Future Of BMW Z4 And Toyota Supra Uncertain Beyond 2026

Speculation circulated earlier this year that BMW intends to discontinue production of the Z4 after the current generation hits its end of life. Automobilwoche reports that BMW plans to discontinue the Z4 and the Toyota Supra in 2026, suggesting that the vehicles have a predetermined end date.

The story first went unnoticed because it focused on problems at Magna Steyr, an Austrian automaker that produces both sports vehicles. Several models, including the BMW 5-Series, Jaguar E-Pace and I-Pace, and Fisker Ocean, have already concluded or will soon conclude production, prompting the company to announce the layoff of 500 employees at its Graz site.

"Nothing to announce at this time" was the response Auto News received when it queried Toyota regarding the Supra's future. "We partnered with BMW, and it's been successful," said Dave Christ, a vice president of Toyota Motor North America, when asked for clarification. So, "we're evaluating what's next," he continued. "I think if we want to build something, we'll figure out how to build it," Christ added, leaving room for interpretation in the vague statement.

Although it would be difficult to explain, this implies that Toyota may go it alone on a future Supra. Sales of 6,830 Supras in the US in 2021 were considered low at best. This figure plummeted to 4,952 units in 2022 and an appalling 2,652 units in the previous year. Additionally, the production of the next generation of the BMW Z4 and the Rolls-Royce Ghost is reportedly on hold.

With just 484 units sold through March, it seems that we may anticipate another decline this year in terms of first quarter sales. If the current trend continues, the company's sales for the year might fall short of 2,000. For reference, Toyota sold 2,041 GR86s in the first quarter, with 1,364 of those units going out in March alone.