Toyota + BMW = Supra

What do you get when you cross Japanese automotive manufacturer with a German one? A hybrid powertrain and chassis that make a pretty intimidating sportscar, that’s what.

According to Toyota, this new crossover model is inspired by the Toyota FT-1 supercar and it will be sharing a chassis and hybrid powertrain with the upcoming BMW Z4.

There’s so much ‘newness’ about this car that it’s hard to pick just one element to focus on and why should we have to when we’re so spoilt for choice?

It’s been rumoured for a long time that Toyota and BMW were collaborating on a project, but it’s only now that the Supra name has been given to the new sportscar.

Toyota factories around the world have combined to produce this new model, including those in Europe and the US.

It’s pretty exciting that the Toyota FT-1 coupe is the basis for the car, as it was first shown off to a lot of hype way back in 2014.

Although the new Toyota Supra will be taking advantage of the engine iteration and the chassis from the minds that created the Z4, it’s actually going to be much bigger than the new version of the BMW.

Add to this the fact that there will be an extended version of the new model and this sees the Supra sitting around the size of the Toyota GT86.

It’s a BMW petrol engine that will drive the Supra’s rear wheels, while Toyota’s hybrid electric motors power the front of the car.

Expect the model to be worthy of Le Mans credentials, as electric power will be delivered from regenerative braking, which will be stored in a lithium ion battery.

For those who are keen on their green credentials, the Toyota Supra and new BMW Z4 version will both have plug-in options – woohoo!

The gearbox in both units gets an upgrade too, as the Supra and new Z4 will feature Toyota’s first-ever dual-clutch transmission, instead of the clunky CVT gearboxes that have had a tendency to haunt both Toyota and Lexus units.

It seems that the Toyota Supra will debut ahead of the new BMW Z4, but you shouldn’t expect to see either of them on the road before 2017… something to look forward to, car fans!

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