End of an Era -- next gen M3 will be turbo'd

[jaiman]

BMW gives official confirmation that the next generation of M car will be turbo : http://www.autoweek.com/article/20081126/FREE/811269993

BMW to abandon high-revving engines in M cars; X6 first M to get turbo

Tough emissions standards worldwide and soaring manufacturing costs in Germany are behind BMW's decision to switch from high-revving, naturally aspirated engines in its M high-performance vehicles to turbocharged direct-injection powerplants, beginning as early as next year.

The move, which could alter the character of BMW M models, places question marks over the immediate future of the M3's 4.0-liter V8 and the M5's 5.0-liter V10. Both engines will make way for forced-induction engines in coming years, according to high-ranking BMW sources.

The first M vehicle to make the move to the new turbo powerplants is the X6 xDrive M, which will challenge the Porsche Cayenne GTS and the Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG.

Set to appear next June, the X6 xDrive M will be the first model to run BMW M's new twin-turbocharged V8. This engine is also earmarked for the next-generation M5, due out in late 2010.

Based on the standard X6 xDrive 5.0i's 4.4-liter 90-degree V8, the new twin-turbo unit is said to match the current M5's naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V10 for power at 500 hp, while providing as much as 516 lb-ft of torque.

This should be enough to provide the M-powered X6 with 0-to-60 mph acceleration of less than 5 seconds and top speed limited to 155 mph.

"In terms of overall performance, the new engine doesn't give anything away to the powerplant we run now, but it delivers much better consumption and lower emissions," a senior BMW M official told AutoWeek.

The move comes as Mercedes-Benz's AMG performance unit is planning to turbocharge its 6.2-liter V8 when it introduces direct injection in 2010.

Besides developing new turbocharged engines, BMW's M division is also planning to equip new models with features such as automatic stop/start and brake regeneration in a bid to cut fuel consumption and emissions.

BMW is also testing a new driveline incorporating technology from next year's X6 ActiveHybrid, with a nickel-metal-hydride battery pack used to power an electric motor to boost performance levels.

[Eurotrash8]

Although it's a shame to see BMW veer away from heritage but unfortunately it si the way to go this day and age.

Forced induction = Much more potential power tied in with better fuel economy

Back in the day when Toyota had the Supra, Mazda with RX7, Nissan with 300z, Mitsu with the 3000GT, etc that was exciting and look at them now!

Toyota with nothing, Mazda NA RX8, Nissan with NA 350z, etc........makes no sense to me.

BMW I think is headed in the right direction

[TLud]

Smoke 'em while you got 'em!

[RandyB]

At least we're lucky enough to own one of the last great NA M engines.

[kmarei]

how about going back to a 6 cyl and making the car lighter?
or how about a new S14

[!Xoible]

E92 will be my last M3 anyway

[ase2dais]

OMG! its going to be another HorsePower War

[MJC///M3]

too bad...but I would like to think they are headed in the right direction.

[ChrisFastM3]

So sad..... I will always prefer high reving NA masterpiece engines.

[!Xoible]

Originally Posted by ase2dais

OMG! its going to be another torque War

fixed! producing same horsepower as V10 5.0 in M5 today, but more 516 lb/ft of torque

[ase2dais]

yeah! after this e92 v8 M3 Im done too.

I cant see myself as a turbo kinda guy with all its related first year issues like the 335i, resale on a turbo out of warranty is a killer

[Bimmer Nerd]

man, that sucks, but i don't think this will keep me away from bmws at all, as long as it will have that amazing sound and control bmw will still stay my top favorite car. i mean 335i has twin turbos and still is an amazing car, yea it might be different for m3 fans, but i wouldn't mind having 4.0 liter V8 with twin turbos

[TLud]

Originally Posted by ///Mantis

E92 will be my last M3 anyway

+1

Don't get me wrong, I love my M3, but this is just another way the M3 is headed in the wrong direction. My next performance car will likely be a weekend/track toy and it will likely be built in Stuttgart.

[ericlikescars]

Man. This is really upsetting news. The M's motor right now is the biggest thing that appeals to me. My 335 and it's turbos have more problems that I can count. But it seems like many companies are taking this route now? (stating that Mercedes AMG line will be following this as well in the article.)

[Blake]

oh no! that's a shame. doesn't look like i'll be getting the next M3.

[MrHarris]

Should be interesting, so no more high rev M engines? Seems a bit strange!

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by godora

man, that sucks, but i don't think this will keep me away from bmws at all, as long as it will have that amazing sound and control bmw will still stay my top favorite car. i mean 335i has twin turbos and still is an amazing car, yea it might be different for m3 fans, but i wouldn't mind having 4.0 liter V8 with twin turbos

I agree. While I have a penchant for N/A motors, a turbocharged unit will not sway me away from BMW. If I weren't able to purchase an ///M3, the 335i would have been my choice...........turbos and all.

[Irb Digital]

I'll reserve judgement for the final product. I do prefer a V8 over a turbo 6, but I'd take a turbo v8 all day!

[watrob]

The new R8 is coming with a turbo V12 Diesel, talk about torque, that will have a hugh amount of nm.

[NewM3driver]

Keep you oil changed and make your current car last!

[montreal red]

i like high revving NA engines... perhaps its time to go to the GT3 route after this.

[jbeene]

Hold on to em, they will become classics like the last of the air cooled 911's. The new ones will do everything better but these will be the last of the breed and the ultimate expression of the M3 NA engines.