17 had been quiet for years around the Toyota Supra. Now the Japanese put the sports car classic back on - with Schützenhilfe of BMW.
You should eat sushi rolls directly because of the raw fish, other Japanese delicacies need quite a bit of maturity. The new Toyota Supra for example: 2002 has stopped the car maker the sports car classic, since then hopes the fanbase on a rebirth. Especially since Toyota 2014 made the first Supra study at the Auto Show in Detroit fancy the successor. Only five years later, back in Detroit, the Japanese finally reveal the production version. The new Supra, which was born with BMW, is the first Toyota model under the new sports brand name GR (for Gazoo Racing). The fact that Toyota is being added between GR and Supra is due to the trademark rights: Supra alone is protected in Europe and must not be used.
Toyota has already given a foretaste at the Goodwood Festival of Speed last summer with a supra-only Supra. But the details of the 4,38 meter-long athlete are only now visible: The wide headlights, each with six LED lenses look sharp forward, the eye-catching air intakes at the front, the (indicated) louvers on the long bonnet, the double-bubble Roof, powerful side skirts, the issued wheel arches and the crisp eye-catcher rear with numerous edges, rump spoiler and two arm-thick tailpipes. Anyone who digs a bit in history, recognizes numerous bonds of earlier Supra generations, even the legendary Toyota sportsman 2000GT have taken the designer as a role model.
The Japanese have managed to deny the relationship to the BMW Z4 well. 2012 have decided to Toyota and BMW to make common cause and rumors, who will be responsible for what in the development, there were many. In the meantime it is clear: The technology comes for the most part from Bavaria. Z4 and Supra use BMW's rear-wheel drive platform CLAR, on the new 3er to 8er, from X3 to X7 build numerous models of Munich. The drive comes from the German premium manufacturer: The Supra starts with the 3,0-liter straight-six, which marks the top version in the Z4 under the name M40i. Here as well as the turbocharged engine develops 250 kW / 340 PS and 500 Newton meters torque, also the consumption is identical to 7,1 liters. But in the standard sprint, the Supra depends on the Z4: After 4,3 seconds shows the Toyota speedometer 100, the BMW needs three-tenths longer.
The reason is better aerodynamics, differently designed suspension and a few kilograms less on the ribs. Because while the Z4 exclusively drives up as a roadster, there is the empty 1,5 heavy heavy Supra only as a closed coupe, which is somewhat easier because of the unnecessary in contrast to the convertible body reinforcements. The power transmission takes on both sides of an eight-speed automatic from ZF, also also provides an active differential on the rear axle for optimal torque distribution between the two driven 19 inch wheels. This should guarantee more stability in the border area. In general, the Japanese put a lot of emphasis on agility and perfect handling during the fine-tuning: The chassis with adaptive dampers has been specially adapted to the BMW compared to the BMW slightly wider track. In order to maintain the 50: 50 weight distribution despite changing the body, a boot lid made of carbon is used.
How much luggage goes into the trunk, Toyota does not reveal: While BMW in the Roadster speaks of 281 liters, one hears in the Japanese only that the Supra actually has no real trunk. Because: Behind the two surprisingly comfortable sports seats is no wall, but you can go through to the luggage compartment. The fact is that four wheels or a golf bag fit into the Supra.
The interior itself is strongly reminiscent of the BMW Z4. Although Toyota has adapted the design of the digital 8,8-inch instruments, revised the air intakes and incorporated a different climate control. But steering wheel buttons, the BMW-typical automatic selector lever, the patch, also 8,8 inches large infotainment screen and not least the iDrive Bedienknubbel testify to the Munich influence. Amazing: Thanks to the bulges in the roof and almost two-meter-tall drivers sit pretty well in the Supra and the entry and exit is easier than expected.
At BMW level, the price is: 62.900 Euro calls Toyota for the summer available Supra on, only 850 Euro less than the Munich for the equally strong roadster want to have. Always on board are Abstandstempomat, digital instruments, LED lights, infotainment system and a comprehensive safety equipment with cross traffic warnings and parking sensors with brake function. For 2.000 Euro extra, there is a premium package with black leather appointments, head-up display and inductive smartphone charging function. Who more than 60.000 Euro are too much for the athlete who has to be patient: Similar to the BMW engine range smaller units are also conceivable for the Supra. The Munich still offer the Z4 with a two-liter four-cylinder with 145 kW / 197 PS and 190 kW / 258 PS; the cheapest roadster is 46.450 Euro.
Michael Gebhardt / SP-X