Turbo'd fours and sixes could power future BMW M machines
With new Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards looming on the horizon, automakers are in the process of developing engines that strike a balance between ultra-efficiency and high-performance. Aware of the challenges ahead, BMW has begun development of the next generation 3 Series and 1 Series, both due for a redesign in 2013, and according to Ludwig Willisch, BMW's M division CEO, new turbocharged engines are on the horizon for the next M3 and 1 Series M (not, we repeat not, to be dubbed the M1).
A turbo'd six-cylinder will likely replace the 4.0-liter V8 currently fitted to the M3, although BMW hasn't decided if it will use a straight-six or a V6 powerplant. Willisch told Motor Trend that the new engine won't be based on the current 3.0-liter inline six currently employed on the 335i and 135i, and it's still too early in the development process to say which configuration will be used. BMW recognizes the inline-six's light weight is a plus, but packaging constraints may required the use of a V6. Either way, the next M3 will be wider, but Willisch insists, "Engines don't need to be more powerful for the next car. As long as you have lighter weight, you have better performance." Although the idea of a V6-powered Bimmer will surely send the marque's faithful into bouts of rage, weight reduction is the future, and to us, it's music to our ears.
As for the 1 series, there won't be an M version per se, but BMW's in-house tuning division wants to recapture the magic of the original E30 M3 by developing a smaller, lighter coupe to slot in below the next M3. As reported previously, a twin-turbocharged four-cylinder will likely power the new coupe, and according to Willisch, the automaker is aiming for something that puts out around 300 hp and weighs around 2,860 pounds (think RWD VW GTI).
Traditionally, the M variants arrive about a year after the new models are introduced, so expect the next M3 and 1 Series M to debut sometime in 2014.
[Source: Motor Trend]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Mazda FTW! 10:07AM (3/19/2009)
"recapture the magic of the original E30 M3 by developing a smaller, lighter coupe to slot in below the next M3. As reported previously, a twin-turbocharged four-cylinder will likely power the new coupe, and according to Willisch, the automaker is aiming for something that puts out around 300 hp and weighs around 2,860 pounds (think RWD VW GTI)."
I normally don't have much regard for BMW products, but I'm gonna keep an eye open for this one!
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naggs 2:40AM (3/20/2009)
that would be about 500 lbs less than the GTI and 100 more hp
think porsche cayman s
Axis 10:10AM (3/19/2009)
Good good for turbo i6 and lightness, it's what the m3 used to be and should always be.
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chconline 11:31AM (3/19/2009)
There is no replacement for displacement... again, I'm all for lightweight cars, but big powerful naturally aspirated V8 and V10s would also have a place in my heart.
zamafir 12:03PM (3/19/2009)
"There is no replacement for displacement"
This is a German sports coupe NOT a muscle car. With smaller displacement cars like the TT-RS providing better acceleration and significant weight savings (500lbs) vs the current M3, it wouldn't hurt BMW to take a FI approach, provided they pair it with a return to light, driver focused cars - not the ugly gimmicky products which have lead to their largest profit decline on record.
d4rez 12:15PM (3/19/2009)
"There is no replacement for displacement"
Wasn't that just marketing spin designed to cover up the fact that big block V8's only kicked out 200 hp. Much as I love big engines, I'm sure that these turbocharged replacements will sound almost as good and pull just as well, the 335i does anyway.
Dondonel 12:56PM (3/19/2009)
@zamafir
Turbo boost acomplishes exactly the same think as more displacement, that is burning more mixture without increasing the rpm, it only does it in a less efficient manner.
GT-R engine produces (almost) 500 hp but weighs 50% more than LS7, ocupies far more space with all the piping, it is more expensive, and guess what? it consumes more fuel as well.
And please give me a break with TT RS performance, this sort of car looks good in photoshoots, but nobody will notice it at the track.
Matt 8:32PM (3/19/2009)
"There is no replacement for displacement."
Ha! My Ford Falcon XR6 Turbo is a 4L straight 6 and puts out 270kw & 530Nm, more than the 6L V8 in the Holden Commodore SS... as it uses less fuel.
naggs 2:44AM (3/20/2009)
the v8s and v10s are perfect in the m6 and hefty m3
a bmw without at least the option of a inline 6 would take some getting used to
Trent 10:14AM (3/19/2009)
I don't have a problem with any of those plans. As long as they keep the weight down, as they seem to be keen to do already, things should be good! and as long as they can match the salt-flats-flat torque curve of the 4.0L V8
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Alex 10:17AM (3/19/2009)
By future ///M machines you mean SUVs and CUVs, right?
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Rick C. 10:45AM (3/19/2009)
Hopefully they go away as a mistake of an era, like bell bottom pants, and never return.
Wayno-san 10:48AM (3/19/2009)
First I laugh, then I cry.
John 10:22AM (3/19/2009)
The new CAFE rules are going to be tough. The landscape of engines will change dramatically in the next ten years.
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Coffee Jones 10:31AM (3/19/2009)
Audi/VW have done all sorts of good things with direct injected turbos (TFSI). And BMW is known for advanced valve timing technologies. I see nothing wrong with this.
(yay, I'm an armchair engine designer)
Alex:
By future ///M machines you mean SUVs and CUVs, right?
Behold the dilution of a badge. :(
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EEL 10:42AM (3/19/2009)
I wonder what fan reaction will be like in a few years IF BMW has to drop the inline 6 for a V6?
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jim 10:46AM (3/19/2009)
Lots of whining and complaining. I'll be among the first and the loudest.
jg 11:42AM (3/19/2009)
'I wonder what fan reaction will be like in a few years IF BMW has to drop the inline 6 for a V6?'
Torches, pitchforks and a noose.
Rambo 1:58PM (3/19/2009)
Fine by me. The E30 M3 used a four-banger, and it's personally my favorite of the whole M3 line. I will be watching out for this 1 series M, for sure.
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The7thGuest 3:51PM (3/19/2009)
The more things change, the more they stay the same.
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