The A90 Controversy: BMW Powered or True Toyota Successor?
As a life-long JDM enthusiast and virtual racer, I was instantly intrigued when Toyota debuted its stunning next-gen Supra under the familiar "A90" moniker. But controversy erupted in the tuner community – was this actually a Toyota or BMW-powered imposter? After taking the new A90 for a real-world and virtual test drive, I‘m here to analyze its BMW genes versus Toyota tuning. Read on to go inside this factories-colliding powerhouse!
The Heart of a BMW Beast
Let‘s get this key fact out of the way – the mk5 Supra shares its entire platform and drivetrain with the BMW Z4 roadster. Rather than fully in-house development, Toyota partnered with BMW on engineering. Production occurs alongside the Z4 at Magna Steyr‘s factory in Graz, Austria.
The key common component is BMW‘s twin-scroll turbocharged B58 3.0L inline 6 cylinder engine, one of the most acclaimed powerplants on the market today. Output in the Supra is 335 hp and 365 lb-ft torque. While that lacks the monster 2JZ Supras of Fast & Furious fame, the mk5 respectably carries the torch in today‘s environment.
But doesn‘t sourcing this BMW heart taint the Supra bloodline for purists? Toyota claims its engineers redesigned over 2000 components and tuning for a signature Japanese driving feel. This included custom ECU mapping to alter the powerband – maximum torque hits way lower in the rev range than BMW applications. So there‘s more punch right off idle for drifting antics!
Toyota also reworked the suspension, steering, sound insulation and more. Test drivers report tighter handling with fiercer acceleration than even the range-topping BMW Z4 M40i. So Toyota made this Bavarian beast its own creation – on the road at least!
Why Outsource Development to Germany?
In today‘s climate, low volume sports cars struggle to justify research budgets. Shared engineering with BMW gave Toyota access to cutting-edge hardware they likely couldn‘t have developed alone. Rumor is a smaller tie-up had been planned, but BMW‘s offer ultimately swayed Toyota.
Plus, pairing with Germany‘s ultimate driving machine ups credibility for performance adherents. The mk4 Supra icon was tarnished by "fast and furious" ricers, so the controversial BMW deal helps wipe the slate clean. Now Toyota can draw technophiles into their showrooms and change outdated perceptions of the brand.
Virtual Reality Check: Assetto Corsa Supra Review!
Assetto Corsa remains the pinnacle of realistic racing simulations to virtually test exotic cars. The mod community rapidly created multiple A90 variants – so how does it stack up?
First off, the interior details are stunning with fully functional Toyota gauges. Graphically it‘s almost indistinguishable from real track footage.
The turbo 6 acceleration out of corners feels razor sharp, with that instant boost punch I mentioned. Gear changes clunk heavily in manual mode matching real-world test drive reviews. At speed the lowered suspension lends go kart reflexes but generates understeer when pushed beyond 10/10ths aggression.
So the controversial BMW powerplant proves its potency for virtual drifting missiles! But car control requires precise technique – no easy feats here like old school non-assisted Supras!
Aftermarket Tuner Potential?
The previous 2JZ motor went down in history for quadruple digit horsepower dyno pulls achieved by home tuners with just bolted mods.
This BMW B58 likely won‘t approach such cult status, given its high-tech complexity including direct injection. But early tuners like HKS report 380 hp / 427 torque gains with plug-in piggybacks.
Expect turbo and intake upgrades soon that could reasonably take the B58 into 500+ horsepower realm without cracking the engine open! Imagine the drifting smoke shows then!
While the A90 lacks the easy nuclear bomb power potential of older tuner poster child Supras, it introduces cutting-edge performance to a new generation. Don‘t sleep on these BMW-powered icons – their evolution will be fascinating for us tuning fanatics!
Is This Really a "Supra" or BMW Imposter?
There‘s no denying the DNA dash introduced controversy amongst old school enthusiasts. But as both a virtual and real driver, I truly believe Toyota retuned the Z4 foundations into a uniquely precise Japanese weapon.
The interior smells of fine Toyota leather rather than German tech. On the street there‘s a rawness and torque immediacy I haven‘t found in any BMW. This inline 6 wails a battle cry uniquely its own.
Most importantly – the heritage is undeniable each time I hammer the throttle, kick the tail out and imagine drifting Fuji Speedway!
Despite its controversial German genes and Austrian birth certificate, the emotion and adrenaline live up to everything Supra represents. For a new generation gearhead like myself, I proudly crown the A90 as the 21st century Samurai warrior! This machine upholds a legendary bloodline – controversy be damned!
Let me know your take – blasphemous Bimmer or battle-born Toyota Samurai? Feel free to reach out or comment below!
