RUMOR MILL: Lexus May Use BMW Inline 6 In Next Gen IS

Just as I said... cheaper to use BMW's than engineering one yourself

Just what every luxury car buyer wants.... Spare me.

In the US it would make sense to use their 3.5L Turbo V6 if they can fit it...in overseas markets with displacement based taxes using the 3.0L BMW engine may make sense.

I'd argue that's true for NA engine, since hp/torque of 3L engine is pretty limited. However once you go turbo, might as well stay with I6, which is smoother, less resistance, and fits 'luxury' brand better. Also, since wheelbase nowadays keeps getting longer, I6 can be placed behind front axle, so moment inertia is less impacted, and COG can be lowered.

Another important factor, at least for MFR, is that I6 has less components and therefore cheaper to build.

How does this even make sense considering the IS is a direct rival to the 3 Series?

For MFR, MONEY makes sense

For BMW and Lexus to share platforms would make a world of sense, but they would need separate styling languages and bespoke engines. Lexus vehicles should have Toyota engines and Toyota makes excellent engines.

Call me crazy but this type of sharing takes away from each company's brand identity and perceived value.

Toyota/Lexus reliability is legend & BMW's are horrific in comparison. Why is Toyota taking such detrimental shortcuts that can only harm the brand(s) reputation? They couldn't shoe horn in the 3.5L from the Camry/RX and slap a turbo(s) on it for a easy boost to 400-450HP.

Sorry but Toyota is way bigger with endless resources and ample talent not to take the easy way out and compromise brand integrity. This seems so bizarre and half assed.

Although BMW reliability is not as outstanding as Lexus, its engine is not that one to fault.

And Lexus techs will learn to repair something they do not normally see..engine gasket leakage.

I just a saw a youtube video reveaking the truth about the new Z4 and the new Supra..
The new platform(chassis) was jointly developed, the headline item that people talk about is the BMW B58 inline 6 engine. It;s a new engine developed by BMW, but in the course of its development, lots of parts were actauly modified or redesigned by Toyota for quality and relibility sake. Bascially the ter they used was Toyota standards. Engines components were constantyly sent from germany to Japan for testing, and feed back to BMW.. I would not be suprised if BMW have not earnt alot from Toyota in regards to making an engine even more reliable. Once the platform was designed, both teams separated into their own, BMW for Z4 and Toyota for Supra. BMW designing their Z4 and Toyota basing their supra on their FT-1 concept..
The next itme that most people talk about it certain BMW switch gears.. Well the transmission is from ZF, BMW use alot of ZF ( Im ot aware of BMW designing or using their own trasission systems). In fact the ZF transmission used in the BMW/Toyota are used in may other makers cars.. They called it an industry standard transmission system..
The final cars have their own characteristics and drives differently.. each with their good point..
The Z4 and Supra share certain DNA but are far apart unlike the BRZ/GT86 which are virtualy the same car and thus drives the same..