Toyota's Incoming Chairman Urges Return of Supra-Like Sports Car
Takeshi Uchiyamada, set to become Toyota’s chairman, has called for a new flagship sports car reminiscent of the Supra, with development linked to BMW collaboration.
Takeshi Uchiyamada, the executive known for leading the Prius project, has stated his wish for Toyota to produce a new sports car in the spirit of the Supra. Uchiyamada, who was preparing to take over as chairman in 2013, said he wanted the upcoming collaboration with BMW to result in a flagship coupe rather than another car similar to the GT86.
Uchiyamada made clear that while he was not the final decision-maker, he believed Toyota needed a model to fill the gap left by the Supra. He dismissed the idea of simply repeating the GT86 formula, saying it would be pointless to make something too similar. The Supra, last produced in 2002, remains a reference point for Toyota enthusiasts and a symbol of the brand’s sports car ambitions.
Toyota and BMW partnership
The new sports car is being developed as part of a broader technology partnership between Toyota and BMW. Tetsuya Tada, who previously led development of the GT86, was appointed to oversee Toyota’s side of the project. Tada reportedly visited BMW several times in 2012 and 2013 to coordinate engineering work.
While Toyota is responsible for the basic platform, BMW is expected to focus on the suspension and handling setup. The engine supplier had not been confirmed by mid-2013, but reports suggested that a BMW-sourced four-cylinder petrol was being considered, possibly on a lengthened version of the GT86’s rear-wheel-drive architecture. There was also speculation that the car could employ a hybrid powertrain, reflecting Toyota’s expertise in the field and echoing the direction taken by supercars such as the McLaren P1 and Ferrari LaFerrari.
Positioning and market expectations
Toyota’s intent was to create a flagship coupe that would sit above the GT86, avoiding internal competition. The company viewed the new model as a chance to revive its reputation for performance cars, following years focused on hybrids and mainstream models. The collaboration with BMW was also seen as a way to share costs and accelerate development.
No final details on pricing, power output or launch date were available in mid-2013. Industry reports at the time suggested a market launch was possible around 2017, but Toyota had not made a public commitment. The project’s direction, particularly the choice between a conventional or hybrid powertrain, remained under discussion.
- Takeshi Uchiyamada’s call for a Supra-like model highlighted Toyota’s renewed interest in sports cars.
- BMW’s involvement focused on chassis and handling, while Toyota led the platform and possibly hybrid technology.
- The car was intended to complement, not compete with, the GT86 in Toyota’s line-up.
Toyota’s collaboration with BMW on a flagship sports car marked a shift in the company’s approach to performance vehicles. The outcome would eventually be seen in the new Supra, but in 2013, the project’s specifics were still taking shape.
For further details on Toyota’s sports car plans and the BMW partnership, seeToyota and BMW to Decide Sports Car Collaboration by Year-End.
