fzanetti Posted December 3, 2008 Share Posted December 3, 2008 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. Interesting article from http://www.autoweek.com/article/20081126/FREE/811269993 Flavio Zanetti Boston, MA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
camber Posted December 3, 2008 Share Posted December 3, 2008 The X6 is really hideous. Bleh... disgusting. BMW's Asstek. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jacks GT Posted December 3, 2008 Share Posted December 3, 2008 Twin turbo V8, worse things have happened! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SubiGT Posted December 3, 2008 Share Posted December 3, 2008 Saw an X6 here in Columbus recently. I'd sport it. I like the Cayenne, too. Many Shuvs and Zuuls knew what it was to be roasted in the depths of the Slor that day, I can tell you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
camber Posted December 3, 2008 Share Posted December 3, 2008 Saw an X6 here in Columbus recently. I'd sport it. I like the Cayenne, too. Well, there were people that thought the Asstek looked good as well:lol: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rao Posted December 3, 2008 Share Posted December 3, 2008 The pendulum swings back and forth,now it is headed towards turbos for awhile. Rob IF YOU CARE ABOUT YOUR CAR YOU SHOULD NEVER DRIVE IT Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SLegacy99 Posted December 3, 2008 Share Posted December 3, 2008 X6 xDrive M Could we make this any more annoying of a name? I wonder if we will see the return of small displacement V8s. I'd be all about that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
05GT Guru Posted December 3, 2008 Share Posted December 3, 2008 As much as i like forced induction, the m3 N/A has always always been a great car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazyjay1089 Posted December 3, 2008 Share Posted December 3, 2008 -- or they could stop producing useless, heavy, mildly disguised SUVs like the X6, and keep the M3 the way it is. I like what BMW did by plopping a turbo in the 3-series, and I'm sure the turbo powerplant that comes up next will be just as great, but I love the current M3's engine. SOmething about a really good NA... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrueWhiteBoy Posted December 3, 2008 Share Posted December 3, 2008 As much as i like forced induction... For some reason I read that really wrong Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
05GT Guru Posted December 3, 2008 Share Posted December 3, 2008 No you read it right, i love when people force things into my intake. I could give 2 shits less about the M cars:lol: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pig Pen Posted December 3, 2008 Share Posted December 3, 2008 very interesting.... still cant afford a bmw Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SLegacy99 Posted December 3, 2008 Share Posted December 3, 2008 very interesting.... still cant afford a bmw You may be surprised. My dad is hoping to get his off lease for cheap since the dealers around us have so many 3 series that they don't know what to do with them all. The question is do you really want one? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pig Pen Posted December 3, 2008 Share Posted December 3, 2008 very true... i actually just had a similar experience... i got in a little accident... so i decided to check the blue book value of my car to see what the ins co. would be comparing it to... when i bought my 05lgt in april with 51,000 on the clock it was worth aprox 18,500 monday my 05lgt now with 58,000 on the clock is worth ~15000 on a good day had i waited a bit longer to buy a car i could have gotten a better car for my price range (not wanting to spend over $20k) i would still probably be sitting in a legacy, but maybe i would have gotten one with less miles/newer/color i wanted etc.. or even a used sti Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
05GT Guru Posted December 3, 2008 Share Posted December 3, 2008 Yeah you could be sitting in a 06 spec b with 30kmiles on it or less. I have seen a couple goin for under 20. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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