Why is the 2020 Supra a BMW?
The 2020 Toyota Supra marked the return of an iconic sports car, but its revival came with a twist that left many enthusiasts scratching their heads. While it proudly wears the Toyota badge, the Supra shares much of its DNA with BMW. This collaboration between two automotive giants has sparked debates, but it also highlights the evolving nature of the car industry. Let’s dive into why the 2020 Supra is often referred to as a BMW and what this partnership means for car enthusiasts.
The Toyota-BMW Collaboration
The story of the 2020 Supra begins with a partnership between Toyota and BMW. In the early 2010s, both companies sought to develop a new sports car platform while sharing costs and expertise. Toyota wanted to revive the Supra, while BMW aimed to create the next-generation Z4. This collaboration allowed both automakers to pool resources and reduce development expenses, resulting in two distinct cars built on the same foundation.
Shared Platform and Components
The 2020 Supra and the BMW Z4 share a significant number of components, which is why the Supra is often referred to as a BMW. Here are some of the key shared elements:
- Engine: The Supra is powered by BMW’s 3.0-liter inline-six turbocharged engine, known for its smooth power delivery and performance.
- Chassis: Both cars are built on the same platform, ensuring similar handling dynamics and structural integrity.
- Interior Features: The Supra’s interior includes BMW-sourced components, such as the infotainment system, switchgear, and even the gear selector.
While Toyota tuned the Supra to have its own unique driving characteristics, the shared components are unmistakable.
Why Did Toyota Partner with BMW?
Many fans of the original Supra questioned why Toyota didn’t develop the car entirely in-house. The answer lies in practicality and economics:
- Cost Efficiency: Developing a high-performance sports car from scratch is expensive. By partnering with BMW, Toyota significantly reduced development costs.
- Access to Expertise: BMW has a long history of producing exceptional inline-six engines and sports cars. Toyota leveraged this expertise to create a competitive product.
- Market Realities: The sports car market is relatively small, making it challenging to justify the investment for a standalone model.
What Makes the Supra Unique?
Despite its BMW underpinnings, Toyota worked hard to ensure the Supra has its own identity. Engineers fine-tuned the suspension, steering, and overall driving dynamics to deliver a distinct experience. The result is a car that feels different from the BMW Z4, with a focus on precision and agility that aligns with Toyota’s vision for the Supra.
Conclusion
The 2020 Toyota Supra’s connection to BMW is a testament to the collaborative nature of the modern automotive industry. While purists may lament the lack of a fully Toyota-developed Supra, the partnership allowed for the creation of a car that combines the best of both worlds: BMW’s engineering prowess and Toyota’s commitment to performance and reliability. Whether you see it as a BMW in disguise or a worthy successor to the Supra legacy, there’s no denying that this sports car has made a bold statement in the automotive world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Toyota collab with BMW?
Toyota approached BMW because they had a strong host of turbocharged inline-6 engines and for Toyota to try to develop a straight 6 from the ground up to meet all the various standards and regulations today, it would have cost so much that it would kill the project.
Is the BMW Z4 the same as the Supra?
Despite their drastically different looks, the Supra and Z4 share the same chassis, engine, and transmission. Most of their suspension and steering components are the same, too, but both Toyota and BMW tuned each car to their liking.
Why is the Toyota Supra 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.
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.
Did BMW make the 2020 Supra?
The Toyota GR Supra (model code J29/DB or A90/A91 for marketing purposes) is a sports car produced by Toyota since 2019. The fifth-generation Supra, the GR Supra was sold under and developed by Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) brand in collaboration with BMW.
What is the BMW equivalent to the Toyota 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.
Who builds the Toyota Supra?
Magna Steyr
The 5th generation of the Supra is assembled alongside the G29 BMW Z4 in Graz, Austria by Magna Steyr. The Supra traces much of its roots back to the 2000GT owing to an inline-6 layout.
What does BMW stand for?
Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftBayerische Motoren Werke AG / Full name
What does BMW mean? It's a German acronym for Bayerische Motoren Werke, which translates to Bavarian Motor Works in English. To learn more about this legendary luxury brand, read on below.
Do Toyotas use 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 engine is used in Toyota?
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.
