Featured Our LIVE 2020 Supra Coverage and Interviews From Detroit Auto Show!

^ I disagree. The supra didn't get a manual transmission because the Z4 didn't. You're overthinking it.

But should you swap out the auto for a manual on your own? No, unless money is not a factor and you're down spending +100k on R&D to get everything working as if it came from factory.

I agree about Toyota using the same engine for eons on other platforms, but this is the first time it has made a shared platform with BMW. I guess we'll find out eventually when news of the GRMN surfaces.

 

I'm sure you are cognizant of this... but sarcasm usually doesn't take this long.

 

Updated the OP with our Tada san interview. It was short, but it was nice talking to him to get his thoughts at this point. Overall, he's confident. And because he's confident, I'm confident. This guy is #1 in the industry in my book for a thousand different reasons, and I really do put an immense amount of faith in him.

That being said, my verdict is still neutral until I have a Supra sideways on track. Which hopefully will happen in the coming months.

 

There are a few things that bother me about the whole reveal.

Am I glad its over with? 50/50 since it was a huge letdown but shame on me for holding Toyota to a higher standard overall.

What was the akward comment about his MKIV being the "Charlie Brown Xmas tree" of sports cars? Do the Japanese not grasp the negative connotation of using such a phrase? Do they not understand you should not tarnish you own brand? It was very akward!!!

The whole "Lit" phrase and forced laughs and clapping, again akward...

The use of a BMW color pallet, come on guys really?

I say we all just save face, badge them all as Z4 coupes now and let the Euro crowd enjoy their new Z4 coupe.

I am a hold out for a high line, lighter car, less of everything, and more power. Sure the B58 can be tuned for more, but at the current price point the 335/365 is a real slap in the face.

 

And it was still better than the GT500 reveal lol

 

Hmm meh, I see what you mean. I was expecting 350hp with about that same amount of torque, but 4.1 0-60 is really quick for a car at 50k (IMO). Depends on your expectations and what you're placing the car against.

As for the reveal, I can't recall the last time I saw a press conference I said changed my life. Most are either fluff oriented with stuff you already know or forced dad jokes to lighten the mood. Ultimately, the language barrier and cultural differences will come off as awkward most of the time. I thought Akio did ok, not great just ok.

 

The only car announcement stage that blew me away was the Dodge Demon's.

 

Cringggggge.
Cheap PS2 CGI and then mustang drop ....argh was so damn cheesy lol.

 

While a guitar was playing!

 

They're "lazy" for a good reason: reliability. Once a platform is developed and proven reliable they keep it in service as long as possible. I used to think this was kind of out of date/old fashioned until friends of mine with vehicles that had under half the milage would always be amazed that my 4runner with 470,000 km never had any issues. Along with my 33 year old supra thats been driven to hell and back both are still running happily. Now I just think its a good idea... "if it aint broke don't fix it".

 

It had to be! LoL

 

All Ford needed was fireworks lol

 

Agree, but that means they will be even more cautious dealing with all that BMW tech. My guess is the MKV will still have 335hp when they cease production in a few years.

 

Pretty cool interview with him...thanks

 

Yep, but I would imagine in 6 years, that engine will be considered one of the best not just cause of what can it do, but there will be so much quality checks and life improvements to ensure it is running at its best. Combine this with BMW seeing what Toyota does and learn from them, they too might be able to adapt a toyota way.