📰 Auto News Current generation BMW M3 to be the last naturally aspirated M car

[Mook]

breaking news to no one but hey, its a slow day.

The writing's been on the wall for some time, but the fate of BMW's naturally aspirated M cars is all but sealed: forced induction is the future and the next M3 will come equipped with a turbocharged engine.

With next year's new emissions standards looming on the horizon, every automaker is looking to improve its fleet-wide fuel economy and that means performance vehicles will be some of the first to undergo an EPA-mandated makeover.

For BMW, that means turbocharging and start-stop systems, two technologies that will boost the fuel economy of the all-new M5 by up to 25 percent when it goes on sale next spring.

Looking over BMW's current crop of M products, one vehicle stands alone in the induction department, and a source within BMW has told us that the E90/E92 M3's V8 will be the last naturally aspirated engine fitted to an M vehicle. While nearly every automaker has made tremendous strides to nearly eliminate turbo lag, the linear, low-end grunt of a turbo can't compare to the high-revving thrills of an NA powerplant. But the future is here and the future is forced induction.

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[Turk]

So this will increase the value of my car right???

 

[willizm]

^doubtful, The audi s4 went down in value when the new boosted 6 cylinder came out to replace the na V8.

I like the idea of a boosted m3 though. I'd rock it.

 

[sickmint79]

i would imagine the track demand for an n/a m3 will still exist for your car turk.

 

[jason05gt]

i would imagine the track demand for an n/a m3 will still exist for your car turk.

Doubt it. Turbo's work well on the track. Look at the 911, GTR, and MP4-12C as recent examples.

Forced induction engines are great for enthusiasts!

 

[Bru]

I'm a fan of this. The turbo V-8 in the X5/X6 M and less-powerful 550 are

But the turbos and equipment will add weight, and do it over the nose. I'm sure BMW isn't just jumping into this and have it all planned out. Will likely make more power and even out distribution as well.

 

[jason05gt]

More torque Ricky!!!

 

[MikeyLikesIt]

There is so much more potential for a factory boosted car. I definitely like this move!!

 

[EmersonHart13]

I am glad start stop is finally coming to fruition. That seems like a win-win on all fronts.

 

[sickmint79]

Doubt it. Turbo's work well on the track. Look at the 911, GTR, and MP4-12C as recent examples.

Forced induction engines are great for enthusiasts!

sure, but less to go wrong, smooth predictable power delivery, i'm sure it will be a factor for some to choose it rather than the new one.

 

[willizm]

sure, but less to go wrong, smooth predictable power delivery, i'm sure it will be a factor for some to choose it rather than the new one.

BMW's aren't exactly known for their reliability anyway.

Bring on a boosted I6 with 450+hp from factory and I'll be happy.

 

[Turk]

I like the free revving v8 in my car now, turbo and m3 just don't go together IMO.

 

[jason05gt]

I like the free revving v8 in my car now, turbo and m3 just don't go together IMO.

BMW 320 turbo

 

[SleeperLS]

Well I have to agree with TURK on this one. When I originally heard the new M was coming out with a v8 I started swinging hard from those cars. I thought it would be the end all m3. If they are gonna change, turbo v8=win....turbo v6 not so much IMO. I am sure the turbo 6 will still be nuts, but it seems like a step backwards to me. And the v8 sounds like sex

 

[Turk]

The M3 motors have always been the little engine that could. They were always small, but revved like crazy and produced a ton of HP per liter. Some might say, well then how could you like the v8? It's only a 4.0L, it weighs less than the previous 6 cylinder motor and revs freely to 8400rpm. It feels like a race engine.

 

[Bob Kazamakis]

TT V8 would be the way to go. Still have low end and they'd be able to make their hp with fairly low boost

 

[SleeperLS]

8400rpm...why didn't I know that. That is just sexy

 

[Bob Kazamakis]

Anything revving that high sounds like a race engine.

 

[Turk]

It feels weird still when I have the car floored at 7k rpm and I still have more room to go. Feels like the engine should explode.

 

[SleeperLS]

haha shit, I could imagine. Is the power strong all the way through to 8k?

 

[Turk]

The engine torque remains about the same from 3k rpm to redline. Some guys have even raised the rev limiter, because the engine still produces plenty of power past 8400rpm.

 

[willizm]

I like the free revving v8 in my car now, turbo and m3 just don't go together IMO.

V8 and M3 just don't go together IMO. Regardless of how it goes, BMW isn't stupid. They are going to come out with a better M3 like they always do.

 

[Eagle]

TURBO > ALL

/thread!

:fyws:

 

[willizm]

TURBO > ALL

/thread!

:fyws:

:stupid:

 

[Eagle]

Less the stupid part anyways...