
Prompted by high oil prices and tight new fuel-economy regulations, automakers are replacing six-cylinder engines with more-economical but less-powerful four-cylinders throughout their lineups. BMW resisted this trend until it developed a four-cylinder that actually outperforms its six. A pricey twin-scroll turbocharger and high-pressure electronic fuel injectors increase compression and wring more power from each drop of fuel. As a result, the TwinPower four-cylinder produces 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque—40 pound-feet more than the 3.0-liter six it replaces—while consuming up to 23 percent less fuel. The engine first goes into the 2012 528i sedan and Z4 sDrive 28i convertible.
I want one. In a car, and a plane.
You will get coal
I'd like to point out the the 3.0L I6 was still more powerful than this new 4-cyl one, it just depends on how it was tuned. In the 325 and 328, the I6 did indeed produce less than 240HP, but the 330 was tuned to 260HP.
Still, I am excited to see this new engine in person. All I hope is that it's just as smooth at the silky I6.
If its not a V8 it is a waste.
Hyundai has a single turbo 274 HP engine that gets 34 MPH....so...yeah...but cuz its a hyundai...it sucks right...ok...this engine is SO much better cuz its made by BMW right? Ok
"If its not a V8 it is a waste." hmmm.... while I agree that the v8 is probably the best sounding engine in the world. that is about the only good thing I can say about a v8.
the best cars in the world tend to use 6.
the list is just about infinite.
image if they put this much thought into the v6
Another over priced auto part by the masters of over pricing BMW. GM and BMW should join forces since together they have the same philosophy--over charge, over charge, over charge.
It's Foot-Pounds, not Pound Feet! Ft/lbs! How much force is being exerted at one foot from Center.
@unyi3lding - Horsepower means little if you don't have the torque to back it up, which is what this article is saying.
in development is a direct injected twin turbo ecoboost v8 from ford...atleast that was the rumor. now that would be a beast in an awd
@Delkomatic You beat me to it- my Sonata Turbo produces 274hp and 269lb-ft of torque all from a tiny little 2.0L 4-cylinder. Hyundai advertises fuel economy of 33 highway, but I average 38 when driving from Orlando to Gainesville (given that is some very flat highway but still impressive). Power is there when I need it and my wallet stays full at the pump. Rumor is next year they are launching the Veloster with this same turbo- a compact little hatchback with 274hp from the factory? The automotive world has been put on notice.
As much as I hate to say it, the V-8 is becoming an endangered species. I'm just thankful that companies are now putting the research into getting more power out of less engine. I thought 205 HP out of my 2.4L 2004 TSX was good, the new 4 cylinders are killin it! Go Technology!