The E85 BMW Z4 was available in both coupe and convertible versions, and the same applied to the E89 generation, but with the current G29 variant, BMW has only made the Z4 available with a convertible soft-top. Whether that's because BMW figured the Z4 occupies too small a niche to justify the additional development or because it made a deal with Toyota to stick with only a convertible in order not to cannibalize sales of the platform-sharing GR Supra, the world has been robbed of a potentially gorgeous coupe. But that has now been rectified. Sort of. Five weeks ago, Mario, who goes by @mysupraadventures on Instagram, began the seeming...
The E85 BMW Z4 was available in both coupe and convertible versions, and the same applied to the E89 generation, but with the current G29 variant, BMW has only made the Z4 available with a convertible soft-top. Whether that's because BMW figured the Z4 occupies too small a niche to justify the additional development or because it made a deal with Toyota to stick with only a convertible in order not to cannibalize sales of the platform-sharing GR Supra, the world has been robbed of a potentially gorgeous coupe. But that has now been rectified. Sort of. Five weeks ago, Mario, who goes by @mysupraadventures on Instagram, began the seemingly straightforward process of grafting a Z4 face onto the front end of a GR Supra, and the resulting "BMW Zupra" was unveiled yesterday at the SEMA show.
Grafting A Z4's Face Onto A Supra Is Not Easy
While the Supra and Z4 share a platform, their bodies are completely different, and although Mario used an OEM Z4 bumper (among some $12,000 worth of BMW parts), he quickly learned that it would not be a straight fit, even with the Z4's crash bar, ducting, and other front fascia parts on hand. He also fitted an OEM Z4 hood (and headlights), but this would require modification, too, with the Supra's front fenders proving troublesome. See, the Supra's hood takes up a large portion of the front fender area. The solution was to 3D scan the front of the car and extensively customize the hood and fenders, grafting elements of both cars into individual pieces.
The Z4 hood now forms part of the fenders, with a custom vent integrated to follow the lines of the Z4's lower fender vents, which now fit the doors properly. A little more custom work came in the form of a panel that deletes the Supra's fake side intake vents, along with a new diffuser element for the custom bumper, and EVS Tuning side skirts so that all the lines flow cohesively. A Seibon carbon fiber rear hatch was also sourced, painted, and fitted, and the double-bubble roof is made of the same stuff now, too, while a Meisterschaft SuperGT quad-exit exhaust system gives the B58 more breathing room and suits the aggressive new M-inspired look. Even the Supra taillights are aftermarket elements with laser-style DRLs like an M4 CSL. Finally, BBS LM-R wheels sit ahead of M-branded brake calipers. With this much work already done, it was only fitting to add some flair to the interior, too.
A Masterful Interior Mashup
Inside, the stock Supra already features plenty of BMW components, but Mario went a step further by fitting Recaro Art Edition seats (Recaros were optional equipment on some E-Series Bimmers), M side sill plates, and a custom G8X (M3/M4) LCI carbon fiber-adorned steering wheel. Under the hood, Aptus Works has provided a carbon fiber strut brace, and the B58's engine cover has also been adorned in the lightweight material, with billet Goldenwrench Blackline caps.
It all looks as good as OEM, and it gives us at least some idea of what might have been if BMW chose to build a contemporary Clownshoe. Perhaps, after all this effort, Mario will make a kit available to the public, but for now, we're just glad to see the world's only G29 Z4 coupe come to life.