Competing Legacies: A Car Enthusiast’s Perspective on the New Toyota Supra

When the new Toyota Supra was unveiled, it immediately divided the automotive enthusiast community. Some hail it as a returning legend, while others dismiss it as a mere rebranded BMW. Is this new Supra worthy of the legacy of the original? Let's delve into the opinions and comparisons from the perspective of car aficionados and enthusiasts.

Legacy vs. Reality: Early Reactions

For many car enthusiasts, the original Supra was known for its reliability and ease of maintenance. Unlike the modern counterparts, a simple timing belt and water pump job was a three-hour affair with basic tools. In this era of complex engineering, the thought of working on a modern car like the new BMW has led many to believe they’d rather restore an old 1994 Supra.

"I’m a huge fan of most new vehicles but this isn’t one of them. I’ll take a 1994 MKIV turbo Supra over the new one every time," says one enthusiast. This preference is echoed by many who believe in the ruggedness and simplicity of the original Supra, which defined its era and fanbase.

Collaboration: Toyota and BMW Join Forces

Yet, the pairing of Toyota and BMW has its champions. The new Supra is a collaborative effort, utilizing the strengths of both companies in a bid to create a powerful, reliable, and technologically advanced vehicle. Many fans of both Toyota and BMW see this as a significant positive.

"Teaming up with BMW was the best thing for Toyota to do. Toyota hasn’t made a V6 or V8 RWD sports car in over 20 years, and BMW makes such cars consistently. This partnership ensures the Supra is in good hands," says another enthusiast. The use of the B58 engine, known for its reliability and power production, lends credibility to the Supra’s performance capabilities.

Aesthetic and Performance Perspectives

There’s no denying that the new Supra looks like a high-end sports car, with a design that draws comparisons to the modern 3 Series. The interior, while impressive, is more in line with BMW aesthetics, with a high level of finish and luxury. Under the hood, the B58 engine—powerful yet reliable—has given the Supra a solid performance baseline.

"In my opinion, my two favorite car companies are Toyota and BMW, so this car was pretty cool. The interior looks great, it’s out of the new 3 Series, the engine is the B58 335hp, and honestly, I feel like it’s going to be a legendary car in 20 years," another enthusiast explains. Some enthusiasts have even seen the Supra in person in the DFW auto show and loved its stance and interior, with the B58 engine sounding great when paired with a proper turbo-back exhaust.

The Debate Continues: Authenticity and Customization

While the new Supra excels in terms of performance and luxury, the authenticity of the name and purpose is a debated topic. The engine, transmission, and interior all belong to BMW, leading some to question the true 'Supra-ness' of the car.

"Well, you can’t really call it a Supra can you? It has a BMW engine, transmission, interior, and everything. But that’s what it is—a BMW wearing a Supra mask. But if you have the money, a 2JZ swap might be better,“ one enthusiast notes. While this can improve performance, it also removes the car from its technological baseline and personalizes it in a significant way, catering to the tuning community’s desires for customization.

The price point and the necessity for tuning parts might be a deterrent for some enthusiasts. The cost of replacing or tuning the car could be substantial, turning it into a highly customized and expensive vehicle that deviates from the intended design.

Conclusion: Finding Your Personal Supra

The new Toyota Supra is a product of modern engineering and a strategic partnership, offering a blend of BMW’s automotive technology and Toyota’s reliability. While some enthusiasts remain loyal to the original legacy, others embrace the new car for its contemporary features and performance.

No matter your stance, the new Supra is undoubtedly a car for automotive enthusiasts. Whether you appreciate its modern design and performance or prefer the simplicity and authenticity of the old Supra, this collaboration between Toyota and BMW has redefined what it means to drive a high-performance, RWD sports car.

Keywords: Toyota Supra, BMW Engine, 2JZ Swap