Don't know if this is the most appropriate place to add it, but what the hell. I'm none to familiar with Oz's automotive journals/publications, so don't know how much creedence to give it. However, as far-fetched as it seems, it seems a bit more credible compared to BMW-McLaren as BMW and Toyota are in an alliance already. Nonetheless, takes this with multiple grains of salt, and , my goodness, is that rendering ugly...
https://lexusenthusiast.com/2015/09/21/lexus-bmw-working-on-1000-horsepower-lfa-successor/
http://www.motoring.com.au/news/2015/sports/lexus/lexus-and-bmw-collaborate-on-lfa-successor-53956
Lexus and BMW collaborate on LFA successor
Strange bedfellows are working together on a new supercar to wipe the smile off Audi's dial
BMW is teaming up with prestige brand – and nominal competitor – Lexus, to develop a new supercar that will outperform Audi's R8.
"BMW are getting trounced in the PR war of words in Germany with Audi coming straight out and saying that BMW does not have a supercar whereas Audi does," says a source close to Lexus.
BMW wants to change that, with Toyota's help.
Our source lets on that both companies have jointly built a prototype in a mid-engined layout with full-time AWD. In fact, in terms of powertrains, we are hearing that the next generation LFA will get a drivetrain system not unlike the new Honda NSX's, with electric motors driving the front wheels fitted inside an aluminium space frame and carbon-fibre bath-tub configuration.
And here's the highlight. From what our insider reveals, there are two power units currently under development. The power source for BMW's supercar will be a bespoke M-developed straight-six twin turbo with plug-in hybrid technology courtesy of Toyota.
Toyota is rumoured to be testing a detuned version of its Le Mans TS040 race car's 520hp (388kW) 3.7-litre V8 for the Lexus version of the supercar. And with the 480hp (358kW) produced by the front and rear motors, the total power output would reach the magic number of 1000hp (745kW).
Our insider says however that "while 1000hp is possible, fuel consumption, emissions concerns and engine tolerance figures will see a more realistic figure of 800hp (596kW) targeted."
BMW selected Lexus as the go-to guy in developing a new supercar, based on the company's work on the LFA in the period immediately following the Global Financial Crisis of 2008. It was that economic meltdown that killed Honda's V10-powered NSX, and even pushed Toyota to shelve several of its planned sportier models.
Seven years in development, the LFA survived those years of austerity, fast-tracked through the R&D process by Akio Toyoda who wanted a halo car for his luxury brand. A limited edition run of only 500 finally landed in showrooms in 2010 with a sticker price north of $400,000.
Since then Lexus has launched the V8 powered RC-F and will unveil the LC coupe next year. But while the LFA boasted a carbon fibre body and a 600hp V10 powerplant, its GT3 version was never able to achieve what the RC-F GT3 Farnbacher Racing machine managed at a recent Nurburgring VLN 4-hour endurance race – pole position. It was the first time that a Japanese car had ever secured pole at the storied track.
Now, with a taste for winning – or starting from pole at least – Lexus has a reason to go one better. That's the driving force behind Lexus cosying up together with BMW.
Our insider tells us that executives at BMW's HQs in Munich are more than happy with the progress being made in the 'Silk Road' joint venture that will result in
successors to the BMW Z4 and Toyota Supra.
This supercar collaboration leaves just one factor that Toyota and BMW must clear to create a viable rival to the Audi R8 – cost. Unlike the LFA, a successor and BMW sister car would need to land in showrooms for no more than $220,000.
According to our source, these supercars would arrive just in time for the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2020. Very symbolic.
Rendering: Holiday Auto magazine
