BMW dumps the 6 for turbo 4's

[stormspike]

http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=20779

Damn this sucks...


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Fuel Efficiency is King: Turbo Four to Replace BMW's Naturally Aspirated Inline-6
Brandon Hill (Blog) - January 28, 2011 6:49 PM
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BMW's new turbo four nestled in the X1 crossover SUV
New engine to offer more power and torque than the naturally aspirated inline-6

It's hard to not to mention the name BMW and not think about the company's buttery smooth inline-6 engines. With the exception of the current generation M3, 3-Series models in the U.S. for over a decade have been powered solely by inline-6 engines. And most recently, BMW has added turbos to its inline-6 to boost power and efficiency.

BMW is now looking to make another leap in fuel efficiency, and it could mean that the company's normally aspirated inline-6 could get the axe in favor of a new 2.0-liter, turbocharged inline-4 engine. The new engine produces 240hp (the same as the E36 M3) and 260 lb-ft of torque at just 1,250 rpm.

For comparison, the 3.0-liter inline-6 produces 230hp at 6,500 rpm and a meager 200 lb-ft of torque at 2,750 rpm when used in the 328i.

The new engine uses the same technology found in the turbocharged version of the inline-6 (N55) meaning that a twin-scroll turbocharger, direct injection, and VALVETRONIC intake control is onboard. In addition, the new turbo four is not only lighter than the naturally aspirated inline-6, but it is also more compact.

BMW has not released official fuel economy numbers for the new engine yet, but it will no doubt offer better ratings than the current naturally aspirated inline-6.

Expect all of BMW's models that use the naturally aspirated 3.0-liter inline-6 (1-Series, 3 Series, X3, X1, Z4, etc.) to switch over to the engine shortly.

[e30e]

I am for turbo 4's

[Farbin Kaiber]

Author needs to separate his claims of HP and Tq. in relation to RPM's.

[Balleristic31]

Very cool.

[bmw325csi]

fuck yeah. I would love a 318is with a turbo 4 pot

[trackjunkie21]

It doesn't suck, 4 cylinders were the root of bmw's in the first place. I am all for this idea, as long as they prove that these engines are more reliable and easier to maintain than vw turbo engines, these will do very well.

[MonkeyMadness]

No that would be like chevy getting rid of the LT? motors.

I dought they'll just drop the 6I motor all together..

[Vtec?lol]

I'm sure the I6 will now be an "option"

[trackjunkie21]

No that would be like chevy getting rid of the LT? motors.

I dought they'll just drop the 6I motor all together..

Chevy hasn't used an lt motor since the late 90's, and the LS motors are only available in the higher end cars and/or in Most SUV's. It isn't really the same.

[mr2peak]

This is actually really cool!

F1 is changing back to turbo 4's as well, maybe we will see a 2002 successor!

[Stephen]

assuming they do a good job i don't see a problem. Im sure the 6s wont be discontinued any time soon.

[RainierHooker]

There's a reason that the BMW headquarters in Munchen is a Four-Cylender building. BMW wouldn't exist as we know it without the M10 series four-banger.

Like others have said, I doubt the I-6 is going anywhere soon. It'd be hard to pass-off a 4-cylender 5er to the public.

[kway]

It doesn't suck, 4 cylinders were the root of bmw's in the first place.

Exactly. There's a reason BMW's headquarters in Munich is shaped like, what else? Four cylinders.



I've been waiting years for BMW to get serious about 4 cylinders again. Maybe a new One Series is in my future after all...

[MonkeyMadness]

Chevy hasn't used an lt motor since the late 90's, and the LS motors are only available in the higher end cars and/or in Most SUV's. It isn't really the same.

Thanks for the correstion... Ls is what I ment and wanted to say..
I have dumbass tendances...

I think It would be a tough sale to most of chevys follower if they dumped
the fundomental "V8"
It would be like Harley-Davidson dumping the aircooled v-twin

I was just thinking that so many people who buy bmw love the I6 and would find it hard to beleave bmw would turn it's back on the mighty motor..

Have i gone far enough off track/ subject... :roll: I lovez me Jack-n-coke... lol

[kishg]

not opposed to 4s but it's tough to match the smoothness of a 6.. not opposed to turbos but bmw had better make them reliable and no oil temp issues and limp mode please.