BMW and Lexus working on a new supercar together
09:18
Lexus and BMW are working together on a new supercar to replace the $400,000 Lexus LFA and give BMW a model that can compete with the Audi R8 in price and performance. BMW is already working hand in hand with Toyota on a joint project that will provide the Japanese company with a new sports car slotted above its BRZ model and the German company a new Z4 model.
The new Lexus/BMW supercar is said to be an all wheel drive, mid-engine design that will feature a carbon fiber central tub and aluminum space frame construction. It may also feature a version of the hybrid powertrain used by Toyota in its TS040 Le Mans race car. That system uses an onboard battery, regenerative braking, and two electric motors – one in front and one in the rear. In race trim, the package produces about 1,000 horsepower.
As with the sports car collaboration, each company will power its version of the new car with its own engine. For BMW, that means a twin turbo 6 cylinder engine developed by the company’s M performance division. The Lexus will use a version of the 3.7 liter V8 from the Le Mans race car. In order to have realistic fuel economy and reliability in production trim, the powertrain will probably be de-tuned to produce a total of 800 horsepower.
BMW is said to be pleased with how well is sports car collaboration with Toyota has worked and is looking forward to extending that partnership. It is getting the benefit of Toyota’s extensive knowledge of hybrid powertrains and Toyota is getting the benefit of BMW extensive knowledge of carbon fiber construction techniques.
Insiders say both companies will need to price their cars at around $200,000 in order for them to be competitive in the marketplace. The target date for each is 2020, which for Toyota will be just in time to showcase its car at the Tokyo Olympic games that year.
