One wonders how it is going to work out with the Toyota service department and parts counter. "Uhhh, got to order that high-pressure fuel pump from Germany... no, the Prius and Tacoma don't use anything interchangeable."
Most likely the common parts will cost less at the BMW counter. Or, original parts on the aftermarket, because Toyota isn't bullying these suppliers and forbidding them from selling on the aftermarket!
It’s a modified BMW. It’s not an actual Toyota like previous Supras.
It has no soul of a Toyota. It’s just a base trim level of a BMW with different financing options and a different support network.
By the way, if I’m buying a BMW why would I want Toyota of all companies to modify the steering and suspension? I’d rather have a Toyota with BMW steering and suspension, not this abomination.
“I like my 3 series but I wish it handled more like a Camry” - nobody, ever.
Wait.. in one sentence you claim Toyota's "soul" is something good to desire for, and in another sentence you claim it just means the car will handle like Camry.
I drive a F80 M3 right now, and I very much would love to see how this car drives since I love, love the GT86 suspension/steering tuning. In fact the GT86 has better steering than my M3, so if this Supra is like that it would be very attractive to me.
If anything, a car with BMW drivetrain and Toyota motorsport's chassis/suspension/steering is exactly what a lot of people would want these days, since BMW has a big lead in engine tech (especially turbo 6) and Toyota did such a spectacular job with GT-86's chassis/suspension/steering. Hell, if BMW supplied their turbo 4 cylinder to the GT86 imagine the success it would have had.
Which is what's sad. The Supra is a cheaper, uglier, 50HP slower Z4 with no convertible top. The only thing it's got going for it, according to side-by-side reviews, is the Supra "feels smoother" and it's cheaper. For $50k, if everything else about it is boring, I at least want it to knock me into my seat.
If I got a Toyota sports car today, it would be the 86 with an aftermarket turbo or supercharger. With 100hp boost, it would reach about a 1:8.8 power to weight ratio, compared to the Supra's about 1:10. Cost: about $30K.