This Is Not a Rebadged Z4
There seems to be a mistaken notion going around on the internet that the new Toyota Supra is nothing more than a rebadged BMW Z4. This video effectively debunks that idea and does so in an enjoyable manner. If you’re a fan of the automotive industry, I highly recommend you watch it.
I have a lot of respect for Toyota. They build top-notch products and have a relentless drive for higher quality. I used to work for CTS Automotive, a top tier component supplier that did a lot work with Toyota. Those guys from Toyota are obsessive about quality and they don’t hesitate to camp out in your manufacturing plant if they deem it necessary. Quality is not just a slogan with Toyota, it’s part of everything that they do. In fact, it's my exposure to the Toyota way of doing things that is partially why I find Tesla so abhorrent.
We supplied Toyota with an assembly that included a spring. Part of their mandate to us was that every spring had to be tested to ensure that the proper PSI spec was met. Every single one. We had to invent a machine that could be placed next to the manufacturing line that would test every spring prior to assembly. Yes, that inspection cost was included as part of the cost of the assembly but Toyota was willing to pay for it.
When I heard that Toyota was doing a joint project with BMW I was actually quite surprised. Toyota designs products with the intent of decreasing the opportunity for defects and longevity in mind. When I think of BMW these two things aren’t the first items that come to my mind when I think of their design ethos. In fact, Toyota refused to even consider BMWs famous N55 engine for their new Supra. Toyota took the engine apart and declared it to be below their standards for longevity.
So I find it highly implausible that Toyota would ever consider selling a rebadged BMW. After I watched the video above, it all made sense. They may have shared some design costs on the platform but the Supra will be all Toyota through-and-through. Because, frankly, Toyota doesn’t trust BMW.
We supplied Toyota with an assembly that included a spring. Part of their mandate to us was that every spring had to be tested to ensure that the proper PSI spec was met. Every single one. We had to invent a machine that could be placed next to the manufacturing line that would test every spring prior to assembly. Yes, that inspection cost was included as part of the cost of the assembly but Toyota was willing to pay for it.
When I heard that Toyota was doing a joint project with BMW I was actually quite surprised. Toyota designs products with the intent of decreasing the opportunity for defects and longevity in mind. When I think of BMW these two things aren’t the first items that come to my mind when I think of their design ethos. In fact, Toyota refused to even consider BMWs famous N55 engine for their new Supra. Toyota took the engine apart and declared it to be below their standards for longevity.
So I find it highly implausible that Toyota would ever consider selling a rebadged BMW. After I watched the video above, it all made sense. They may have shared some design costs on the platform but the Supra will be all Toyota through-and-through. Because, frankly, Toyota doesn’t trust BMW.
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