Bmw and Vw going for three-cylinder engines
By Andrew C., 26 Aug, 2010. 0 Comments
BMW Logo
Future models of BMW and VW are going to come with smaller powerplants as fuel prices soar and environmental concerns increase forcing customers to opt for cars with lower displacement engines. According to Auto Motor und Sport, Volkswagen is pushing through its plans to bring into the market a new three-cylinder version of the Golf and hybrid versions patterned after the TwinDrive technology. The company sees a great future for the 3-cylinder Golf as it continues to develop the powerplant further. At the same time the Golf can also be equipped with electric power and be sold in the large cities of China and United States.
On the other hand, BMW is also coming out with its own three-cylinder powerplants for its base models, revealed sources. The 3-cylinder unit of BMW, which is still undergoing testing, will be going into the next-generation 1-series which is scheduled for a 2011 release.
The German carmaker BMW has not yet confirmed reports that the latest 3-banger unit will replace the 1.35-liter and generate between 120hp (90kW) and 180hp (135kW) in different trims. BMW is also coming out with its new 4-cylinder unit to replace many of its 6-cylinders engines, which will substitute the 1.8-liter and generate up to 240hp (180kW). BMW aims the 4-cylinder powerplant at the markets of the US. On the other hand VW is also speculated to equip its C-Class which is targeted at the US with a similar small engine. A high level of drivability is important to the success of these products and to guarantee sufficient performance they will be equipped with twin-turbocharging and direct injection technology.
Gallery: BMW Logo
Latest Auto Shows
