This is Toyota Supra brochure — not!

By CARSIFU | 15 February 2017


LOS ANGELES: Rumours about the return of the Toyota Supra have recently gained greater traction on the Internet, which has been replete  with renderings and speculations as to its styling cues, features, engine options and where it will be built. The latest info came from a Serbian website that claimed to have an official catalogue of the Supra. It turned out it wasn't but there were still useful details to be gleaned from it.

So, what is the real deal about the "king's arrival"? Well, no one is absolutely sure for now, only that it is a joint-venture between Toyota and BMW. Both companies began working together on the sports car project in 2014.

Toyota FT-1 concept unveil - 01


Rumour-mongers are saying Toyota might have it built at the Magna Steyr facility in Graz, Austria - where the BMW Z4 was assembled,. Magna Steyr is the contract assembler for BMW, producing its X3 and the G30 5 Series.

This in turn has led many observers to believe the next Supra (fixed-roof) will give rise to the Z4's replacement - the Z5 (G29) roadster with a foldable roof.

Toyota FT-1 concept - 03


The commonality between the two cars is that they will be both rear-wheel drive, with perhaps an all-wheel drive system available as an option.

What both companies will bring to the table should be BMW's inline six-cylinder engine and carbon fibre expertise, while Toyota will offer its four-cylinder petrol engines and electric motor technology.

Toyota Supra (2018) unconfirmed brochure


The Serbian website's report of the official" Supra brochure was quickly debunked by a reader of Motor1.com, which had carried a story about the Serbian source. The reader said it was actually a supplement to a Japanese magazine Holiday Auto, and did not come from Toyota.

The Serbian site said the document revealed the new car would have several variants, with much of its styling cues coming from the Toyota FT-1 concept that debuted at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show.

Toyota FT-1 concept - 07


Furthermore, it should also weigh in from 1,350 to 1,430kg, roll on 18 or 19-inch wheels and have a wheelbase of 2,470mm while measuring 4,380mm-long, 1,830mm-wide and 1,280mm tall, it said.

Apparently, there's going to be two engine options from BMW, starting with a four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbocharged mill with 192hp and 320Nm of torque. Another version will get the same engine with a different tune of 252hp and 400Nm.

Toyota FT-1 concept - 17


As for the range-topping variant, it could be powered by an inline six-cylinder 3.0-litre powerplant that develops 340hp and 450Nm.


But, if the Supra is to make its return next year, the Japanese carmaker is likely to unveil it at this year's Tokyo Motor Show in October, the LA Auto Show in November or the 2018 Detroit Auto Show next January. In any case, it now boils down to the wait.

Toyota FT-1 concept unveil - 12


 

TOYOTA FT-1 Concept



 



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