---
title: "Internal BMW Document Seems to Confirm Automatic-Only Toyota Supra"
description: "Insert sad trombone sound effect here."
date: "2017-08-09"
modified: "2017-08-09"
authors:
  - name: "Kyle Cheromcha"
    job_title: "Editor-in-Chief"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/kyle-cheromcha"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/13347/internal-bmw-document-seems-to-confirm-automatic-only-toyota-supra"
categories:
  - "News"
  - "News by Brand"
  - "Toyota News"
tags:
  - "BMW Z4"
  - "Coupe"
  - "GR Supra"
  - "sports car"
  - "sports cars"
  - "Toyota"
  - "toyota supra"
  - "transmission"
---

# Internal BMW Document Seems to Confirm Automatic-Only Toyota Supra

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/images-by-url-td/content/2017/08/imagesvc-timeincapp.jpg>)
*\<em\>www.thedrive.com</em>*

As the 15-year wait for the next Toyota Supra draws to a close, the rumor mill surrounding the BMW-Toyota collaboration continues to churn. Unfortunately, the latest bit of news is sure to disappoint enthusiasts around the world: According to a BMW model code document obtained by [the *SupraMkV* forum,](<https://www.supramkv.com/threads/bmw-model-codes-include-supra-j29-with-auto-transmission-4-and-6-cylinder-engines.631/>) the new Toyota Supra will only be available with an automatic transmission.

This lines up with [a report we highlighted earlier this summer](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/11203/new-toyota-supra-could-be-an-automatic-only-hybrid>) on potential transmission choices, as well as the fact that every Toyota mule spotted so far has been equipped with the recognizable BMW-developed automatic gear shifter (presumably controlling the automaker's usual ZF eight-speed autobox). This is especially noteworthy given that spy photos have shown BMW Z4 test cars with a manual gearbox, something this document also seems to confirm for both the European and American markets. But for whatever reason, it looks like Toyota has opted against offering a row-your-own Supra on either continent.

It's not all bad news for fans of tradition, however. That same report from earlier this summer pointed to an AWD hybrid powertrain, but this list points to a simpler rear-wheel-drive setup with two turbocharged engine choices here in the U.S.: BMW's 2.0-liter B48 inline-four, good for around 248 horsepower in current applications, and the company's 3.0-liter B58 inline-six, putting out 335 horsepower in the BMW 540i.

Now, there are a couple of caveats here. The pre-production document is a few months old and doesn't necessarily reflect the final configurations that will be available when the BMW Z4/Toyota Supra twins are released, which is expected to happen next year. And none of this information has been confirmed by either BMW or Toyota, who have both been extremely tight-lipped throughout the development process. Hey, who knows—maybe Toyota has finally found the perfect candidate for its [newfangled automated manual transmission.](<https://www.thedrive.com/article/13305/toyota-patents-a-unique-automated-manual-transmission>)

The BMW Z4 is [expected to be revealed this month](<https://www.thedrive.com/article/12978/bmw-teases-a-new-roadster>) at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance (at least, in concept form), while the Toyota Supra should take a bow at the Tokyo Auto Show later this fall.

## Author
Overseeing an expert staff of writers and editors from his lair in Los Angeles, Kyle shapes The Drive’s singular approach to covering the automotive industry and car culture. He’s been with the site as a writer since 2017, taking over as editor in 2019. On a daily basis, Kyle is responsible for directing The Drive's editorial news and car review content strategies, setting special coverage priorities, managing complex reporting projects, and ensuring what you read on the page meets our high internal standards for quality and trustworthiness. He is also the executive producer of The Drive's YouTube channel, which was relaunched in February 2024 to great acclaim and has accumulated over 14M new views in its first year back on the scene. He hosts a biweekly series on the channel where he breaks down fascinating and complicated stories from the automotive world.

### Author social links  
[Bluesky](<https://bsky.app/profile/kylecheromcha.bsky.social>)  
[Instagram](<https://www.instagram.com/kylecheromcha>)  
[LinkedIn](<https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-cheromcha-1550248a/>)