Since last year, we have been surprised with the collaboration taking place between Toyota Motor Corporation and the BMW Group, aimed in sharing technologies between the two major players in the automotive scene. Signing in the binding agreements, both BMW Chairman Norbert Reithofer and Toyota President Akio Toyoda believe that this partnership will bring benefit to both groups in producing better vehicles in the near future.
What will the two companies actually share between them? For starters, both of them will be looking in solutions for zero emission vehicles. This means that both BMW and Toyota will be sharing fuel cell technologies to develop a full-package fuel-cell system which includes not only the fuel cell stack and system, but also the hydrogen battery, motor and tank. They are also looking into developing an advanced version of the lithium-ion battery which could store a greater energy density than the existing models that we have today.
If those two does not interest you much, than these will probably do the job. The two automakers have agreed to initiate a study in developing a joint platform for a mid-sized sports car, and we would not have to wait long as it is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2013. And since sports car is in the picture, it is a must to include the lightweight technology as well in the deal. With the aim of reducing weight through the usage of materials like reinforced composites, these materials will also find its way into the aforementioned sports car, as well as other BMW and Toyota vehicles.
So will we be seeing a future Supra sharing the platform of an M6, like how the rumors were speculating on last year? Or will the Germans tinker with the 86, giving a more solid touch and feel of a continental car to it? We would just have to sit back and wait for the end of the year and hope that it will be something worth waiting for.
