It is safe to say that the new Supra will look very different from the Z4 despite sharing some of its hardware.
On June 29, 2012, BMW announced that they would collaborate to create a sportscar program. Other tie-ups include the development of a fuel cells system, powertrain electrification and R&D on lightweight technologies.
The sports car was completed by engineers from both automakers. Masayuki Kai (CNET), Toyota Supra’s chief engineering, said that the last time his team spoke to BMW was in 2014.
“We reached an agreement on packaging. This included where the driver’s hip is, how wide the wheelbase and width. It was in the middle of 2014. After that, we separated our teams. There was no communication between the teams after that.
Keep in mind, however, that BMW stated in October 2017 that the Z4 would be “absolutely distinctive” when compared to Supra. Not just in design but also in handling and how it feels.
Kai cannot even tell you how many parts the Z4 and Supra share, despite the fact that they are both the same platform. Toyota’s highly anticipated return to the coupe will feature a BMW-sourced engine as well as a Bavaria gearbox, but both have been modified to “get exactly what Toyota wants.”
Toyota has teamed up with Subaru to produce the 86 / BRZ twins, and BMW for the Supra / Z4 pair. Now Toyota is open for discussion about forming a new alliance that would bring the MR2 back or Celica. The GR Super Sport concept will be the flagship of Toyota’s sports car lineup. It boasts nearly 1,000 hybrid horses.