.
- Transmission: It is paired with either a BMW-sourced 6-speed manual or an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission.
- Collaboration: This generation was developed in collaboration with BMW, and both the Supra and the BMW Z4 share a platform and engine.
This video shows the engine of the 2026 Toyota GR Supra Final Edition: 58ssavagegeeseYouTube · Sep 22, 2025
Next-generation (2027 and beyond)
- Engine: The partnership with BMW is ending, and the next-generation Supra will feature a 100% Toyota-developed hybrid powertrain.
- Platform: It will use a completely new, Toyota-developed rear-wheel-drive platform.
- Power: The new hybrid powertrain is expected to have around 400 horsepower.
