Automotive alliances and partnerships can lead to exciting new possibilities for both manufacturers and car enthusiasts alike. Think: BMW Z4 and Toyota Supra, Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86, or even the famous Toyota and Aston Martin collaboration that led to the Scion IQ and Aston Martin Cygnet.
One such alliance making waves recently is between Mazda and Toyota, specifically regarding the development of future sports cars. Not only might this collaboration have implications for the next-generation Toyota Supra, but possibly for future Lexus coupes as well.
The Lexus LC and RC models have stood as two of the most iconic sports coupes in the brand’s history, blending performance, luxury, and stunning design. As the RC ends production this year and the LC is also growing long in the tooth, there has been speculation about what could be next for these models — or a Lexus coupe of any sort. New information from Best Car Japan has shed new light on this and believes that Lexus may potentially leverage Mazda for a new coupe.
The Toyota-Mazda Collaboration
Mazda and Toyota are no strangers to working together. In fact, the two manufacturers have already collaborated on a number of projects, including jointly developing compact and subcompact vehicles for global markets. The latest news suggests that the Toyota-Mazda partnership could be ramping up even further, especially with performance vehicles.
Mazda is rumored to be working on a brand-new straight-six cylinder engine that could become the heart of a new rear-wheel drive sports car. This sports car could share a platform with the next-generation Toyota Supra, marking a significant departure from the current Supra’s roots as a co-developed project with BMW.
And Then There Were Three: A Lexus Coupe Too?
If Mazda and Toyota jointly develop a new straight-six cylinder engine and rear-wheel drive coupe, it’s possible that Lexus might also benefit from the partnership. In Toyota’s “Zupra” collaboration with BMW, it was rumored that Lexus could not receive a variant of the Z4/Supra as Lexus and BMW are much closer competitors than Toyota and BMW. A Mazda-derived sports coupe would create a logical case for a Lexus version to sit atop the family tree.
As the RC and LC reach the end of their lifecycles, a new coupe would certainly be exciting for Lexus enthusiasts and dealers alike. In theory, this Lexus coupe could be a fusion of Mazda’s lightweight engineering and Toyota’s refinement, all wrapped in a luxurious and performance-oriented Lexus package. This would give Lexus a potent challenger to rivals in the luxury coupe segment, all while leveraging the best aspects of its partnership with Mazda.
While Mazda’s influence would undoubtedly be significant, Best Car expects that the Lexus coupe would retain its own identity through design, luxury trimmings, driving characteristics, and feature content. The brand’s commitment to craftsmanship and attention to detail will ensure that this new vehicle feels every bit like a Lexus and unique from the Toyota or Mazda variants.
Conclusion
The growing collaboration between Mazda and Toyota has the potential to reshape the future of Japanese sports cars, and Lexus stands to benefit immensely. If Best Car’s speculation is true and Mazda is indeed working on a new straight-six, rear-wheel drive sports car to be shared with Toyota and Lexus, it could provide the perfect foundation for a new generation of Lexus coupes.
Source: BestCar
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