After months of speculation, Austrian car manufacturer Magna Steyr has confirmed that it has received a contract from BMW to build the German automaker’s new Z4 sports car. The announcement puts a lid on long-standing rumors regarding where the Z4 is going to be produced. While not confirmed, Magna Steyr’s announcement could also mean that the new Toyota Supra will also be manufactured in the same facility, owing to the underpinnings and parts that the two sports coupes share with one another.
One Step Closer to the BMW Z4's Debut
It’s not exactly the development we’re looking for, but we’ll take it because, at this point, any “new” news on either BMW Z4 and the Toyota Supra has become a cause for celebration. Now we know that the BMW Z4 is going to be manufactured by Magna in Graz, Austria. It’s not really an earth-shattering development because this rumor has been floating around for months now. On top of that, BMW and Magna Steyr have a long history that goes all the way back to the early 2000s when Magna had a hand in the BMW X3's production. Since then, the relationship between the two companies has grown to the point that the new BMW 5 Series entered production on one of Magna Steyr’s facilities last year. It’s no surprise, then, that BMW is tapping its old buddy to build what is arguably becoming one of the most highly anticipated BMW models in recent years.
“Our expertise in complete vehicle engineering and production makes us unique and the ideal partner for the industry,” Günther Apfalter, President of Magna Europe and Magna Steyr, said in a statement. “We are very pleased that we can further strengthen our relationship with the BMW Group and continue to solidify our overall position in the industry with a new business like this.”
No specific details were revealed about the manufacturing of the sports car, or that if it’s going to be the only sports car that Magna will build once production starts. The other car in this equation is the Toyota Supra, a model that shares plenty of its bits with the BMW Z4. Given the fact that both models are expected to built in limited quantities owing to their niche status, there’s reason to suggest that the Z4 won’t be the only sports car that Magna Steyr will be building soon. The Toyota Supra could also be built in Austria, though we can’t know for sure until the Japanese auto giant confirms it.
Whatever happens on that front, it’s a relief that we finally know where the upcoming BMW Z4 is going to be built. There’s no telling what kind of timetable BMW has set on Magna Steyr to build this model, but separate rumors have suggested that the Z4 is already scheduled to make its debut later this year. If that ends up being the case, Magna Steyr might need to start getting to work.
Further Reading
2020 BMW Z4
Read our full speculative review of the 2020 BMW Z4
BMW Z4 Concept
Read our review on the BMW Z4 Concept.
2015 BMW Z4
Read our driven review on the current BMW Z4.