Within a couple of years BMW will launch a new generation of smaller engines. The company has confirmed that it wants to bring twin-turbocharging not only to more four-cylinder models, but also future three-cylinder models.
In 2009 BMW gave us the 3,0-litre twin-turbo six-cylinder engine, and in coupé form it matched the in-gear acceleration times of the V8-powered M3. Not only is there a high possibility that the new turbo-engines would also be performance orientated, but they could offer much-improved fuel consumption as well. Apart from turbocharging, these engines will also feature direct fuel injection and variable valve timing, known at BMW as Valvetronic.
These new three- and four-cylinder engines will find their way into entry-level BMWs, such as the 1-Series and 3-Series, as well as Mini models. We will even speculate as far as saying that a four-cylinder turbo might even become available in the 5-Series. With BMW also possibly expanding into front-wheel drive cars, don’t be surprised to see these smaller engines find their way into such compact models.
This downsizing is a common trend that we have seen over the past years across the board. Even Porsche announced a while ago that it will start to use smaller engines in upcoming models and the possibly return to using flat-four engines in the not too distant future.
