A Toyota vehicle, probably the Auris, will sport a BMW diesel engine in 2014, as a result of the technology-sharing deal between the two carmakers. Under the deal, BMW will share its diesel technology in exchange for Toyota’s EV battery system. Toyota, however, is not allowed to employ BMW’s diesel engines in Lexus cars.
Diesel-powered Auris is expected to boost the car’s appeal, which still lags behind Ford’s Focus and VW’s Golf. The Auris is also expected to benefit from Toyota’s Global Vision 2020 plan, which prioritizes driving dynamics and fresh styling.
The plan also gives Toyota Motor Europe greater control over the development of the Auris, Avensis and Yaris models. First to benefit from the plan is the Yaris, which uses a design language featuring a so-called ‘keen look’ front end. [source: Autocar]
