A few powertrain details have been leaked about one of the most highly anticipated future cars: The joint hybrid sports car project from BMW and Toyota.
The car, which was announced two years ago and is being jointly developed by BMW and Toyota, will be the successor to the Z4 roadster and is said to revive the legendary Supra name. A report from Australia’s Motoring says the car will be a hybrid powered by BMW’s turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine. The report references a Japanese auto magazine that quotes an unnamed Toyota insider.
Toyota will join in by developing new, cutting-edge hybrid technology, the report says. BMW is also said to be supplying the transmission and will apply its new expertise in using carbon fiber reinforced plastic (as used in the i8 and i3 plug-in hybrids).
Both cars were originally rumored to be rear-wheel drive, but some reports now say that all-wheel drive is being considered. It is becoming increasingly common to have electric motors at all four wheels to enhance performance.
Both cars are expected within three years. The Supra replacement is said to be based on the well-received and stunning FT-1 that was unveiled at the Detroit auto show earlier this year.
