BMW Testing New Engine Configurations!
Rumors Abound About the New M3 Engine.
Although the new generation of M3 is approximately three years from being reconfigured, the rumor mill has it that BMW Group has been conducting experiments and testing on new engine configuration types which would make the M3 more fuel efficent, faster and even give it a stronger zero to sixty time. The S65-series engine has long been the standard for the M3, and has been known for its throaty noise as well as tremendous horsepower and foot pound torque. However, as emissions regulations change, and World prices raise on oil futures, BMW is clearly considering more fuel efficent and compact means of replacement.
One option is to rework engine internals in order to better regulate speed and efficency of the engine; BMW apparently has begun work on turning their single-turbo into a dual, and by adding the bi-turbo, it is believed that it would only result in nominal horsepower gains, but would add more torque as well as miles per gallon — something the current generation of M3 seriously lacks when compared to other lower displacement sport vehicles.
Should BMW go another route and choose to place a modified N54 or N55 engine in the vehicle, it is highly likely that a price drop would be seen in the vehicle, as fuel efficency goes up but production costs go down, perhaps even allowing the M3 to be frequently mass produced and reviving the M-Series brand as a serious, sold contender for sportscar enthusiasts in 2014-2015.
Of course, some rumors go entirely the other way. AMG would likely prefer a faster, much more powerful engine such as those used in the M5 and M6 series vehicles, the standard F10, or 10 Cylinder engine. Initial costs could be controlled by using overstock from the M brands, while a redesign would be necessary given the F10’s large motor; it is likely that this would be an efficent route to go provided BMW decides to do a complete front-end revamp on the vehicle.
A V6 engine would also be a possibility, as it would lead to better weight distributi0n and front-rear end balance. This would shoot performance fuel efficency through the roof and allow every M3 driver to get something they desperately want: more time on the track without refueling. A benefit of this, is that a specially-designed 6 engine would also fit the engine bay of the X3 and the Z4, perhaps resulting in M-series distributions of these models at increased horsepower gains.
Whatever the future may be, BMW obviously wants another Engine of the Year Award, as their initial 4.4L engine delivered spectacular performance as well as great horsepower and reliability. It is undoubtedly so that the next engine will be a contender, whatever route they go with.
