In automotive engineering, you often see carmakers working together. But some partnerships are eyebrow-raising and buzz-inducing like few others. One such partnership is the joint venture of Toyota and BMW, two automotive titans from either side of the pond, whose design philosophies are worlds apart. And so this partnership was born, and it led to the modern Toyota GR Supra, a car that has a Japanese badge but a German heart under the hood.
The BMW-powered Toyota GR Supra
The Toyota model with the BMW engine is the fifth-generation Toyota Supra, known as the GR Supra. First introduced in 2019, the GR Supra was the return of a legendary nameplate after almost two decades of absence, but with a twist: Toyota worked together with BMW on the car, and much of its underpinnings are shared with the BMW Z4.
Central to this joint architecture is the BMW-sourced B58 engine, a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six that has won praise throughout the automotive industry for its power delivery, smoothness, and tuning potential.
BMW B58 Engine Overview Behind the Tech
The Toyota GR Supra engine B58 is a marvel of modern engineering. It takes over for BMW’s previous N55 series and features direct injection twin scroll turbocharging, variable valve timing, and an aluminum block. This inline six layout is similar to the 2JZ motor that powered the famed fourth-gen Supra, which goes some way to explain Toyota’s choice to apply it to their nameplate resurrection.
- Displacement: 3.0 liters
- Horsepower and torque: 382 hp and 368 lb-ft
- 0-60 mph: Around 3.9 seconds
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic from ZF
The B58 is more than a brand punchline; the engine is revered for its performance, tunability, and reliability, making it a popular choice for enthusiasts who value performance and aftermarket flexibility. This is not just an easy swap for convenience; this is a power plant fit to carry on the Supra lineage.
Beyond the Engine: A BMW Heart Housed in a Toyota Body
But the BMW influence on the Supra runs deeper than just the engine. The chassis, the infotainment system, the transmission and suspension bits, and even much of the interior derive from BMW’s design language. Essentially, the GR Supra is co-developed with the BMW Z4 at the Magna Steyr plant in Graz, Austria.
While purists certainly may raise their eyebrows at this, the reasoning makes sense. Making a low-volume sports car from scratch is prohibitively so Toyota was able to resurrect the Supra in a low-cost high performance way by using BMW.
Toyota’s Development and Engineering Contribution
While the Supra has plenty in common with the BMW Z4, it is also worth remembering that the GR Supra was adjusted for Toyota’s Gazoo Racing team. Toyota engineers tweaked the suspension, steering feel, and driving characteristics to distinguish the Supra from its Bavarian twin. This results in the Supra being the sharper, more track-focused option, while the Z4 is more about refined cruising.
Why Did Toyota Go With a BMW Engine?
There were several reasons Toyota used a BMW engine:
- Performance Goals: Toyota wanted to honor the Supra heritage with a turbocharged inline six.
- Cost Sharing: The Financial Implications of Developing This Project With BMW
- Time to Market: It took less time to bring the new Supra to market via partnering than developing a whole new sports car internally.
- Well-Proven Platform: The BMW CLAR platform and B58 engine have already been tested in performance and reliability.
Conclusion
The Toyota GR Supra is a fascinating example of worldwide teamwork in the automotive industry. Although it wears the Toyota badge and Supra name, the performance heart and most of the body is BMW’s. Tuning German engineering, an ode to yesteryear with a focus on tomorrow.
If you were wondering which Toyota has a BMW, the answer is the Toyota GR Supra, a car with a joint pedigree that is as good as it sounds, an actual low-slung high-performance car that marries the best of both brands into one.
