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As the 15-year wait for the next Toyota Supra draws to a close, the rumor mill surrounding the BMW-Toyota collaboration continues to churn. Unfortunately, the latest bit of news is sure to disappoint enthusiasts around the world: According to a BMW model code document obtained by the SupraMkV forum, the new Toyota Supra will only be available with an automatic transmission.
This lines up with a report we highlighted earlier this summer on potential transmission choices, as well as the fact that every Toyota mule spotted so far has been equipped with the recognizable BMW-developed automatic gear shifter (presumably controlling the automaker’s usual ZF eight-speed autobox). This is especially noteworthy given that spy photos have shown BMW Z4 test cars with a manual gearbox, something this document also seems to confirm for both the European and American markets. But for whatever reason, it looks like Toyota has opted against offering a row-your-own Supra on either continent.
It’s not all bad news for fans of tradition, however. That same report from earlier this summer pointed to an AWD hybrid powertrain, but this list points to a simpler rear-wheel-drive setup with two turbocharged engine choices here in the U.S.: BMW’s 2.0-liter B48 inline-four, good for around 248 horsepower in current applications, and the company’s 3.0-liter B58 inline-six, putting out 335 horsepower in the BMW 540i.
Now, there are a couple of caveats here. The pre-production document is a few months old and doesn’t necessarily reflect the final configurations that will be available when the BMW Z4/Toyota Supra twins are released, which is expected to happen next year. And none of this information has been confirmed by either BMW or Toyota, who have both been extremely tight-lipped throughout the development process. Hey, who knows—maybe Toyota has finally found the perfect candidate for its newfangled automated manual transmission.
The BMW Z4 is expected to be revealed this month at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance (at least, in concept form), while the Toyota Supra should take a bow at the Tokyo Auto Show later this fall.
