It’s been well known for some time now that the upcoming BMW Z4 and Toyota Supra will share a common chassis, engines and technology. They’ve been built in a joint venture between both brands and will basically be the same underneath the skin. Which is why information about the new Supra is interesting to BMW fans, as it also sheds light on the BMW Z4.
According to some leaked specs from Japanese magazine, Best Car, the Toyota Supra will be shorter in length, wider and taller in height than the previous-gen Supra. Which indicates that the new BMW Z4 will be quite short as well, as they should share a wheelbase. It’s also said to weight about 1,496 kg (3,298 lbs), which is pretty light for a sports coupe by modern standards, considering the BMW M2 weights over 3,400 lbs. Expect the BMW Z4 to be a bit heavier than that, thanks to its convertible top, but not by too much. So the Z4 will likely be lighter than the M2.
We already knew that the BMW Z4 and Toyota Supra would share engines, specifically BMW’s B58 3.0 liter turbocharged I6. According to these leaked specs, the Supra’s version will make 335 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, which is a bit weaker than the 355 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque in the X3 M40i. Still, it’s more than enough to be quick. When paired with the as-standard ZF eight-speed auto, it’s said the Supra can hit 60 mph in 3.8 seconds. That’s pretty quick and makes it faster than even the BMW M2 and on par with the Porsche 911 Carrera S. Again, the BMW Z4 should be a tick or two slower, thanks to the added weight of the convertible top.
Although, we’ve also heard rumors that the BMW Z4 M40i will have a 380 hp version of that engine. If that’s the case, it will be even quicker than the Supra. Either way, though, the BMW Z4 M40i will be one of the fastest and most exciting BMWs on sale. In fact, at 3.8 seconds to 60 mph, the only BMWs faster than the Z4 M40i would be the M550i, M5, M760i and M4 CS. So, needless to say, we’re incredibly excited about both the new Z4 and Supra.
[Source: Autocar]
