Photo: Lexus
As is the case with most British reports that revolve around upcoming supercars, you might want to take the following with a pinch of salt. Make that an entire salt shaker, since there is absolutely no proof supporting this claim.
In short, Auto Express reports that BMW is in cahoots with Lexus, concerning a joint supercar project that will best the Audi R8. Allegedly, a source linked to Lexus has spilled the beans about a mind-engine all-wheel-drive prototype that has been already built in secrecy.
The same source mentioned that BMW and Lexus will each sell their own version of the supercar, which will be based on an aluminum space frame and carbon fiber tub, with electric motors powering the front axle and an internal combustion engine sending power to the rear. Not only that, but two distinct powerplants are being developed.
BMW's version is apparently set to use a twin-turbocharged, inline-six cylinder engine with plug-in hybrid technology borrowed from Toyota, while on Lexus' side it is reported that a detuned version of the 3.7-liter V8 in the Toyota TS040 Le Mans monster is being considered.
“While 1,000bhp is possible, fuel consumption, emissions and engine tolerances will see a more realistic figure of 800bhp targeted,” the mysterious source told Auto Express.
According to the British publication, it was BMW who went to Lexus for help in developing the new sports car as “it was impressed with its work on the flagship LFA during the financial crisis of 2008.” That is about as plausible as the existence of BigFoot, but we're only reporting here.
Apparently, both the BMW and the Lexus supercars will arrive by 2020, and will be priced from around 160,000 sterling pounds (approx. $244,000). Since these are the only major details available as of now, we're not really holding our breath, and probably neither should you.
The same source mentioned that BMW and Lexus will each sell their own version of the supercar, which will be based on an aluminum space frame and carbon fiber tub, with electric motors powering the front axle and an internal combustion engine sending power to the rear. Not only that, but two distinct powerplants are being developed.
BMW's version is apparently set to use a twin-turbocharged, inline-six cylinder engine with plug-in hybrid technology borrowed from Toyota, while on Lexus' side it is reported that a detuned version of the 3.7-liter V8 in the Toyota TS040 Le Mans monster is being considered.
“While 1,000bhp is possible, fuel consumption, emissions and engine tolerances will see a more realistic figure of 800bhp targeted,” the mysterious source told Auto Express.
According to the British publication, it was BMW who went to Lexus for help in developing the new sports car as “it was impressed with its work on the flagship LFA during the financial crisis of 2008.” That is about as plausible as the existence of BigFoot, but we're only reporting here.
Apparently, both the BMW and the Lexus supercars will arrive by 2020, and will be priced from around 160,000 sterling pounds (approx. $244,000). Since these are the only major details available as of now, we're not really holding our breath, and probably neither should you.
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