BMW TwinPower Turbo technology takes two spots on Ward’s 2012 10 Best Engines Awards list. This year, the all-new 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder (N20) joins the repeat winner 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline-6 (N55).
“TwinPower Turbo technology is a perfect example of the BMW EfficientDynamics philosophy,” said Ludwig Willisch – President and CEO of BMW of North America, LLC. “With the ground-breaking combination of a twin-scroll turbo, high-precision direct injection and Valvetronic, both the TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder and the TwinPower Turbo inline-6 offer the performance of much larger engines without the penalty of more fuel consumption.”
Early next year, the all-new 2012 BMW 328i Sedan will join the 2012 528i and Z4 sDrive28i as the next model to use the 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder. Based on preliminary EPA fuel efficiency estimates of 24 mpg city/36 mpg highway/28 mpg combined, the 328i with 8-speed automatic is the most fuel-efficient BMW model ever sold in the US. With a 0-60 mph time of 5.9 seconds, the 2012 328i is one full second quicker than the previous-generation 328i Sedan.
“BMW’s all-new 4-cylinder proves once and for all that we have nothing to fear with the latest downsizing trend,” says Tom Murphy, executive editor of WardsAuto World magazine. “Our editors loved it in the Z4, a sporty roadster that loses none of its zip with this spectacular turbocharged 4-cylinder. But they liked it even better in a larger, more practical vehicle, the 5 Series sedan.”
The 2012 640i Coupe and Convertible are the newest models to receive the TwinPower Turbo inline-6, joining a wide range of BMW cars and Sports Activity Vehicles. With a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 5.4 seconds the 640i Coupe is as quick as the previous-generation 650i Coupe with its 4.8-liter V8. With preliminary EPA mileage estimates of 23 mpg city/33 mpg/26 combined, the 640i Coupe is nearly 45 percent more efficient than that previous 650i.
“No one does inline 6-cylinder engines like BMW, and the turbocharged N55 is the perfect combination of intoxicating power and fuel-saving efficiency,” says Drew Winter, editor-in-chief of WardsAuto World magazine. “The N55 sings like no other engine in the world. It is a true benchmark.”
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BMW’s newest super sedan will have a soundtrack of engine noise that will play through your stereo system. This feature, known as Active Sound Design, will take cues from the engine management system, appropriately responding to increases in revs and torque. In a press release, BMW states, “In generating its signals, Active Sound Design takes its cues from the firing sequence of the eight-cylinder engine and the frequency range of the exhaust system. This gives the driver an extremely accurate impression of current engine load and an even more intense sensation of the V8’s high-performance characteristics.”
It might seem a bit unusual to pump fake engine noise through the stereo, but BMW knows its enthusiasts, and if there’s one thing they love, it’s the throttle note of their mega-cylinder engines. Hearing the motor at work is unarguably an important part of the driving experience.
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The Carbon Age Begins – BMW Group / SGL Group Joint Venture opens the new Moses Lake Plant • Start of carbon fiber production for BMW i3 and BMW i8 • approximately $100 million investment in Moses Lake joint venture plant
Moses Lake, Washington – SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers (SGL ACF) – a joint venture of SGL Group and the BMW Group – today officially opened its new state-of-the-art carbon fiber manufacturing plant in Moses Lake, WA. The new facility is strategic for the manufacture of ultra light-weight carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) for use in the new BMW i vehicles.
The two parent companies will invest approximately $100 million in their Moses Lake plant and create 80 new local jobs until 2013. In order to prepare the large scale production start of BMW i vehicles in 2013 it is important to start the carbon fiber manufacturing now. All electricity needed for the production of carbon fibers will come from readily available clean and renewable local hydropower.
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If it was a race, the 3 Series diesel’s reputation could keep pace with the sedan itself. It’s racing along untrod ground, redefining diesel and crashing diesel’s stereotypes for being noisy, slow and dirty. Like the Midas Touch, BMW has the ability to turn anything it touches into gold. As the future continues to forecast greener cars, BMW’s diesel production rolls smoothly into the limelight. They are known for their efficiency, high levels of torque (leagues beyond what gas-powered chassis’ can produce) and lower emissions.
So it’s exciting news that BMW has recently confirmed production of the 5 Series tuned M diesel sedan. It’s expected to have ridiculously high-levels of torque, somewhere in the neighborhood of 650 lb-feet (the gas-powered M5 is rated at 500 lb-ft). To handle that volume of torque, it is almost guaranteed that this diesel will be equipped with all-wheel-drive.
It’s likely that this engine will find its way in upcoming X5 and X6 models. The real question is, what will this new 5 Series be named? The Detroit Bureau has suggested 550dM or 550dXM.
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Since the late ’20s, BMW has created a wide variety of four-cylinder engines – some of which, like the original M3 engine, are among the most revered in the industry. Recently it seems that the 6-cylinder has stolen the show from the 4-cyl., but it looks as though the 4-cylinder is fighting back, and this time, stronger (and more efficient) than ever…
The new 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder engine is one fierce powerhouse, and now it’s out on the loose. The Z4 sDrive28i, complete with new engine, debuted for the first time on American soil just last week at the NYC Auto Show.
Smaller in size than the former naturally aspirated inline 6-cylinder engine, this all-new 4-cylinder engine is still unrivaled in performance. In fact, it boasts 260 lb-ft of torque, which is 30% more than its 6-cylinder equivalent. The maximum output of its 240-hp is achieved at 5,000 rpm – that’s 1,500 rpm lower than a 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine. Encased in an all-aluminum crankcase, it’s also lighter and more compact. Plus, the combination of TwinPower Turbo technology and higher torque even increases its efficiency. With powerful and efficient performance like this, BMW’s smallest engine will surely take your breath away.
So, what are your thoughts on the new 4-cylinder?
Woodcliff Lake, NJ …Performance breeds excitement and the BMW Performance Edition for the 2011 335i xDrive Sedan ensures that new car buyers are in for that extra thrill beyond the outstanding performance that can already be realized with these exciting vehicles. Customers can now option their vehicles with a special BMW Performance Edition (option code ZMZ) that includes an all-new Power Kit, black kidney grilles and a “BMW Performance Edition” badge for only $550. The BMW Performance Edition for the 335i highlights a Power Kit which consists of engine tuning software (no additional hardware):
• Increases the engine power output from 300 hp to 320 hp and torque from 300 lb ft to 317 / 332 lb ft (manual / automatic transmission); this is the same horsepower rating as the 335is!
• Acceleration from 0-60 mph is 0.2 seconds faster than the standard model and 0.5 seconds faster than the standard model from 50 mph to 75 mph.
• Emissions and fuel consumption ratings are unaffected by the power upgrade.
• Black kidney grilles and a BMW Performance Edition badge will visually identify these Performance Edition vehicles from other 3 Series vehicles.
The BMW Performance Edition is offered only for a limited time on 335i Sedans through the end of 2011 which will ensure that owners of these vehicles will belong to a very special club of performance purists.
BMW is also pleased to announce that the contents of the BMW Performance Edition will be made available to existing 135i and 335i customers. Pricing to purchase the contents of this edition as a retrofit will be announced in August 2011.
