📰 Auto News BMW switching to turbocharged M cars

[Mook]

After two decades of normally-aspirated high-revving engines shoehorned under the hoods of its M cars, BMW is changing direction and will begin to offer direct-injection turbocharged powerplants in its future high-performance flagships. The German automaker is blaming tough environmental emission standards and the soaring manufacturing costs of the specialty-built V8 and V10 engines found in today's M3, M5, and M6 models for its decision. We also suspect the fact that both Audi and Mercedes-Benz have successfully offered torque-laden forced-induction powerplants for years on their performance models may have something to do with it (also keep in mind that an aftermarket-tuned version of BMW's own twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-6 can easily match the power output of the M3's normally-aspirated 4.0-liter V8). The first new M model to carry the turbocharged honor will be the X6 xDrive M, with a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 reportedly making 500 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. That same engine is reportedly going into the next F10-chassis M5 due in late 2010.

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[syP]

bout time

 

[Mook]

bumping for turk

 

[Bru]

I like the twin-turbo 3.0 more than the M3's V-8

 

[Turk]

I like the twin-turbo 3.0 more than the M3's V-8

And I like the v-8 better so there! Something about revving a v8 to 8500rpm that is special.

 

[Bru]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0uw2W_94PI

 

[Turk]

This happens when somebody like myself is driving the M3.

 

[Bru]

If magazines can pull high 12s out of the M3, I'm sure actual owners could pull lower times. Plus the 1 Series is a goofy looking little car, but it's still my favorite BMW.

I recently spent a bunch of time in the X6 with the twin turbo V-8, and that engine would be killer in the M3. 400 horsepower and 450 pounds-feet of torque

 

[Turk]

If magazines can pull high 12s out of the M3, I'm sure actual owners could pull lower times. Plus the 1 Series is a goofy looking little car, but it's still my favorite BMW.

I recently spent a bunch of time in the X6 with the twin turbo V-8, and that engine would be killer in the M3. 400 horsepower and 450 pounds-feet of torque

Torque doesn't matter. HP wins drag races, it would be a real close race. How did you like the X6? I think they look awesome, haven't driven one yet though.

 

[Bru]

Having torque all over the powerband makes it more enjoyable to drive on the street, which is primarily why I like BMW's turbo applications. The 135i is a spunkly fucker that's a blast to drive with torque starting down low and turbo pull up high.

The X6 is nice but I honestly think it's a useless car. There's only room for four people and it's massive with little utility. The X6 is all about image. Plus with all the options ours stickered over $70k. It drove excellent and handled amazing for what it is. The damn thing had 315 tires on the back.