BMW is introducing a new four cylinder engine to the U.S. later this year. Could it go into the 1-Series.
Back in ’60s, BMW essentially created the modern sports sedan by slipping a 2.0-liter four cylinder under the hood of a car designed with a 1.6-liter.
Long before BMW became synonymous with silky smooth inline sixes – and later ever-more powerful V-8s and V-12s – the German automaker was known for exceptionally smooth four cylinders.
Now, after a 13-year absence, BMW has decided the time is right to bring back the four-pot engine for the U.S. market.
BMW announced that it will introduce a new turbocharged 2.0-liter turbo four producing 240 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. The new engine will be avilable later this year, presumably in the 1-Series, but possibly in other models as well. BMW said it would announce availability and models later.
It features a twin-scroll turbocharger, direct injection and BMW’s VALVETRONIC intake control. VALVETRONIC eliminates the traditional throttle, using the intake valves to throttle the engine instead.
The automaker says the engine produces max horsepower at 5,000 rpm, 1,500 sooner than the automaker’s normally aspirated 3.0-liter inline six. Peak torque is available at just 1,250 rpm. That torque peak is 30% higher than the 3.0 liter.
Interestingly, the company’s press release doesn’t promise better fuel efficiency than the 3.0.
That first BMW sports sedan, the 2002, had a 2.0-liter four making 100 horsepower. Times have certainly changed, but now BMW is returning to its roots with its first four cylinder for the U.S. market.