[TheLex]

BMW is teaming up with Lexus to try and create a car that will outperform Audi's R8. This was idea could have been concocted in reaction to Audi's comment that BMW doesn't have a supercar model for sale. A prototype has already been built but there doesn't seem to be anything more concrete beyond that. It is speculated by motoring.com that the supercar should be out in time for the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2020.

Motoring did a good job with the concept rendering and you can see the distinctly Lexus grille.

 

[mister]

This render is really good, but does it have anything to do with something concrete, or is this just some really good imagination at work?

I have commented before on how the grille should be all crosshatch, but this shows how the straight lines and crosshatch can be mixed which is cool.

 

[David]

Do you think or know if they would still go with a V10? I know BMW had some history with a V10 power plant but that didn't last too long.

 

[mister]

Article says they are gonna use a V8. Its all rumor at the moment though, so anything is possible.

 

[David]

Article says they are gonna use a V8. Its all rumor at the moment though, so anything is possible.

Yeah that's what I was thinking, yet to be confirmed so who knows what actually is going to happen.

Could even be some boosted 6 cylinder engine for all we know.

 

[mister]

If I were a betting man, I wouldn't put money on a V10 engine. I just don't see them around really, which makes me feel like it's unlikely.

 

[David]

Came across some convincing articles today on the potential power plant which is exactly what the one here talked about, the V8, which makes the most sense. Lexus has worked with V8's and in volume for years, they've perfected it and what better to use in a supercar than all that R&D put into V8 programs.

Now they just need to get Yamaha to design the exhaust

 

[mister]

No chance of a hybrid? Many supercars are doing hybrid power trains these days. BMW could definitely contribute to that aspect of the project.

 

[Kennedy]

Always a chance for hybrid, probably part of what they've factored into the development of this thing which makes sense when you look at the possible life cycle of it and what else is going to be available around then.

 

[mister]

If its a hybrid it would compete against the NSX. Right now that is the only car in that specific niche. So others are probably looking to make sure there is competition.

 

[Kennedy]

If its a hybrid it would compete against the NSX. Right now that is the only car in that specific niche. So others are probably looking to make sure there is competition.

Not just the NSX but just about anything else with similar power to weight, and overall performance... and of course within the same segment, although venturing out to segments just above and below is also done.

 

[mister]

What would be the segment just below?

 

[Kennedy]

Actually come to think about it, it seems this could compete with the NSX and anything else in its segment.

 

[mister]

Mostly I think it just depends on where they are aiming to place it pricewise.

 

[TheLex]

Most likely around the 100-130k area if they decide to make a hybrid because the BMW i8 was going for $137,495.

 

[Kennedy]

Most likely around the 100-130k area if they decide to make a hybrid because the BMW i8 was going for $137,495.

That's a good guess from what i'm assuming it will be priced at since its destined to be a volume product but also one that deserves the status established in this thread.

 

[TheLex]

I hope it comes out under the Lexus moniker because they are number 1 in customer service which makes their brand and products more appealing.

 

[mister]

I would expect it to be just a little bit under the i8 price. Lexus usually prices a bit under BMW. Although this is being worked on with BMW so maybe that won't matter so much.

 

[TheLex]

Maybe around the lower end of my estimation if they are trying to compete with the Audi R8 which is going for $117,150.

 

[Kennedy]

That's what I was thinking, something around the $100k range for the Lexus, which to me seems like the right entry point.

With more info coming out we should see this speculation be confirmed.