The roar of the engine, the responsive acceleration, and the sheer thrill of driving – these are the hallmarks of a true sports car. After experiencing the 2020 Toyota GR Supra firsthand, both on scenic Virginia roads and the demanding Summit Point Motorsports Park, it’s clear that Toyota has crafted an exceptional machine. Many discussions surrounding the Supra inevitably touch upon its collaborative development, with some quick to point out its shared lineage with BMW. However, delving deeper into the story reveals a significant and often understated aspect: the Supra Engine and Toyota’s unwavering dedication to its performance and reliability.
During a conversation with Tetsuya Tada, the Chief Engineer behind both the GT86 and the new Supra, the extent of Toyota’s influence became strikingly apparent. Far from simply adopting a BMW platform, Toyota played a crucial role in shaping the A90 Supra, particularly concerning the powertrain. Understanding this collaboration is key to appreciating the true nature of the Supra engine and its integral role in this iconic sports car’s revival.
The development journey of the A90 Supra spanned seven years, a testament to Toyota’s commitment to getting it right. An entirely in-house sports car project would have stretched even longer, potentially a decade, with prohibitive costs, especially given Toyota’s then lack of a readily available inline-6 engine. BMW’s interest in co-development presented a viable path forward. Tada-san’s visit to Germany and subsequent discussions confirmed the potential for a fruitful partnership, allowing Toyota to realize its vision for a new Supra, powered by a robust Supra engine.
Toyota’s Vision: A Pure Sports Car with an Inline-6 Supra Engine
From the outset, Toyota’s mission was clear: to create a pure, front-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports car, powered by a potent inline-6 Supra engine. Their benchmark was ambitious – to outperform the Porsche Cayman S in both price and performance. BMW, while sharing the platform development, pursued a different target, aiming for a roadster to rival the Porsche Boxster S. This divergence in objectives ensured that while sharing foundational elements, the Supra and Z4 would cater to distinct driving experiences and preferences.
The collaborative clean-sheet study between Toyota and BMW laid the groundwork for the chassis, resulting in the Supra’s distinctive short wheelbase and wide track. BMW’s expertise in suspension design contributed the double-pivot McPherson front strut and multi-link rear suspension systems, renowned for their handling prowess. However, the heart of the Supra, its engine, received significant attention and validation from Toyota.
The BMW B58: Validated and Enhanced as the Supra Engine
The choice of the BMW B58 3-liter inline-6 engine as the Supra engine was not simply an adoption but a rigorous evaluation and validation process by Toyota. The B58, already a robust engine, underwent further enhancements for durability and reliability under Toyota’s scrutiny. Features like the closed deck design and mechanical water pump, incorporated into the B58, directly addressed durability concerns. Toyota’s engineers meticulously examined every aspect of the engine, ensuring it met their stringent standards. Unofficial sources even suggest Toyota tested the B58 to handle up to 700 horsepower, hinting at the engine’s inherent strength and the future potential for higher-performance Supra variants and aftermarket tuning.
In conclusion, while the Toyota GR Supra is a product of collaboration, the focus on the Supra engine reveals Toyota’s deep involvement and commitment to delivering a true sports car experience. The validated and robust BMW B58 inline-6, refined and tested by Toyota, sits at the heart of the A90 Supra, offering a compelling blend of performance, reliability, and tuning potential worthy of the Supra name.
