BMW wins two 10 Best Engines awards from Ward’s

A new year and new engine awards for BMW. This time, BMW North America received two awards from the Ward’s Automotive Group, once again, the twin-turbo 6 cylinder engine has won an award.

The recently diesel engine launched in the U.S, 6 cylinder twin-turbo, grabs the second award for its EfficientDynamics technology and its V8 performance. The petrol engine has won the award three times in a row since its introduction in 2006.

6 Cyl Diesel

Back in December, we put together a comprehensive analysis on all the awards won by BMW engines in past 10 years. Once again, great job BMW!

Press Release

BMW of North America yesterday accepted two 10 Best Engines awards from Ward’s Automotive Group. As the only double winner this year, two BMW twin-turbo inline-6 engines — one diesel and one gasoline — were elected to the 10 Best Engines list for the 2009 model year by the Ward’s panel of expert judges.
“These two awards are further testament that BMW’s EfficientDynamics engineering strategy is delivering the performance and efficiency that drivers expect today.” said Hans Hohenner, General Manager of Drivetrain Development for BMW Group. “Each of these very different engines brings to market new technologies that combine to create the highest-performing six-cylinder engines BMW has ever produced while delivering fuel efficiency that was previously unattainable.”

BMW’s gasoline 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged DOHC Inline-6 received a Ward’s 10 Best Engines honor for the third time since its introduction in the summer of 2006. The acclaimed engine now powers 11 BMW models in the US - from the 135i to the X6 xDrive35i Sports Activity Coupe. This 300-horsepower engine features twin low-mass turbochargers, High Precision Direct Injection and electrified accessory drives for an unbeatable blend of power, efficiency, and responsiveness. As an example, this engine propels the BMW 335i coupe from rest to 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds (manual transmission) yet delivers an EPA-estimated highway mileage of 26 mpg.

The second Ward’s 10 Best Engines honor for BMW was awarded to the new 50-state BMW Advanced Diesel with BluePerformance technology. Featuring all-aluminum construction, this light-weight 3.0-liter Sequential Turbo DOHC Advanced Diesel inline-6 offers V-8 performance on four-cylinder consumption: 265 horsepower and 425 lb-ft of torque, with EPA efficiency figures of 23 (city) and 36 (highway) in the 2009 BMW 335d Sedan, which is capable of 0 - 60mph in just 6.0 seconds. In addition to the 335d model mentioned, this new engine will also be available in the X5 xDrive35d Sports Activity Vehicle, which is capable of 0 - 60mph in 6.9 seconds and 26mpg on the highway. Both Advanced Diesel models will be in BMW centers later this month.

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New ZF Automatic Transmission to offer Start/Stop system

In September, we talked intensively about BMW's new Start/Stop System as being part of the "EfficientDynamics" program. The stop-start system is one of the fuel economy and emissions reduction components of its "Efficient Dynamics" technology package. The way it works is that the system automatically switches off the engine when the car comes to a standstill.  As soon as the driver puts in the clutch or depresses the gas pedal, the engine fires up automatically.  At that time, we confirmed the Start/Stop system only works for manual transmissions, but we had hopes that a solution for the automatic gearboxes will be developed as well. Three months later and the latest news say BMW's new ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox will feature the Start/Stop technology also.  It is unknown at the moment which models will be getting this system, but my best goes on the high-end 760Li which will be released by the end of 2009. [Source: Auto Motor Sport via BMWToday ]

 

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BMW switching to turbocharged M cars

After two decades of normally-aspirated high-revving engines shoehorned under the hoods of its M cars, BMW is changing direction and will begin to offer direct-injection turbocharged powerplants in its future high-performance flagships. The German automaker is blaming tough environmental emission standards and the soaring manufacturing costs of the specialty-built V8 and V10 engines found in today's M3, M5, and M6 models for its decision. We also suspect the fact that both Audi and Mercedes-Benz have successfully offered torque-laden forced-induction powerplants for years on their performance models may have something to do with it (also keep in mind that an aftermarket-tuned version of BMW's own twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-6 can easily match the power output of the M3's normally-aspirated 4.0-liter V8). The first new M model to carry the turbocharged honor will be the X6 xDrive M, with a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 reportedly making 500 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. That same engine is reportedly going into the next F10-chassis M5 due in late 2010. [Source: Autoweek]

 

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BMW Perfomance accessories goes live with new video

BMW Performance accessories is officially online with 32 upgrades Bimmer drivers, ranging from carbon fiber dress-up stuff to more serious bits like six-piston brakes with cross-drilled rotors or a carbon fiber suspension cross brace. Accessorizing BMW enthusiasts can also purchase form-fitting racing seats, a short-throw shifter, or even a steering wheel with an LED display that tracks lap times, acceleration, and top speed. BMW is so excited (and wants you to be similarly excited) about its performance parts that it created a video to help inspire owners to pull out their wallets and do some shopping. Hit the jump to see it for yourself, and crank up the speakers in time to hear the exhaust note coming from BMW's new sport muffler. Thanks for the tip, Max! [Source: BMW]

 

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