Toyota’s partnership with BMW is widely known, as we all bite our nails and impatiently wait to see the next Supra in production form. But, what’s more important here is that the new Supra is being built in partnership with BMW BMW and could find itself powered by one of BMW’s four- or six-cylinder gasoline engines. So, what the hell does that have to do with the Toyota Corolla? Well, it might have a whole lot to do with it as recent rumors have indicated that the partnership between BMW and Toyota could expand even further to bring some Bimmer DNA into the Corolla’s genetic profile.
For now, we know that the next-generation Corolla is going to be built upon Toyota’s new global architecture known as TNGA, but we don’t know much more about it. It’s been assumed that Toyota’s turbocharged 1.2-liter, the 1.5-liter (hybrid and non), and the 1.8-liter would carry over with updates to decrease emissions and improve performance. The new architecture will also make the car lighter and could lead to it adopting a longer wheelbase. These recent rumors about BMW and Toyota, however, point to the possibility that the higher trim levels, or at least the range-topping model, could find itself powered by a BMW engine.
The biggest questions right now is whether or not there is any truth to the rumors, and if so, what BMW engines will be available in the next-gen Corolla? Some are saying that Bimmer’s turbocharged 2.0-liter is the ideal candidate, but considering the Corolla is expected to grow a bit, it could very well be offered with the 3.0-liter inline-six found in the current BMW 340i Sedan if the conditions are right. As far as the 2.0-liter goes, that engine could be offered in the Corolla with anywhere between 180 horsepower and 248 horsepower. If the 3.0-liter does show itself as an available option for the next-gen sedan, it could offer up to 320 ponies, but the Corolla would also have to be offered as rear-wheel drive, so it’s quite a reach.
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