BMW blows: New turbo engine revealed

Newswheel staff :: 20 February 2006 :: Filed under BMW, Europe & UK, US

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The waiting is over

The stats are in and the speculation is over. BMW has dished the deets on its hotly anticipated new turbo engine, the N54 Biturbo. Contrary to recent rumours that the new straight-six lump would pack anywhere between 330bhp and 370bhp, BMW has capped output at a relatively modest 306 ponies.

Which makes sense for two reasons. For starters, any output of significantly more than 300bhp would be too close to the upcoming V8-powered M3 for comfort. Just as important, big turbo boost usually means big turbo lag. So, let’s be grateful BMW has fitted a pair of small, low inertia turbos in the name of minimal lag rather than being tempted to bolt on big ass blowers for maximum output.

The twin-turbo design also delivers an incredibly flat torque curve. The 295lb/ft torque maximum is delivered right across a 1,500 to 5,800rpm rev range. Bolted to the E92 Three series, BMW reckons the engine will push the car to 60mph in just 5.7 seconds. And of course, being a development of BMW’s lightweight, magnesium-block N52 engine, this straight-six mill is fully 70kg lighter than BMW’s 4.0-litre V8.

BMW hasn’t announced a full range of models that will be receiving the N54 Biturbo. But it’s a safe bet that it will make its debut in a 335i-badged Three series coupe at the upcoming Geneva auto show.