Toyota and BMW’s collaboration seems to be expanding in the near future. According to Japanese sources, the German carmaker could supply a new diesel engine for the next-generation Corolla sedan. Based on the brand’ TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture), the 2018 Toyota Corolla will have a slightly longer wheelbase and more spacious cabin than before. Though, the major change will come in the form of a BMW-sourced engine that is rumoured to be reserved for the top-spec model of the sedan.
Engine options for the 2018 Toyota Corolla will include – a 1.2-litre turbocharged, a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder, a 1.5-litre hybrid and a 1.8-litre VVT-i. Though there is clarity which engine will be sourced by the German carmaker, it could be the 1.5-litre, 3-cylider or 2.0-litre B48, 4-cylinder unit. The new Corolla won’t be the first Toyota product to get BMW diesel engine, the Verso MPV and new Avensis sedan have already been packed with BMW-derived powertrains. Read – Upcoming Toyota Cars in India
Besides this deal, BMW and Toyota are jointly working on the new Toyota Supra and BMW Z4 roadster. Both the vehicles will be based on an all-new chassis made up of lightweight materials such as carbon fiber and aluminium. This frame-based format will enable the carmakers to design entirely different bodies.
During an interview with Australian Magazine Motoring, a source close to the carmaker revealed, “The Toyota variant’s exterior styling was finalized in the third quarter of last year, but you’ll be surprised at how good it looks. The car does not look like a Toyota.”
The new Toyota Supra might debut in its concept avatar either at the 2017 Detroit Motor Show or at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2017. The global launch of both the cars is due for early 2018.
