The market launch of the first BMW M Performance Automobiles also sees the premiere of the most powerful diesel engine ever fitted in one of the brand’s models. The new unit shows BMW demonstrating its commitment to the development of ultra-sporty yet impressively efficient diesel powerplants. Globally unique technological highlights open the door to a new dimension in power development.
The six-cylinder in-line engine developed for the BMW M Performance Automobiles uses its 2,993 cc displacement to generate maximum output of 280 kW/381 hp, giving the new diesel unit a specific output of 93.6 kW/127.3 hp per litre of displacement. No less imposing is the engine’s maximum torque of 740 Newton meters (546 lb-ft), all of which the driver will find on tap as low down as 2,000 rpm.
Playing a central role in this increase in power is M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology. For the first time, a BMW engine will feature three turbochargers. The size, arrangement and interplay strategy of the turbos are designed to guarantee maximum power delivery across a wide rev band. The system comprises two relatively small turbochargers and one large turbo, which join forces precisely to deliver the amount of power required.
According to the driving situation, the low moment of inertia of the small turbochargers is exploited to the full to deliver razor-sharp responses, while the link-up with the large turbo is maximized to generate as much charge pressure as possible.
[Source: M-Power]