Surprising cars with BMW Engines: discover the hidden borrowers

Car enthusiasts often associate a brand with a distinct engine character. The rumble of a muscle car's V8 or the high-pitched wail of a Japanese sports car are signature sounds. But what if we told you some beloved cars secretly sport engines from entirely different brands?

This surprising phenomenon, known as engine sharing, is more common than you might think. Here's why it happens and some surprising examples:

Why Do Car Companies Share Engines?

Car manufacturers share engines for several reasons:

• Cost-Effectiveness: Developing engines is incredibly expensive. Sharing a reliable design saves money for both companies.
• Proven Technology: Borrowing a well-regarded engine provides a car with a strong reputation for performance or efficiency.
• Variety of Options: A company might lack an engine for a specific niche. Partnering with another manufacturer fills that gap.

Examples of Unexpected Engine Swaps:

Toyota Supra and BMW Z4:  The iconic Toyota Supra made a triumphant return in 2019, but under the hood lies a BMW-sourced turbocharged inline-six engine. This partnership provided the Supra with modern power while retaining its legendary handling.

Aston Martin Vantage and Mercedes-AMG:  This British luxury grand tourer offers an optional Mercedes-AMG V8 engine. The extra muscle gives the Vantage even more thrilling performance.

Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86: These sporty twins are nearly identical, but the Subaru BRZ uses a Toyota-developed four-cylinder engine. This collaboration provides both cars with a perfect balance of power and handling for enthusiast drivers.

Suzuki Swift - Fiat:   The energetic Suzuki Swift is known for its peppy performance. But under the hood of some models lies a 1.3-liter turbodiesel engine developed by Fiat, known for their fuel-efficient mills.

Lotus Evora - Toyota:   The lightweight Lotus Evora throws away expectations with a powerful Toyota-sourced V6 engine. This collaboration offers thrilling performance without sacrificing Lotus' famed handling.

Benefits for Consumers:

Engine sharing can offer advantages to car buyers as well:

• Greater Choice: You might find the perfect car with the features you desire, even if it has a surprising engine origin.
• Proven Reliability: Borrowed engines often have a history of reliability, giving you peace of mind.
• Competitive Pricing: Sharing engines can help manufacturers keep costs down, potentially leading to a more affordable car for you.

Next Time You Pop the Hood, Look Twice!

Engine sharing is a growing trend in the auto industry. So next time you're admiring a car, take a peek under the hood. You might be surprised by the brand hiding beneath the sheet metal!

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