About three weeks ago, Toyota and BMW signed an agreement that will see both companies collaborate on hybrid technologies and a new platform that will underpin a new sports car for each automaker.
Rumours were abound the web pertaining to a new Supra from Toyota as soon as the BMW-Toyota announcement was made. Interestingly the rumour seems to be true with a minor twist. Rather than an all new platform, Toyota's forthcoming Supra and the next generation BMW Z4 may contain a revised platform that currently underpins the 86.
The forthcoming Supra is expected to be powered by a 2.5-litre inline four hybrid engine with up to 400bhp on tap. A more powerful 3.5-litre V6 hybrid may also be in the works for the new Supra, and could enter production by 2017. The Supra will be bigger than the 86 with a design close to the FT-HS hybrid concept.
On the German side of things, BMW's new Z4 will have a beefier platform of the 86 and could be powered by an in house V6 hybrid powertrain with 400bhp. Unlike the BRZ and 86 which are largely similar, the next Z4 will retain the German's signature 'ultimate driving machine' flavour.
