Photo: CarPix
The roadster and coupe segments are declining, and this is more than apparent considering the BMW-Toyota collaboration for the next-generation Z4 and Supra. Codenamed G29 and J29, the front-engined sports cars share the platform, engine options, and eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. What they don’t share is the badge, design, and the all-important driving experience.
At the local launch of the facelifted BMW 1 Series and 2 Series, the chief executive officer of BMW Australia made it clear that the Z4 will feel different from the Supra. Speaking to Car Advice, Marc Werner assured that the Z4 “will be absolutely a unique BMW product, as you would expect.” He went on to add: "Not only in terms of design, but how they drive and how they handle.”
On the handling front, there a point to be made if you bear in mind the Supra is a fixed-head coupe and the Z4 comes with a soft top. The difference in structural rigidity is furthered by suspension setting and other whatnots such as steering calibration. Think about the MX-5 and 124 Spider; both ride on the same platform, but Fiat and Mazda use their own engines and handling setups.
There’s also something else worth mentioning, and that is the transmission. As you might have heard from a previous story, the J29 Supra is expected to come exclusively with an automatic. By comparison, the G29 Z4 is confirmed with a six-speed manual box, thus abiding by the “Ultimate Driving Machine” mantra.
While we wait for confirmation on what the 2019 Toyota Supra has in the offing, it’s no mystery what sort of engines will be made available for both models. Entry-level variants will make use of the BMW B48, which displaces 2.0 liters and anything between 197 and 258 horsepower. As for the range-topping Z4 and Supra, look forward to the B58 3.0-liter inline-six turbo, which promises to develop an estimated 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque.
On the handling front, there a point to be made if you bear in mind the Supra is a fixed-head coupe and the Z4 comes with a soft top. The difference in structural rigidity is furthered by suspension setting and other whatnots such as steering calibration. Think about the MX-5 and 124 Spider; both ride on the same platform, but Fiat and Mazda use their own engines and handling setups.
There’s also something else worth mentioning, and that is the transmission. As you might have heard from a previous story, the J29 Supra is expected to come exclusively with an automatic. By comparison, the G29 Z4 is confirmed with a six-speed manual box, thus abiding by the “Ultimate Driving Machine” mantra.
While we wait for confirmation on what the 2019 Toyota Supra has in the offing, it’s no mystery what sort of engines will be made available for both models. Entry-level variants will make use of the BMW B48, which displaces 2.0 liters and anything between 197 and 258 horsepower. As for the range-topping Z4 and Supra, look forward to the B58 3.0-liter inline-six turbo, which promises to develop an estimated 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque.
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