Toyota and BMW to Decide Sports Car Collaboration by Year-End
Toyota and BMW will determine by the end of 2015 whether to move forward with a joint sports car project that could revive the Supra and Z4 lines.
Toyota and BMW will decide by the end of 2015 whether to proceed with their jointly developed sports car project, according to statements from both companies during the Frankfurt motor show. The decision will determine if the collaboration advances to production, potentially reviving the Toyota Supra and BMW Z4 nameplates.
The two manufacturers have been working together for several years, covering fuel cell technology, lightweight components and, crucially, a new sports car architecture. Toyota's European operations chief, Johan van Zyl, said all projects were on track, with the sports car study nearing a conclusion. A Toyota spokesperson confirmed that the company would approve or decline production of the sports car by year-end, following extensive research into platform and architecture options.
What the collaboration could deliver
If given the green light, the joint platform would underpin separate vehicles for each brand. For BMW, this is expected to result in a replacement for the ageing Z4, while Toyota would use the architecture for a car positioned above the GT86, widely anticipated as a spiritual successor to the Supra. The last Supra left production in 2002, and the Z4 has been on sale since 2009 with only minor updates.
Technical details remain unconfirmed, but sources suggest both cars could feature hybrid powertrains. Rumours point to a BMW-sourced turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine paired with electric motors driving the front axle, creating an all-wheel-drive layout. Such a configuration would allow both brands to meet performance and efficiency targets while sharing development costs. Toyota would benefit from BMW’s expertise in chassis engineering and engines, while BMW could access Toyota’s advanced hybrid and fuel cell research.
Implications for both manufacturers
The decision will have consequences for both companies’ sports car strategies. For Toyota, a Supra successor would fill a long-standing gap above the GT86 and appeal to enthusiasts who have waited more than a decade for a new flagship coupe. For BMW, a new Z4 would refresh its roadster offering and provide a direct rival to models such as the Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman.
The collaboration is also part of a broader relationship, with both firms working on hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and lightweight materials. BMW’s chief financial officer, Friedrich Eichiner, confirmed talks were ongoing to deepen the partnership, but did not provide further details. Some Toyota models in Europe already use BMW diesel engines, highlighting the scope of existing cooperation.
What comes next
A decision on production is expected before the end of December 2015. If approved, development would move to the next stage, including determining manufacturing sites and finalising technical specifications. The outcome will shape both brands’ sports car ranges for years to come.
