Skip advert
Advertisement

Lexus and BMW team up to create an Audi R8 crusher

Lexus and BMW have versions of the new 800bhp supercar due by 2020 at a £160k price point

BMW and Lexus rendering

BMW is teaming up with Lexus to develop a supercar that will outperform Audi’s R8, Auto Express has learned. 

A source close to Lexus says the companies have jointly built a mid-engined all-wheel-drive prototype, and our exclusive image shows how it could look. BMW and Lexus versions will be produced, and both will use an aluminium spaceframe and carbon fibre tub, with electric motors powering the front wheels and petrol feeding the rears.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Best supercars to buy now

Two power units are being developed. The power source for BMW’s supercar will be a bespoke M-developed straight-six twin turbo with plug-in hybrid tech courtesy of Toyota, while Lexus is thought to be testing a detuned version of the 513bhp 3.7-litre V8 from Toyota’s TS040 Le Mans race car. 

“While 1,000bhp is possible, fuel consumption, emissions and engine tolerances will see a more realistic figure of 800bhp targeted,” our source said. 

BMW chose Lexus for help in developing a new supercar as it was impressed with its work on the flagship LFA during the financial crisis of 2008. It was that economic meltdown that killed Honda’s V10 NSX, and forced Toyota to shelve several sporty models.

A limited run of only 500 LFAs finally landed in showrooms in 2010 with a sticker price in excess of £340,000. According to our source, the BMW and Lexus supercars will be on sale by 2020 priced from £160,000.

Do you like the idea of a Lexus/BMW supercar? Let us know in the comments below...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

New BMW i1 will cram big EV tech into a small package
BMW 1 Series render - front

New BMW i1 will cram big EV tech into a small package

The all-new BMW i1 will rival the all-electric Audi A3 and new Mercedes CLA when it arrives in 2027
News
28 Aug 2025
Best electric car deals: today's top discounts and incentives on new EVs
Best electric car deals - header image

Best electric car deals: today's top discounts and incentives on new EVs

Making the switch to an EV? These car brands have an offer (or two) for you
Best cars & vans
5 Aug 2025
New electric cars coming soon: the fresh EVs of 2025 and beyond
Electric cars coming soon - header image

New electric cars coming soon: the fresh EVs of 2025 and beyond

The EV market is growing faster than ever, and these are the incoming cars to keep an eye on
Best cars & vans
1 Aug 2025
Alpina is getting a new badge, and it’s good news for petrolheads
Alpina B3 Touring - full front

Alpina is getting a new badge, and it’s good news for petrolheads

Alpina's logo has gained a new, simpler look and a fresh colour scheme
News
28 Jul 2025

Most Popular

MG Cyber X will morph into a mini-Mercedes within two years
MG Cyber X design render - front

MG Cyber X will morph into a mini-Mercedes within two years

Boxy small SUV is gearing up for production, and our exclusive images show how the model might look
News
30 Aug 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Ford Puma Gen-E granted ultra-low £132 monthly lease
Ford Puma Gen-E - front action

Car Deal of the Day: Ford Puma Gen-E granted ultra-low £132 monthly lease

The EV grant has made the Ford Puma Gen-E a lot cheaper, and lease customers can cash-in with today’s Deal of the Day
News
29 Aug 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Racy and retro Renault 5 for only £188 a month
Renault 5 - front full width

Car Deal of the Day: Racy and retro Renault 5 for only £188 a month

The Renault 5 is taking the market by storm – and at this price it’s easy to see why. It’s our Deal of the Day for August 30
News
30 Aug 2025