There have been videos and still pictures of the new Toyota Supra online, but here are the latest of the BMW Z5, which shares its platform with the Supra under a 2012 agreement between the two carmakers to share technology.
The main picture above is from the BMW fanclub, BimmerPost. Both cars have been pictured time and again on the Nurburgring circuit. The Z5 will replace the old Z4 in BMW’s line-up, taking on the Porsche 718 Boxster.
The familiar set-back cabin, tidy rear-end and long bonnet remain on the new model, although heavy camouflage means closer details are harder to spot. The kidney grille looks to be larger than ever, although the masking means it’s very hard to tell exactly how it will look.
BMW has ditched the Z4’s heavy metal folding roof for a lighter, more traditional fabric hood. This could mean it is being aimed more towards the Porsche Boxster and away from softer, more refined cars like the Mercedes-Benz SLC. The soft-top will gain a rear window for production.
It has been reported that the Z5 will use the same lightweight body construction as the i3 and i8. The Toyota version has potential to receive a plug-in hybrid model, with electric motors boosting output instead of a turbocharger.
BMW is expected to stick to its tried-and-tested ‘Twinpower’ forced induction, but there’s potential for future crossover. Perhaps even a turbocharged three-cylinder, borrowed from the new 3-Series. And don’t be surprised if BMW’s M-Division gets involved later on for an M version of the Z5.