If the image Toyota released earlier today teasing the Supra got you all worked up, the might deflate the enthusiasm a bit. We hope that there’s no truth in this, and you probably would wish the same.
US site Autoblog shared what they found on Bimmerpost forums, where someone with the “ynguldyn” username shared details on the upcoming Toyota Supra. Apparently, ynguldyn is no regular keyboard warrior, and has a five-year history of posting scoops on the forum – he’s possibly a BMW insider.
The mystery forummer says the Supra, which is co-developed with BMW’s next-generation Z4, “will be Toyota in name and body design only” and that the two-door coupe (the Z4 will be convertible-only) will use the “same options, same colors, same interior materials” as the BMW.
There are spyshots of the familiar Supra test mule sporting a BMW-style dashboard – replete with Munich’s regular gear stick and iDrive system – which supports that theory. That however, might not be final, and we’ll discover more when the “modern racing concept” is unveiled in Geneva next month.
As for the engines under that long hood, the Bimmerpost discussion thread says that the Supra will get three engines – two four-pots and one six-cylinder unit, with the US market getting one of each. Apparently, the Supra will top out at 335 hp, while the BMW Z4 will get a 380 hp inline-six along with an M40i badge. This is in contrast to what Autocar previously reported – one inline-six in four states of tune.
There’s more. An eight-speed torque converter automatic, no manual, and market positioning below that of the Z4, which will debut this year. “The barebones 30i (US-spec four-cylinder) will have manual seat adjustments and no nav system,” ynguldyn says.
We repeat the question from this morning – would you want an auto-only Gazoo Supra that’s nothing more than a BMW Z4 with a tin top?
All rumours without basis and pure rubbish, you say. We hope so, too. Toyota has gone on record to call the Supra a “legend” and its “most iconic sports car,” so the revered nameplate deserves respect and proper treatment. A reskinned supporting act to a BMW convertible is not. We’ll see.
GALLERY: Toyota Supra spyshots
GALLERY: Toyota Supra, 1978 to 2002
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Which probably means it won’t be as reliable as your typical Toyota. But since Supra’s i6 is detuned, maybe it might be more reliable than the higher tuned 40i Z4 after all.
Honda did not wait to borrow. Equipped NSX with new techs and stronger than before. GTR has to keep up with electric soon. While the legendary Supra has to stay in car museum.
The new NSX took ages before being launched. Testing, drawing board, autoshows, etc… I guess the Supra might be doing the same….
New NSX came after aborting HSV. If Supra follows, this car may not come out of prototype.
Oh why do I even care. I can’t afford it under this taxation rule.
Meanwhile Mitsubishi is still hibernating in cave….not a sign of new GTO / 3000GT…
Mazda too, with it’s RX-7/8…
RX-7 definitely…RX-8 status is not as legendary as the RX-7.
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Legend status can only be achieved by those models which made an impact when first revealed to the public. And certainly those early 1990s Japanese sportscars..
Mitsubishi has long abandoned the sportscar/coupe segment many years ago. And with no clear sign of new sedan or even hatch models, Mitsu looks like going in the direction of becoming purely an SUV manufacturer as the popular trend now is mostly about lumbering towering SUVs.Pity.
Yeah this was pretty much confirmed in the last episode of The Grand Tour
This is like toufu delivery in Mount Akina is done with a Ford Focus by Jeremy Clarkson. WTF.
Anyhow, still cheaper to get Toyota Supra with same engine, interior and etc compared to BMW Z4 with pricier parts and poor after sales service.
Interesting. Do elaborate how one twin has superior genes than his other half?
If one of the twins is cheaper to get, then it makes more sense to have it than the other twin. Do i sound ridiculos? Well, that’s cos your analogy is quite out of place, to begin with.
This is bullcr*p on the part of toyota!
Talked the hype up about supra being a legend and all and then threw stinky water to the fire with this sh*t!