RUMOR MILL: New Supra May Be Based On BMW 6-Series And Celica On 3-Series

At BMW's Munich headquarters today, Toyota boss Akio Toyoda and BMW chief Norbert Reithofer signed a memorandum of understanding, pledging to expand their existing cooperation, which was forged in December 2011.

Now the companies will embark on a long-term link-up that will include joint development of architecture and components for a future sports car. Although Toyoda and Reithofer didn't elaborate on details of that aspect of the deal, the link-up could potentially pave the way for the revival of either the Toyota Supra or the smaller Celica.

The Supra, which was last built in 2002, could be based on the platform that underpins the BMW 6-series, while a Celica could be spun off from 3-series architecture.

 

Larrybel2000 - 6/29/2012 10:50:16 AM

+1 Boost

Good.

91z4me - 6/30/2012 3:44:37 PM

-1 Boost

Sorry but there isn't much weight to take out, or BMW would have already done it. Not only that but if it is a Toyota it will be cheaper and likely have more steel than aluminum in the suspension, making it heavier. Unless of course it has less power but then what would be the point in that?

85bmw745i - 7/1/2012 5:52:50 PM

-1 Boost

It won't be near as heavy as the 6er because it will not have all of the gadgets, gizmos,technology, and luxury items that weigh the 6er down so much

MorePower - 6/29/2012 3:25:18 PM

-1 Boost

If the Supra were to be built on the 6-series chassis, it would have a cost of over $50,000 when it hit the dealers. How many people are in the market for a $50,000+ Toyota sports car?

Lexus - 6/29/2012 6:33:51 PM

+2 Boost

@MorePower,

I would spend $50,000-60,000 for the next Toyota Supra if it have the following criteria: perform well, handle well, fun to drive, have a great exhaust note and fast. And off course it has to be a good looking car as well.

It would be nice if it can do 0-60 in the low 4s and 1/4 miles in the low 11s-12s and handle like a true sports car on the race track. And I know a lot of people would as well.

quizz - 6/29/2012 8:46:49 PM

+2 Boost

Toyota couldn't sell its last generation Supra because it costs too much... so this appears to be a move for a Lexus branded sports car to replace the SC coupe (non-convertible)

MorePower - 6/29/2012 10:56:11 PM

+1 Boost

Remember, that's $50,000+ before the $10,000 - $15,000 dealer mark-up.

If this becomes the next SC460/SC500, then you can add an additional $20,000 to the sticker up markup. For that price, I'll just go and buy an S5 or 6 Series.

MorePower - 6/30/2012 9:11:31 PM

0 Boost

@BD

BMW does not sell their components cheap, just ask Range Rover's former owners.

Besides, why would BMW sell components cheap to Toyota? BMW is doing Toyota a favor by the initial development and production costs of the platform.

Lexus - 6/30/2012 1:16:08 AM

+3 Boost

@BlackDynamiteMB,

Turbo Charged 2.5L V6 from IS250??? I have to Disagree with you on this one. More like a twin turbo 3.5 liter V6 from the IS350 and pushing upward to 450+ hp and selling around $50,000-60,000.

Which put it up squarely against the BMW M3, Audi RS5, MB C63 AMG and Lexus IS-F.

91z4me - 6/30/2012 3:49:17 PM

+2 Boost

Sorry but a new Supra will be over 3700 lbs if it is under $45k. Lets face facts: power and performance require a stiff platform. That means more weight or more cost.

You can pick 2 of the following: cheap, fast, light. If you want cheap and fast it won't be light (Camaro). If you want cheap and light it won't be fast (GT86). If you want fast and light it won't be cheap (Lotus).

91z4me - 6/30/2012 3:50:31 PM

+3 Boost

Also why turbocharge a 2.5 V6 when you could use the 3.5L version of the same motor (same weight, cost, and physical size) and get more power?

lexworld - 6/29/2012 10:18:57 PM

+4 Boost

...no -quizz, the real reason the Supra was discontinued was Toyota themselves made that decision because the market for sports cars fell off rapidly during the incoming SUV's and other shifts in the auto industry. I think it was a smart move and allow the Supra to bow out on the up swing, which it did. The Supra is pretty much and Icon in it's on right. So, if they decide to bring it back, it will be all Toyota. They do know how to make great sports cars...They did it in the past and they are about to do it again.

HughJass - 6/30/2012 12:25:32 AM

+4 Boost

Wasn't the last Supra TT hitting upwards of 40K already? That would be about $50K now.

I think the Supra has enough cachet. If they want a cheaper sports car, go with the Celica or FR-S thing.

dlin - 6/30/2012 2:04:14 PM

+2 Boost

With GT86, it doesn't make sense to bring back Celica. And if they do want to, that platform can easily be re-engineered to accommodate whatever engine Toyata wanted to put in, rather than buying from BMW.

As for Supra, which car would you compare to? GT-R! It's very possible, as BMW doesn't have anything that can match up, and LFA is way too expensive to make. I'm not sure if 6 series platform is up to the task, but I'm sure if a go Toyota would put it under Lexus.

uhn2000 - 7/1/2012 10:41:08 AM

+2 Boost

A win for Toyato and BMW.