Quote:
Originally Posted by mkoesel
It is unlikely at this point that BMW will invest in a new six cylinder engine family with greater than 3L displacement. So, if there is going to be a 4L engine, it will almost certainly be a V8 (like Mercedes and Audi have).
Also BMW has stated in the past that they are targeting up to 200hp/L for their turbocharged engines. In fact, there was a dual motor + I4 eDrive concept from over a year ago that made a reported 670hp:
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/bmw/895...em-gets-670bhp
If we eventually see something like this combined with the aforementioned I6, over 1000hp is theorectically possible in future evolutions of the technology. Naturally, this puts the long term need for the V8 in peril. It is a not a question of if, but of how rapidly this will play out.
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I would simply alter the stroke of the current cylinder formula to achieve the 4L configuration. It would be an M-bespoke solution.
I agree on the end game. Sadly, I think that sporting V8, V10, and V12 engines will only be available in ultra-high end vehicles when all is said and done.