Toyota Supra :: all-paw hybrid powetrain tipped for next-gen sports car
The next-generation Toyota Supra is tipped to combine a BMW platform with an all-wheel-drive hybrid powertrain and the Japanese car maker’s first dual-clutch transmission, according to the latest reports.
UK publication Auto Express reports the reimagined Toyota Supra sports car will share much in common with the next-generation BMW Z4, including the use of technologies signed into in July 2012 as part of a memorandum of understanding.
Not expected to launch before 2017, the new Supra and Z4 will reportedly feature the use of similar lightweight materials, such as aluminium and carbonfibre used in BMW's i3 and i8 plug-in models, along with turbocharged direct-injection four-cylinder engines.
The report suggests, however, that while its German counterpart will remain rear-drive, the Toyota – albeit taking styling inspiration from the rear-wheel-drive FT-1 concept revealed earlier this year – will incorporate electric technology to power all for wheels.
Said to comprise two front axle electric motors and a rear axle-mounted 'e-motor', the package would be an advancement of technology previewed to a degree by Toyota’s TS040 Hybrid Le Mans prototype and 313kW Yaris Hybrid-R concept.
The goal of the hybrid powertrain will be to boost power and aid fuel efficiency, while also benefitting dynamic attributes such as handling and vehicle balance.
Further, according to the report, the system will be paired to Toyota’s first-ever dual-clutch automatic transmission.
At its peak back in the mid 1990s, the last Toyota Supra (pictured above) used a 239kW/427Nm twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder engine to power its rear wheels and claim a 0-100km/h time around the 5.0-second mark.
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