Bavaria on Boost: BMW’s New 302-hp Twin-Turbo I-6 Engine
But that’s only half the story; the other part of this motoring tale includes the addition of gasoline direct injection in place of the standard fuel injection system. Direct injection is no longer a newfound technology in North America; many vehicles now feature it, including the Pontiac Solstice GXP and any Volkswagen or Audi product bearing the FSI badge. However, what’s interesting is that BMW’s system utilizes the most modern piezo injectors, similar to those used in its ultra-powerful twin-turbo 535d. This allows the turbo I-6 gas engine to be more efficient and emit fewer emissions while improving power. This advancement fleshes in the rest of the power difference.
In fact, this new engine is so advanced that the only true “new” technology that it doesn’t have is variable turbine geometry, which BMW is well acquainted with from building turbodiesels. VTG turbochagers are commonplace in the world of performance oil-burners, and, as a matter of fact, BMW employs them in their award-winning 3.0-litre twin-turbo diesel engine. Expect this technology, which alters the angle of the turbine’s blades, to arrive in the not too distant future, as Porsche has just debuted the system on their all-new 997-type 911 Turbo.
While BMW will be holding off on announcing which models the new engine will be fitted to, it’s almost certain that they’re going to be dropped into the 3-Series first, in both sedan, and the yet to be revealed coupe and folding hardtop convertible, for a debut this fall. The BMW model will most likely be badged as a 335i, and will pose a direct threat to Lexus’ extremely quick IS 350 and the forthcoming 300 horsepower 3.2-litre FSI V6 engine that will arrive in some Audis in the not too distant future. Eventually, there is some word that BMW will mate this engine to a hybrid drivetrain to make the Ultimate Environmental Machine.
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