The automotive world was abuzz in 2019 and 2020 with the return of a long-dormant legend—the Toyota Supra. After a 21-year hiatus, the new Supra, co-developed with BMW, brought high-performance Japanese engineering back into the spotlight. But with strong design and engineering ties to BMW’s Z4 platform, many enthusiasts and curious buyers asked a simple but surprisingly complex question: Is the 2020 Supra a BMW? In this article, we delve into the intricate partnership between Toyota and BMW, decode the similarities and differences, and explore how both brands have shaped the new-generation Supra.
Historical Context: The Legacy of the Toyota Supra
To understand the significance of the 2020 Supra and its ties to BMW, it’s essential to look back at the Supra’s storied history. The Supra nameplate debuted in 1978 as a high-performance variant of the Toyota Celica. By the time the fourth generation (A80) launched in 1993, the Supra had cemented its place among the great Japanese performance cars—thanks in large part to its famed 2JZ-GTE inline-six engine that became a tuner favorite.
However, production of the Supra ended in 2002, leaving a massive void in Toyota’s sports car lineup. The long-awaited return of the Supra in 2019—on sale as a 2020 model—marked the brand’s re-entry into the competitive sports coupe segment. But unlike its predecessors, this new Supra wasn’t a wholly Toyota creation—it was a collaborative project with BMW.
The Toyota-BMW Partnership: A Strategic Automotive Alliance
The partnership between Toyota and BMW isn’t new. Since the early 2010s, the two automakers have collaborated on a number of research and development projects, including fuel cell technology, lightweight materials, and—most notably—the development of a shared sports car platform.
How the Collaboration Began
In 2012, Toyota and BMW formally announced a joint venture to co-develop two sports cars. The result? The 2020 Toyota Supra and the 2019 BMW Z4 (a 2020 model in some markets). Both cars share the same underpinnings, drivetrain options, and even elements of their interior components. However, each brand maintained its distinct styling, tuning, and brand philosophy throughout the development process.
Shared Engineering Platform
The foundation of both the Supra and the Z4 is BMW’s CLAR (Cluster Architecture) platform—a modular platform designed for rear-wheel-drive performance vehicles. The CLAR platform is also used in various BMW sedans and SUVs, but with substantial revisions for the lightweight and sport-focused Supra and Z4.
Drivetrain and Performance Components
The 2020 Supra primarily uses BMW-sourced engines. The base model features a 2.0-liter inline-four turbocharged engine (B48), producing 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. However, the more popular Supra 3.0 model uses the acclaimed 3.0-liter inline-six turbo engine (B58) seen in BMW’s M140i and Z4 M40i, delivering 335 hp and 365 lb-ft of torque. This engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission from ZF.
Exterior Design: Same Platform, Different Identity
While the underpinnings may be shared, Toyota and BMW took distinct design paths that helped the Supra maintain its unique identity.
Toyota Supra Styling Philosophy
The 2020 Supra embraces Toyota’s sport-focused design language—dynamic curves, a low-slung silhouette, and aggressive front fascia. The car’s proportions emphasize performance, with a long hood, short rear deck, and wide stance.
B MW Z4 Styling Approach
In contrast, the Z4 leans more towards a luxury roadster image, particularly with its fabric soft-top roof. Its design is more refined, appealing more to open-air weekend drivers than track-focused enthusiasts. The droptop nature of the Z4 also changes its character significantly compared to the fixed-roof Supra.
Visual Comparisons
To the untrained eye, some components like the taillights, mirrors, dash layout, and door handles might look familiar to BMW owners. However, the Supra’s design prioritizes aerodynamics and visual aggression—something Toyota has embraced from the A80 Supra’s DNA.
Interior and Technology: Shared Parts, Brand-Specific Execution
One of the most noticeable points of comparison between the 2020 Supra and the BMW Z4 comes from within the cabin. While both vehicles utilize many shared components, Toyota implemented a sport-first philosophy, while BMW leaned into luxury and tech.
Shared Components
The Supra uses a number of BMW-sourced interior parts, including:
- HVAC controls
- Door handles
- Drive mode selector
- Instrument cluster layout
- Certain infotainment controls
These parts are often nearly identical or used in a slightly different configuration.
Different Branding in the Cockpit
Despite the shared components, Toyota worked to tailor the Supra’s interior specifically for performance enthusiasts. The cabin is driver-focused, minimalistic, and geared toward light weight and functionality. The Supra’s dashboard layout and infotainment system—based on BMW’s iDrive—are adapted to be more intuitive for Toyota buyers.
Infotainment System
One area of contention among buyers was the infotainment system. Initially, the Supra featured one of the older iterations of BMW’s iDrive system—some generations behind what was available on current 3 Series and X5 models. However, in later years and software updates, Toyota moved toward integrating its own Toyota Connect system, improving the user experience and navigation performance.
Performance and Driving Experience: BMW Engineering, Toyota Tuning
The mechanical similarities run deep, but Toyota’s tuning of the chassis and power delivery gives the Supra its own distinct personality.
Chassis and Suspension Tuning
Toyota tuned the Supra’s suspension and chassis geometry to be slightly stiffer and more responsive than the Z4. This helps improve cornering behavior, making the Supra feel more agile and direct—something Toyota felt was important for a car bearing the Supra name.
Power Delivery and Transmission
While both the Supra and the Z4 use the same engines and transmission, Toyota calibrated the power delivery and gearshift logic to be more aggressive and sport-oriented. This results in a more engaging feel, particularly for drivers who prioritize acceleration and manual shifting preferences.
Track Performance
The Supra has been praised in the performance community for its balance, light weight (just over 3,400 lbs for the 3.0 model), and ability to handle track conditions with poise. In comparison, the Z4, especially the soft-top version, is slightly heavier and tuned more for relaxed driving than flat-out cornering.
Owning the Lineage: When is a Car “Branded”? Is the Supra a Toyota or a BMW?
The question of whether the 2020 Supra is a BMW hinges on understanding how vehicle branding works when two companies co-develop a car.
Development vs. Branding
The Supra was co-developed by both Toyota and BMW engineers—but it was designed, marketed, sold, and supported under the Toyota brand. This is different from badge-engineered vehicles like older examples of Nissans and Infinitis or Opels and Vauxhalls. In those cases, the car often remains identical beneath the surface. In contrast, Toyota took a shared foundation and tuned it to align with Supra’s legacy and enthusiast-driven expectations.
Engineering and Marketing
Despite sharing the CLAR platform, many critical elements of the Supra underwent Toyota-specific tuning—particularly regarding the rear suspension mounting points, rear subframe, and body rigidity. This means that even though the core mechanicals were co-developed, their application in the Supra was Toyota-driven.
Ownership and Service
From a buyer’s perspective, there’s no question about ownership identity. Toyota dealerships sell and service the Supra, and it carries Toyota’s warranty. This reinforces the Supra’s identity as a Toyota product, even with its BMW roots.
Pros and Cons of the BMW-Tied Supra
As with any co-developed model, there are advantages and drawbacks to the Supra’s ties with BMW.
Pros
- Top-tier engine options: The BMW B58 inline-six is considered one of the best modern inline-six engines in the industry.
- Modular base platform: The CLAR platform allows for high-performance tuning while maintaining reliability.
- Shared tech benefits: Toyota could adopt mature BMW technology without having to develop everything from scratch.
Cons
- Brand confusion: Many purists see the BMW influence as diluting the Supra’s legacy.
- Initial infotainment criticism: Use of older BMW systems led to criticisms about dated interfaces.
- Limited design uniqueness: Some components are too similar to BMW’s modern lineup.
Public Reception and Critic Reviews
The automotive press and enthusiast community were quick to respond to the 2020 Supra’s launch. While opinions were mixed on the car’s BMW ties, the general consensus highlighted strong performance and value for money.
Enthusiast Reaction
Supra fans had strong reactions to the new model. Many applauded Toyota’s return to the sports car segment, but some were disappointed that the new car wasn’t entirely Toyota-built. The lack of a Toyota engine and significant BMW DNA sparked debates in forums, social media, and car shows across the globe.
Critics’ Perspective
Auto journalists appreciated the new Supra for what it is: a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive performance car with excellent handling and strong powertrains. Car and Driver, Motortrend, and Top Gear praised the Supra’s driving dynamics and performance figures—noting its ability to challenge cars at a higher price point.
Modifications and Aftermarket Support
The 2020 Supra brought new hope to Japanese tuner culture. While the Supra name has always been synonymous with modding (thanks to the 2JZ engine), the new turbocharged B58 presents its own set of tuning opportunities.
Popular Modifications
- Downpipe and exhaust systems
- Intercoolers
- ECU tuning or reflashes
- Big brake kits
- Aerodynamic enhancements
Aftermarket Potential
Tuning companies such as HPA Motorsports, GReddy, and Akrapovič have developed performance kits specifically for the new Supra, pushing horsepower well over 500 with the right upgrades. The strong aftermarket interest demonstrates confidence in the platform, despite its shared origins.
Supra vs. Z4: Competing for Different Audiences
While mechanically similar, Supra and Z4 target different buyer profiles:
| Feature | 2020 Toyota Supra | 2020 BMW Z4 |
|---|---|---|
| Body Style | Coupe | Convertible (Soft Top) |
| Seating | 2+2 (rear seats for storage only) | 2-seater |
| Engine | B48 (2.0L Turbo I4) or B58 (3.0L Turbo I6) | B48 or B58 |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic or 6-speed manual |
| Market Position | Sporty, performance-oriented coupe | Luxurious open-air roadster |
Final Verdict: Is the 2020 Supra a BMW?
At its heart—and literally under the hood—the 2020 Toyota Supra shares significant DNA with BMW’s Z4. It uses a BMW-developed platform, BMW engines, BMW parts, and even BMW development inputs. But it’s not a BMW. Toyota took this shared architecture and re-imagined it into a distinct performance car aimed at fulfilling—and reviving—the legendary Supra nameplate.
What this means for buyers is simple: the 2020 Supra offers world-class engineering underpinning a legacy icon. While it borrows heavily from German engineering via BMW, it remains proudly a Toyota in terms of branding, performance tuning, marketing, and identity.
Conclusion: A Collaborative Future
The Toyota-BMW collaboration for the 2020 Supra represents a shifting trend in the automotive industry—where global partnerships yield exciting results without diminishing a brand’s identity. The Supra may share its roots with a BMW, but it stands on its own two wheels as a modern return to form for Toyota’s legendary sports car.
Whether you’re a purist who misses the 2JZ or an open-minded performance enthusiast, the new Supra proves that even shared-platform sports cars can carve their own high-horsepower path. The answer is clear: no, the 2020 Supra is not a BMW—despite what underpinnings you may find beneath its sleek silhouette.
Is the 2020 Supra a BMW?
No, the 2020 Toyota Supra is not a BMW in terms of brand ownership or design philosophy, but it does share a significant amount of engineering and componentry with BMW due to a collaborative development effort between Toyota and BMW. The Supra was developed as part of a joint venture that also produced the BMW Z4 (G29), which means the two vehicles share a platform, drivetrain options, and other mechanical components.
However, the Supra was styled, tuned, and marketed independently by Toyota to reflect its heritage and appeal to a different audience than the BMW Z4. Toyota engineers were responsible for fine-tuning the suspension, driving dynamics, and interior design to align with the Supra’s legacy as a high-performance sports car. While the mechanical similarities to BMW are undeniable, the Supra stands as a distinct model under the Toyota brand, reflecting both shared development and independent identity.
Why did Toyota and BMW collaborate on the Supra?
Toyota and BMW entered into a collaboration to develop the new Supra (and the BMW Z4) in order to share development costs, engineering expertise, and to leverage BMW’s experience in producing compact, rear-wheel-drive roadsters. By combining resources, both manufacturers could ensure a competitive product while maintaining their individual brand identities and target markets.
This partnership also revived the legacy of the Supra, which had been off the market for more than a decade, and allowed BMW to refresh its roadster lineup with a new platform. The companies aimed to create two different expressions of a modern sports car using the same foundation—Toyota focusing on heritage and performance, and BMW emphasizing its traditional roadster character.
What BMW parts are used in the 2020 Supra?
The 2020 Supra shares multiple components with BMW vehicles, most notably the BMW Z4. This includes the platform, 3.0-liter inline-six engine (B58), 8-speed automatic transmission, electronics architecture, and several interior components such as the instrument cluster, infotainment system, and switchgear. Many of the mechanical underpinnings were co-developed or directly sourced from BMW’s modular toolkit.
Despite these shared components, Toyota tuned the Supra independently, particularly focusing on ride and handling characteristics to differentiate it from the Z4. The body structure, aerodynamics, and certain suspension components are unique to Toyota’s version, and the styling outside and within diverges significantly to fit Toyota’s vision for the Supra’s identity and target audience.
How does the 2020 Supra compare to the BMW Z4?
While the 2020 Toyota Supra and the BMW Z4 share a platform, engine, and several internal components, they differ in tuning, styling, and intended audience. The Supra emphasizes sharper handling and better weight distribution, aiming for a more focused driving experience with a sportier feel. Toyota engineers tuned the suspension to be stiffer and more responsive, targeting enthusiasts who prioritize performance and agility.
In contrast, the BMW Z4 is tuned with a more balanced, comfortable, and slightly more luxurious approach, staying true to BMW’s roadster heritage. The interiors of both vehicles also differ significantly—the Z4 boasts a more premium and tech-forward BMW cabin, while the Supra’s interior is more driver-focused with a minimalist and sporty design. Overall, they are mechanical twins with distinct characters.
Is the Supra fully made by Toyota?
Yes, the 2020 Supra is fully built and branded as a Toyota product, even though its development was a joint effort and much of its engineering is shared with BMW. The car was assembled at the Magna Steyr plant in Austria under a contract manufacturing arrangement, but the design, brand identity, and final product all belong to Toyota. BMW was responsible for developing the convertible version (Z4), while Toyota focused on the coupé configuration.
Toyota took full responsibility for sales, marketing, and ownership experience for the Supra. Although some internal components—like the engine and electronics—are sourced from BMW, Toyota engineers have tuned and tailored the car specifically to meet its own design and performance goals. Thus, despite the extensive collaboration, the Supra remains a Toyota-branded vehicle that reflects the brand’s performance aspirations.
What engine does the 2020 Supra use and is it reliable?
The 2020 Toyota Supra is equipped with BMW’s 3.0-liter inline-six B58 engine that produces 335 horsepower and 365 lb-ft of torque. This engine is well-regarded for its reliability, performance, and smoothness, and it has been widely used across BMW’s lineup. Toyota tuned the engine specifically for the Supra’s performance goals, while leveraging BMW’s proven engineering for durability and efficiency.
In general, the B58 engine has shown good reliability in various BMW applications, with proper maintenance and conservative driving habits. Toyota’s validation and tuning further ensured that this engine met their standards for longevity and robustness. Owners have reported minimal issues, especially with the drivetrain, and the B58 in the Supra has earned a reputation as a solid, high-performing powerplant when used under normal driving conditions.
Is the new Supra considered a true successor to the MKIV Supra?
The new 2020 Supra is considered a spiritual successor rather than a direct continuation of the iconic MKIV (A80) Supra, which was produced from 1993 to 2002. While the new Supra revives the nameplate and heritage, the car itself is a modern interpretation with a different design philosophy, engine, and extensive collaboration with BMW. Toyota acknowledges the legacy of the A80 and markets the new model with that heritage in mind, appealing to longtime fans and new buyers alike.
Technologically, the new Supra represents a significant evolution with its turbocharged inline-six, digital interfaces, and contemporary safety features. However, it lacks some of the raw character and mechanical purity of the MKIV. Enthusiasts often compare the two, noting that while the new model is sleek, fast, and capable, it doesn’t replicate the experience of the analog-era Supra. Still, it is viewed as a worthy modern resurrection of the name and concept.