Next Generation Toyota Corolla To Be Powered By A BMW Engine?

If mankind has learnt anything at all in 2016, it is not to count something or someone out until the final bell is rung or the big, red curtain draws to a close.

With stunning, world-changing upsets and both the U.K. Brexit vote and the U.S Presidential race, if the year 2016 is anything to go by, is that there no such thing as impossible or too ambitious. And, that all news, however, likely or otherwise should be approached with equal amounts light-hearted curiosity and composed enthusiasm.

So, why not a Toyota Corolla Altis that is powered by a BMW engine?

As we celebrate this season of joy and giving, this is our inquisitive take surrounding the hushed, yet intensely followed co-operation between two of motoring biggest and most illustrious names.

It would appear that the partnership between BMW and Toyota is set to yield a little bit more than just the next-gen BMW Z4 and Toyota Supra sports cars, which are to be built on the same platform.

According to a report by Indian Autos Blog, new rumours have surfaced that the next generation Toyota Corolla may include a BMW-sourced powertrain in its line-up alongside Toyota's own stable of engines consisting of 1.5 and 1.8-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinders, a 1.5-hybrid power unit or a 1.2-litre turbocharged mill. The next-gen Toyota Corolla is based on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), which currently underpins the Prius hybrid model.

It is not known which BMW engine is being offered on the table, but it has to be one of the 1.5-litre 3-cylinder or 2.0-litre 4-cylinder members of BMW's new modular engine family that is suited for transverse installation as well. The engine would likely power the new Corolla in its most upmarket spec, or might be a diesel mill for the European market.

This put aside the obvious development costs or the economic feasibility of the exercise itself, which is all hearsay at this juncture since there has been no official word from either party.

A Toyota Corolla Altis with BMW power, perhaps at the cost of sure-fire Japanese reliability? Almost as improbable as a businessman and developer becoming the President of the United States, yes.