BMW brings out its 3-cylinder petrol and diesels

Off lately the rising prices of fuel have become directly proportional to the downsizing of engines. Case in point is the new range of eco-boost engines from Ford which already claimed the envious Engine of the Year award. Promising not only some very good kmpl figures but also equally impressive horsepower, these small engines are the big news. BMW too has followed suite and after making an announcement last year have finally unveiled their 3-cylinder gems. Available in petrol and diesel, the 1.5 litre three-cylinder TwinPower range of turbocharged engines will soon spawn four and six-cylinder variants to complete the overhauled TwinPower range. In three-cylinder guise, the engine is destined for use across several BMW group models, including the next-generation MINI models, upcoming i8 hybrid coupe, 1 Series, with 3 Series a possibility.

Outputs will range from 122 -225PS and 180-240Nm for the petrol version, while the diesel delivers 80-180PS and 225-330Nm. BMW claims that the engine’s 500cc cylinder capacity is optimal for delivering both low-down torque delivery and fuel efficiency. All TwinPower engines will use an aluminium block, double Vanos infinitely variable cam-control, Valvetronic variable cam-timing, direct injection (common rail on diesels), with the option of one, two, or three turbochargers. While we don’t doubt BMW’s claim about how good these engines run, only a real world test will prove their true potential. Keep watching this space for more!