Is the New Toyota Supra Essentially Just a BMW Under the Hood?

The latest iteration of the Toyota Supra, the A90 generation introduced in 2019, shares a significant number of its engineering and components with the BMW Z4. This collaboration between Toyota and BMW became official in 2012, marking the beginning of a joint venture aimed at sharing development costs and resources. However, while they share many common components, the Supra is uniquely tuned by Toyota to offer a distinct driving experience, setting it apart from its BMW sibling.

The BMW/Toyota Partnership and Engine Source

Established in 2012, the partnership led to the production of the inline-six engine, which began in 2015. This engine, notably the B58, powers the A90 Supra and is renowned for its performance and smoothness. Despite sharing components, it's important to note that BMW does not manufacture every part of the car. A variety of third-party suppliers contribute to the car's components, including

Drxlmaier Group: Supplier of interior panels Peiker Acustic GmbH: Provider of high-speed mobile Internet for cars Thyssenkrupp: Supplies steering columns, shock absorbers, and suspension parts BorgWarner: Provider of drivetrain components such as clutches and automatic transmissions Elringklinger: Maker of gaskets and exhaust system components Mahle: Supplies piston and cylinder components, valve train systems, and air and liquid management systems Bridgestone: Supplier of tires GKN Driveline: Provides axle assemblies Johnson Electric: Supplies cooling and heating fan modules Gestamp: Providers of front and rear hood assemblies Apag Elektronik AG: Interior lighting components Delphi: Battery and electric vehicle charger components Hirschvogel: Wheels Magna: Body casting stampings Harman/Kardon: Interior music and audio systems

The 2023 Toyota Supra comes in both manual and automatic models, with Magna Steyr responsible for complete vehicle assembly for the Supra.

Key Points of Similarity

The Supra is built on the same platform as the BMW Z4, sharing a similar chassis, suspension, and drivetrain elements. The engine is a standout feature, with the base model Supra equipped with a BMW-sourced inline-four engine, while the base Supra model features the B58 inline-six engine sourced from BMW.

Interior and Technology

The interior design and infotainment system of the Supra are heavily influenced by BMW, incorporating features and layouts similar to those found in BMW vehicles. This seamless integration continues to the point where much of the technology and aesthetic design are branded as BMW products, even if the parts are sourced from other suppliers.

Distinct Features

While sharing many components, the Supra is uniquely tuned by Toyota to deliver a driving experience that aligns with Toyota's sports car philosophy. This tuning ensures that the Supra remains true to its heritage as a performance-oriented sports car. Stylistically, the Supra has a unique exterior design that differentiates it from the Z4, appealing to fans of the iconic Supra lineage.

Brand Identity and Tuning

Toyota aims to maintain the Supra's heritage as a performance-oriented sports car. This is distinct from BMW's positioning of the Z4 as a luxury roadster. Toyota has taken care to ensure that the Supra retains its driving characteristics while offering a unique driving experience that reflects its own brand identity.

Conclusion

While the new Toyota Supra and BMW Z4 share a platform and many components, Toyota has customized the Supra with its own engineering finesse to ensure a distinct driving experience. For those looking for a sports car that has the performance of a BMW but with its own brand identity, the Supra is a compelling choice. Whether it's the tuning, styling, or performance, the Supra stands out as a unique offering in the world of performance sports cars.