Six-Cylinder Engines Are The Heart And Soul Of The Supra, So Toyota Turned To BMW

The highly anticipated Toyota Supra will finally be unveiled at the North American International Auto Show next month and we’re learning more details about the upcoming model.

Speaking with Automotive News Europe, Supra chief engineer Tetsuya Tada said one of the main reasons the company decided to partner with BMW was that the Toyota no longer makes an inline-six cylinder engine. According to Tada, the straight-six is part of the Supra’s identity and customers expect nothing less.

While that sounds like an excuse, Tada said customer surveys showed a straight-six engine was a “non-negotiable attribute” in the eyes of fans. He went on to say, the “straight-six is the only engine with perfect balance and low vibration.”

As a result, the Supra will be powered by a BMW-sourced six-cylinder engine. The company hasn’t released specifications for its version of the engine, but it produces 382 hp (284 kW / 387 PS) and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque in the BMW Z4 M40i. This enables the roadster to rocket from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in just 4.4 seconds.

The engine isn’t the only thing shared with BMW as Supra will also use the Z4’s platform and automatic transmission – among other things. Despite the similarities, Toyota was quick to point out that they tuned the engine, transmission and chassis for use in the Supra.

While Toyota is keeping a majority of details under wraps, the model will have an electric limited slip rear differential, a high-performance Brembo braking system and adaptive dampers. The report also says fans can expect a 50/50 weight distribution and a body that is nearly as rigid as the Lexus LFA.

One of the more interesting things to come out of the interview was reveal that Gazoo Racing is working on “sporty engines” for production models. Tada was coy on details, but hinted the powertrains might incorporate electrification for improved performance.