BMW Patents Bi-Turbo V6 Engine, Rumored for Next Generation M3
Rumors are flying left and right on what BMW has in the works to power the next-generation M3/M4, with four potential engines being spoken of. These include a turbocharged 4.4L V8, turbocharged 4.0L V8, a 3.2L inline-6 with three turbochargers and now BMW has filed a patent for a uniquely-designed twin-turbo V6.
And while the schematic is probably a bit over-the-head to us laymen, BMW breaks it down in their patent application: “…the principle of this turbocharger layout invention (#1) in a 6-cylinder internal combustion engine in V configuration (#2) with a first cylinder bank (#2a) — pictured as 3 circles and labeled with Z — and a second cylinder bank (#2b) — also pictured as 3 circles labeled with Z.”
In other words, the exhaust gases of all six cylinders are routed into one turbocharger – which BMW has said could possibly be a twinscroll unit – and once the gases exit from the turbo, they can be routed either into the exhaust system or another turbo. So in the possibility that there would be another turbocharger involved, it would be a sequential twin turbo (think bi-turbo) setup and would also allow BMW to use different sized turbochargers.
Which of these four options will BMW choose for the next M3? Only time will tell.
[Source: Bimmerpost]
Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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I dont think, next generation will run on a V6. Maybe in 10 years.