2018 Toyota Supra: more spy pics, more detail

MORE spy images of the 2017 Toyota Supra provide further evidence that the Toyota 86’s big brother will feature plenty of styling inspiration from the striking 2014 FT-1 concept.

Our photographer has captured the fifth-generation sports car with a slightly reduced amount of swirly camouflage – enough to reveal slim-line tail-lights, side mirrors and three large front air intakes.

The rear end appears to adopt the most cues from the Toyota FT-1, with those narrowed rear lamps, dual exhaust pipes, and especially the integrated ducktail spoiler. The overhang is notably longer than the show car’s without detracting from a compact and purposeful look.

Up front, the sloping bonnet has more in common with the last-generation, JZA80 Supra last produced in 2002.

The double-bubble roof and muscular rear haunches also inspired by the FT-1 remain features seen from previous shots.

The Supra’s design is set to look markedly different from the BMW Z4 replacement with which it shares its platform – beyond the expectation that the Toyota is tipped to be offered exclusively as a coupe, while the BMW-badged model likely to be called Z5 will continue as a roadster.

The Z5, however, will revert to a folding fabric roof to save weight after the latest Z4 opted for a retractable metal lid.

Potential powerplants for the Supra remain the subject of conjecture, though Toyota and BMW are both expected to use their own engines. An in-house Toyota six-cylinder of some form would be anticipated to link the Supra to its predecessors and also help to elevate it above the four-cylinder 86.

There’s also the potential – this being Toyota – for a hybrid system to be in the mix.

The Supra and Z5 will reportedly be manufactured by Austrian vehicle specialist Magna Steyr.

The Supra should make its first official appearance sometime in 2017 before it hits showrooms the following year.