New Toyota Supra Getting a Four-cylinder

We already knew it was getting an inline-six engine like the last four generations. We've even seen and heard that one running up the hill at Goodwood last weekend. Now a new document and some internal confirmation say that the upcoming Toyota Supra is getting a four-cylinder option as well.

The document was a transmission catalogue of sorts that originated from German gearbox maker ZF. ZF makes transmissions for just about every automaker, and their eight-speed is used by at least 19 brands including BMW, Chrysler, and even Rolls Royce.

Obtained by Road and Track, the document shows some of the places the eight-speed automatic will appear, and on that list are both the upcoming Toyota Supra and the BMW Z4 with which it shares a platform.

The list shows two different engines listed for the new Supra. The expected 3.0L six, and a new listing. A 2.0L four-cylinder option.

The magazine spoke with Supra Chief Engineer Testsuya Tada at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Tada confirmed that yes, there will be a four-pot Supra coming. He gave some new information too although that probably isn't a surprise once you know there will be a four. Tada said that the four-cylinder version will be lighter. Which means "much better weight distribution," with accompanying sharper turn-in. He also confirmed that it will be cheaper than the six.

The document pegs power for the new engines at 265 hp for the four and 340 for the six. It also gives the code B48B20 for the four and B58B30 for the six. Those are BMW's engine codes for its new family of engines. the B48 is a turbocharged four-cylinder found in various BMW group models ranging from the Mini to the 7, and the B58 is a related six-cylinder that is nearly as widespread. It should be noted, though, that the power levels have not been confirmed, just the presence of both the four and the six in the upcoming car.

Later that same day, Toyota held a special invite-only gathering for owners and super Supra-fans where all four current generations of the Supra were gathered together along with the prototype.

A total of 50 Supras were invited, including one of just two first-generation Celica Supras known to exist in the UK. Tada spoke with eager fans while browsing through the cars.

We're hoping that this is the last tease of the Supra and that we'll finally see the car fully revealed soon. Toyota expects the new Supra to come to market in the first half of next year.

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