BMW says it will add turbocharged models to lineup
By JENS MEINERS | Automotive News Europe
MUNICH, Germany -- BMW AG will offer turbocharged gasoline-powered engines in its main car models in the next few years.
The aim is to bridge the power gap between BMW's top-of-the-line models and its high-powered M versions, which will stay normally aspirated.
BMW's M5, to be introduced this year, has a 500-hp V10 engine. The normal 5-Series models have six- and eight-cylinder engines that produce as much as 333 hp.
The next 3 Series range will get six-cylinder engines. The next M3 will have a V8 that is much more powerful than the 343-hp six-cylinder in the current M3.
"This leaves a significant power gap that can be filled by the turbocharged engines," a BMW source says, adding that the turbo engines will be based on direct-injection gasoline-powered engines.
Some of the turbocharged models will come with automatic transmissions, increasing their appeal in the United States. The M models only come with manual transmissions. The United States was BMW's top market in 2003.
The turbocharged models will not have the extensive body and chassis modifications of the M models.
BMW has a history of making turbocharged cars. The 170-hp 2002 Turbo was introduced in 1973. In 1980, BMW introduced the 745i, a 252-hp turbocharged six-cylinder car that topped off the 7 Series lineup. Its successor was the 750i, which was powered by a 5.0-liter V-12. The turbo version of the 745i sold 16,031 units worldwide from 1980 to 1986.
By JENS MEINERS | Automotive News Europe
MUNICH, Germany -- BMW AG will offer turbocharged gasoline-powered engines in its main car models in the next few years.
The aim is to bridge the power gap between BMW's top-of-the-line models and its high-powered M versions, which will stay normally aspirated.
BMW's M5, to be introduced this year, has a 500-hp V10 engine. The normal 5-Series models have six- and eight-cylinder engines that produce as much as 333 hp.
The next 3 Series range will get six-cylinder engines. The next M3 will have a V8 that is much more powerful than the 343-hp six-cylinder in the current M3.
"This leaves a significant power gap that can be filled by the turbocharged engines," a BMW source says, adding that the turbo engines will be based on direct-injection gasoline-powered engines.
Some of the turbocharged models will come with automatic transmissions, increasing their appeal in the United States. The M models only come with manual transmissions. The United States was BMW's top market in 2003.
The turbocharged models will not have the extensive body and chassis modifications of the M models.
BMW has a history of making turbocharged cars. The 170-hp 2002 Turbo was introduced in 1973. In 1980, BMW introduced the 745i, a 252-hp turbocharged six-cylinder car that topped off the 7 Series lineup. Its successor was the 750i, which was powered by a 5.0-liter V-12. The turbo version of the 745i sold 16,031 units worldwide from 1980 to 1986.
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Imagine a lighter one, smaller engine, same great handling and balance (of course!) and equal or more hp than a 2.5 or even a 3.0 inline6 makes? I can't see how they'd have the torque (Go inline!) but it's a different market for that sort of engine and car. Pro's and Con's to it, just as much as our inlines, or any other car I think.
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