The 2020 Toyota Supra and BMW Z4 share the same platform, but you probably already knew that. What you might not have known is that these two cars also share key components like infotainment, safety, and most importantly, engines. Pop the bonnet of either the Z4 or Supra, and you'll find the same turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six in both cars. But how identical are these two units? Engineering Explained breaks it down.
BMW's turbocharged inline-six under the bonnet of the new Supra – dubbed "B58B3001" – replaces the outgoing N55. And it offers a few advantages over the outgoing unit. The B58B3001 has a more rigid block, better cooling, and the ability to handle higher pressures, says Engineering Explained. It's also award-winning; in the BMW 340i, M240i, and X5, it took home accolades on Wards' 10 Best Engines list.
The Super Supra:
In the Supra, the BMW inline-six engine gives the Supra an extremely low centre of gravity – lower than the Toyota 86, in fact – and aids in a perfect 50:50 weight distribution. For what it's worth, the Supra and Z4 share the same 2,468-mm wheelbase – but the Z4 is a bit shorter overall. The BMW stretches out to 4,335 mm, and the Supra stretches out to 4,382 mm.
The turbocharged inline-six engine produces 335 bhp and 365 pound-feet of torque in the Supra. That means it should be good for a zero to 60 mile-per-hour sprint of 4.1 seconds, and a limited top speed of 155 mph. But that engine produces more power in the Z4, surprisingly; it pumps out 382 bhp and 369 lb-ft there.
Gallery: 2020 Toyota Supra
Bottom line, the Z4 and Supra have the exact same engine – and a good one. Whatever the case, the new Supra sounds promising. The base Supra 3.0L starts at £52,695, while the 3.0 Pro starts at £54,000, and the limited A90 Edition comes in at £56,945.