Next-Gen BMW 3 Series to Get Turbo 3-Cylinder
News that BMW is developing a new direct-injection turbocharged 3-cylinder for the next generation of MINI models has been circulating for a few weeks now, but now it appears as though the same pint-sized powerplant will be used in the BMW lineup as well. According to a recent report by the well-informed MINI faithful at MotoringFile, the first BMW to get the turbo 3-banger will be the front-drive BMW 1 Series hatch – hardly a surprise considering it’s based on the same platform as the next MINI. After that, however, it is slated to arrive in the next-generation BMW 3 Series, X3 and X1 as a low cost alternative. It’s unlikely that BMW is planning to offer a 3-cylinder 3 Series in the U.S., but there’s a real possibility for the X1 and 1 Series Coupe.
As for the engine itself, it is slated to displace 500cc per cylinder and in 1.5-liter turbo form could make as much as 180-hp. In the MINI lineup and with roughly 120-hp in base Cooper models it could also get 50-mpg (on the European test cycle).
Expect to see BMW developing turbocharged direct injection 4-cylinder as well.
According to this most recent report BMW’s plan is to increasingly focus on the 500cc per cylinder engineering philosophy in a bid to share parts and cut costs.
[Source: MotoringFile]
With AutoGuide from its launch, Colum previously acted as Editor-in-Chief of Modified Luxury & Exotics magazine where he became a certifiable car snob driving supercars like the Koenigsegg CCX and racing down the autobahn in anything over 500 hp. He has won numerous automotive journalism awards including the Best Video Journalism Award in 2014 and 2015 from the Automotive Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). Colum founded Geared Content Studios, VerticalScope's in-house branded content division and works to find ways to integrate brands organically into content.
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