New Supra captured
New Supra spotted on test Rear-drive model due in 2018
Dramatic spy shots show Toyota on test for the first time
THE rumour mill has been stirring for years, but it looks like Toyota’s all-new Supra sports car has finally hit the road. We’ve spied the highly-anticipated coupé undergoing development testing for the first time ahead of its launch in late 2018.
The original Supra was a major hit with enthusiasts but production ended in 2002, so the car’s return is big news. In 2012 we found out that Toyota and BMW were going to jointly develop a new sports car that would become the new Supra and Z4 respectively; then only a few months ago Toyota made fresh trademark applications in Europe and the US for the Supra name.
Toyota made clear that it was serious about developing a new Supra when it launched the FT-1 concept (opposite) at the Detroit Motor Show in 2014. At the time, it was believed that the coupé’s look would be inspired by the FT-1, but these new spy shots show a more conservative design.
The car has a short front overhang and a long bonnet, while a sculpted rear end is also evident. This test mule is clearly a coupé, and Auto Express understands that the Supra will only be offered in this body style, while BMW’S sports car will have a retractable fabric roof. A replacement for the Z4 coupé is understood to be a non-starter, because the deal brokered between BMW and Toyota means the Japanese firm has exclusivity over the hard-top body style.
Aside from the roof, there are several other key differences between the Toyota and BMW test mules that we’ve seen. The Supra appears to have a shorter bonnet, slightly longer wheelbase and wider set headlamps, while the flanks also appear to be much more defined.
The new models will take advantage of shared technology, but the Supra is likely be the bigger car of the two. That will allow Toyota to position it above the GT86 in its range and offer much more in terms of performance.
Rumours suggest that the Supra will use BMW straight-six power, but given Toyota’s expertise in hybrid technology, a petrolelectric version can’t be ruled out. It’s even possible that the car’s drive system could tie in with Toyota’s Le Mans 24 Hours sportscars, with electric motors on the front and rear axles, and the internal combustion engine only driving the rear wheels.
By designing the motors in house, and taking advantage of BMW’S carbon-fibre reinforced plastic tech, Toyota is thought to be targeting a kerbweight of less than 1,400kg. However, the BMW is expected to be lighter still. Both models are set to debut only a few months apart, with the Z4 replacement going on sale in mid-2018, and the Toyota following at the end of the year.
“A long bonnet and short rear overhang mean the Supra looks like a traditional coupé”