Toyota BMW join forces
 

Toyota and BMW confirm alliance: diesels for Japan, hybrid tech for Germany | Car Advice | Reviews

Toyota passenger cars in Europe will be powered by BMW turbo diesel engines from 2014 after the Japanese and German car makers yesterday confirmed a new alliance recently rumoured.

The two manufacturers will also co-operate on the development of lithium-ion batteries for next-generation electric cars as part of what Toyota refers to as a “mid- to long-term research collaboration”.

The signed Memorandum of Understanding will see Toyota borrowing 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre turbo diesel engines from BMW, allowing it to address a key area of weakness in Europe market where diesel-powered passenger cars account for more than half the market.

“The engines will be installed in certain Toyota-produced vehicles planned for sale in the European market,” said Toyota in a statement. “Through this agreement, Toyota plans to expand its European lineup and sales of fuel-efficient, low CO2-emission diesel-powered vehicles.”

In return BMW will gain access to Toyota’s hybrid technology as it expands its offerings of low-emission vehicles.

BMW has petrol-electric 7-Series and X6 models in limited availability and launched the ActiveHybrid 5-Series at this week’s Tokyo motor show, while it will launch the hybrid i8 sports car and the i3 electric city car in 2013.

“As we see it, both companies set the benchmark in complementary fields,” said Ian Robertson, member of the board of management of BMW AG, sales and marketing.

“Toyota has a wealth of experience to offer when it comes to battery technology. And the BMW Group has long been at the forefront developing some of the most technologically advanced clean diesel engines available.”

Toyota president Akio Toyoda said it was “a great joy and thrill” to enter into the agreement with BMW.

“In the spirit of contributing to furthering the development of the auto industry and society, both companies will bring their wide-ranging knowledge—starting with that concerning environmental technologies—to the table and make ever-better cars.”

only one possible explanation between these former allies

http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/...-4_681576c.jpg

u mad?
http://www.cars-directory.net/pics/t...er_2847126.jpg

:accepted:

falcon failed me. inb4 he demands Poland

Great, more awesome vehicles we probably won't see in North America.

Why the fuck Toyota doesn't sell their diesel powered Tundra's or Tacoma's (Hilux) in North America I don't understand. They would destroy the domestic market and I personally would have bought one over my Ram.

...but where are the Italians??? FIAT need to get in this deal. :p

Diesel Tundra would be great here. Ford is killing it with their Ecoboost (3.5L twinturbo) F150. That shows the market is interested in alternatives to 5-6L V8s.

Another reason the Ecoboost is doing so well is it makes torque like a diesel. peak torque at 2500rpm vs 4500rpm for the V8. half tons are getting bigger and working guys (like me) dont need a 1ton sized truck so much anymore. Having good power in a half ton (which is basically a 3/4 ton from 5 years ago now anyway) is more practical, and $20g cheaper.

I would love a diesel tundra :fuckyea:

Diesel Hilux + Nunavut expedition?

Eco boost sucks.

Sure it looks great on paper, but in real life conditions? It gets its ass handed by the big ol' 5.4. More power, better response, better mileage.

Sure it makes more torque in 4th gear flooring it from idle, but it won't have much for partial throttle torque like the V8.

Plus it's going to sound like an import

Keep it simple, stupid. Smaller displacement engines with helpers doesn't work, at all. Just complicates things further.

It would just fall apart and require Tony to fix it again.