BMW likely to start downsizing engines on M-cars
Since the debut of the original BMW M3 in the mid-eighties, the high-performance editions of most of BMW models have garnered plenty of praise for their dynamic abilities. Unfortunately, over several generations, the M3, M5, and M6 have grown progressively porkier as they have grown more powerful. The engines have grown from the original four and six cylinder units to six, eight and then ten cylinder units.
As gas prices continue to climb and revised CO2 and fuel consumption regulations hover on the horizon, BMW looks set to join the likes of Volkswagen, Ford and others as displacements and cylinder counts are reduced. BMW has already introduced turbocharged four, six and eight cylinder engines in recent models and these engines, combined with reductions in mass, are likely to result in both increased performance and efficiency in the next generation models from the M division.
[Source: Auto Motor und Sport via Autoblog and TTAC]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
rgseidl 12:25PM (3/28/2008)
How long before the M division pats itself on the back by taking the giant leap from uppercase to lowercase?
A better strategy might be to offer BMW customers a package deal: a regular model with a modest engine plus advanced driver training plus organized amateur racing of professionally maintained M cars at selected tracks, on a limited number of weekends per year. Tie the ribbon with a combo insurance package combining comprehensive coverage for the road car product with a high deductible for the race car service.
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armmat 1:37PM (3/28/2008)
Overrated, overweight piles of shit.
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Stephen 5:29PM (3/28/2008)
My Z3 M Coupe is certainly not overrated or overweight (2800 lbs.). It's not bad on gas either: 25 mpg highway (I average 23-24 mpg with 20% city/80% highway). Considering its performance I'm not motivated change cars until I can get a fun to drive, 50 mpg vehicle. I like the Prius but it's not agile enough for my tastes.
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b33gee 12:55PM (3/31/2008)
armmat: Unless you drive a current Elise, Caterham or Ariel Atom you'd best keep quiet. The BMW's tend to be the lightest and most 'underpowered' cars in that segment which include the Quattro drive Audis (RS4, RS6) and the porky, slushbox-laden AMGs.
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Bode94GT 6:25PM (2/04/2009)
The E30 M3 as pictured, powered by a high output 4 cyl, remains the best M3 ever in my opinion. Not as mild mannered as the high tech later editions by any means, but more fun to drive! This truly is a street legal race car. If you have not driven one, try to have the chance. I am a BMW owner to this day and love their cars, but in the case of the M3, they definitely do not make them like they used to.
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