BMW is developing a new 3-cylinder turbo engine family that will be used in the next-generation MINI and new entry-level compact BMW models.
BMW announced it will expand its TwinPower turbo technology, which is available in 4- and 3-cylinder displacements.
TwinPower technology is a twin-scroll turbocharging system that uses direct-injection and variable-valve management (the Valvetronic method) to produce more power and efficiency with a smaller engine.
The technology was first introduced in 2009 with the 3.0 Liter Inline Six-cylinder Gasoline Unit fitted to the 5-Series GT. This technology can also be used in other models with larger displacement power units.
BMW’s X1 xDrive28i was introduced in January with a 2.0 liter turbocharged turbocharged engine that features the TwinPower turbo system. The power plant produces 245 PS/180kW (242 BHP) and 350 Nm (258 Lb-ft (258 lb-ft). Fuel-economy for the all-wheel drive model X1xDrive28i is 7.9 liters/100km on the EU test cycle.
There have been rumors for some time that BMW is working on a 3-cylinder engine. It now claims it will include TwinPower technology. BMW is developing a range 3-cylinder engines to power both the next-generation MINI and new compact BMWs.
BMW will use both petrol/gasoline and diesel 3-cylinder and 4-cylinder engines as its largest engine groups. This engine family will be used in approximately 1.5 million vehicles per year by 2015.