Does it matter that it’s not 100 percent Toyota? And does it matter that it’s related to a futuristic concept car and not the past?
Akio Toyoda mystified journalists in January at the 2019 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Mich.
Not once during his presentation and unveiling of the 2020 Supra did the Toyota president mention BMW’s role in the car’s creation. He had no earthly reason not to.
For the unaware (certainly not most sports car fans), the two automakers collaborated on the engineering of the Supra’s platform, which also supports the equally new 2020 BMW Z4. Apparently, the genesis for the collaboration, other than sharing development costs, was Toyota’s desire to stick with an inline six-cylinder engine, a Supra hallmark ever since the first such model arrived for the 1979 model year. It just so happens that BMW specializes in such engines. Amatch was seemingly made in heaven, or at least in the BMW and Toyota boardrooms.
Magna Steyr AG of Graz, Austria, builds both the Supra hatchback coupe and Z4 roadster. The facility, which specializes in contract manufacturing, also builds the Mercedes-Benz-G-class off-roader, the BMW5-series sedan and Jaguar E-Pace and I-Pace models.
Physically, the fifth-generation Supra, now a stablemate to the Toyota 86 sport coupe, shares nothing with its predecessors. There’s no hint of anything retro, even if that’s what enthusiasts were hoping for.
The design has also been tamed-down from the FT-1 concept teaser that has wowed the auto-show crowds since2014. Still, the FT-1’s pointy nose and large air in takes have mostly carried over to the Supra, while the rear-end shape appears far less extreme.
From certain angles, the Supra looks slightly awkward and over wrought, but, for the most part, the two-seater’s design elements convey a sense of athleticism, sportiness and a unique flavor. It just looks special.
Toyota must have been satisfied with BMW’s shaping of the Z4’s interior since many key elements appear in the Supra. But, while the Z’s switches and touchscreen are angled toward the driver, the Supra’s controls are neutrally positioned. And for those who care, the Supra’s cupholders are more accessible than the Z4’s.
Toyota made no alterations to the BMW 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine used for the Supra. It produces 335 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque and is linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. Toyota claims the combination can propel the Supra to 60 mph from rest in 4.1 seconds, which is quick given the modest power of this 3,400-pound car. One might expect 400-plus horsepower to get close to four seconds.
Fuel economy is pegged at 24 mpg in the city, 31 on the highway and 26 combined.
The absence of amanual gear box might seem sacrilege to some, but the rumor is that one will be hitched to a turbo fourcylinder base engine that could become available in a year or two.
An available Sport mode alters the throttle, transmission, steering, exhaust and dampers (shocks) tomore aggressive settings.
The Supra’s base price is $50,950, including destination fees, which gets you a 14-way poweradjustable driver’s seat, carbon-fiber interior trim, 10-speaker sound system, self-leveling LED head lights, and 19- inch Michelin Pilot Super Sport summer tires mounted to forged-aluminum wheels.
For $4,000 more, the Premium trim level adds heated and leather-trimmed seats, 8.8-inch touch-screen with navigation, 12-speaker JBL-brand sound system, wireless cell-phone charging tray and a head-up display that projects speed and other vitals onto the windshield.
Available for only the first 1,500 purchasers is the Supra Launch Edition. For $56,200, buyers get matte-black 19-inch wheels and outside mirrors, red leathertrimmed seats, and a numbered Launch Edition badge signed by Akio Toyoda.
Surprisingly— given Toyota’s penchant for installing the latest safety tech in most of its vehicles— active cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert cost extra (emergency braking and lane-departure warning are standard).
With Toyota and BMW’ s respective sports machines sharing the basic bone sand mechanical content, buyers will ultimately have the choice of a coupe or a roadster.
It’ s obvious which one A ki o Toyoda’ s favors.