sfrider 

Also, looks like Toyota more importantly borrowed the BMW multi-link suspension system - so why not use their perfectly fine engine as well. As opposed to every other Toyota/Lexus out there with Macpherson struts and a low-compression ratio engine. You get ride comfort or performance, but not both since any travel significantly alters the steering geometry, and once the suspension is worn and travel increased performs very erratically on bumpy roads or in tight corners. Especially under braking, like how most people approach freeway off-ramp donuts - brake dragging. Loads the front. If the suspension is worn nose dives, and the resulting steering geometry makes the car want to change direction. You compensate, which shifts the weight, which again changes the direction. So the car under suspension load goes any which way except where you want to. With multi-link all you get is the wallowing, but handling remains solid and steering predictable, even under hard enough braking to trigger the ABS. Mcpherson struts are fine if travel is very limited and a hard ride acceptable, but not exactly a daily driver for most of us. So, basically, the partnership is a way for Toyota to step up its game a little.