BMW, McLaren to Partner on Engine R&D Program

BMW AG and McLaren Automotive Ltd. are teaming up as part of a joint research program to develop advanced engine combustion technologies that both carmaker’s plan to use in future vehicles.

The goal of the partnership is to improve engine output while reducing carbon dioxide emissions. No other details were provided.

Half of the funding for the £28m ($35 million) program will come from the U.K.’s Advanced Propulsion Center. The other half will be split between industry and consulting partners:  BMW, McLaren, Grainger & Worrall, Lentus Composites, Ricardo and the University of Bath.

McLaren will lead the group, and it and BMW will contribute their engine expertise. Ricardo and the University of Bath will provide engineering and manufacturing knowhow, while Lentus will focus on composite structures. Grainger & Worrall specializes in lightweight casting.

BMW and McLaren hope to implement technologies developed under the partnership as early as 2020. But the companies say they will continue to develop and produce their own powerplants independently.