Seriously? Just because of a non-informative update by an unnamed BMW rep? Have some faith and patience people. The car still has plenty of time to arrive as a 2017 car.And with that, I'm moving on. Maybe by the time the Supra comes out I'll be ready for a change from my next purchase.
What We Know
When Toyota revealed its FT-1 concept at the 2014 Detroit auto show, the car recalled glorious models of the Japanese manufacturerâs sports-car past, notably the 2000GT and, yes, the revered Supra. The aerocentric FT-1 concept, conceived by Toyotaâs California-based Calty Design Research arm, might not be representative of an upcoming production carâs ultimate styling and proportions. But a partnership between Toyota and BMW to share a new midsize sports-car platform dubbed âSilk Roadâ should give the project a solid foundation. Toyota has hinted the rear-wheel-drive production car will pack a twin-turbo, inline-six engine and possibly a turbo-four, both BMW-sourced.
Why It Matters
The Toyota Supra disappeared in 2002, and fans have been clamoring for its revival ever since. Despite cars like the Lexus RC F, Toyota needs another strong competitor in the increasingly capable enthusiast market. Unfortunately, the Scion FR-S hasnât moved the needle, simply because it doesnât make a strong enough statement. A Toyota Supra must be a super sports car, not simply sporty like the FR-S.
Potential Pitfalls
As noted, a ready-made audience of potential Supra buyers exists and is hungry. Hybrid power, though unlikely, would make the car less tuner-friendly and less appealing to aftermarket performance junkies. And then there is this: Toyota might elect to not use the Supra badge. Maybe the car would carry branding from Lexus instead, which would move it upmarket. This would be a risky move, but itâs probably safe to say that itâs unlikely, since creating more rivalry between Lexus and BMW wouldnât suit the plan now in the works for cooperation between the two marques.
When to Expect It
Industry rumblings vary, but the Toyota Supra likely arrives either in 2016 as a 2017 model or 2017 as a 2018 model.
Im pretty sure they were talking about fuel cells cars...On track for engine development target 2020. The car will be unveiled in 2025.
I was just being sarcastic.Im pretty sure they were talking about fuel cells cars...
If the new Supra comes as a hybrid I really don't think it'll develop anywhere close to the following that the last gen had. The Supra name moved to a whole new level of legend because of how tuner friendly it was and how much the car was modified and embraced by 'junkies'As noted, a ready-made audience of potential Supra buyers exists and is hungry. Hybrid power, though unlikely, would make the car less tuner-friendly and less appealing to aftermarket performance junkies.
Don't think it has anything to do. Today hybrid also stands for performance. I can see in future, companies tuning as Google or Apple Car to free up more kW, reprogram acceleration and hack the autonomous driving so that the car could be driven manually.If the new Supra comes as a hybrid I really don't think it'll develop anywhere close to the following that the last gen had. The Supra name moved to a whole new level of legend because of how tuner friendly it was and how much the car was modified and embraced by 'junkies'