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| “Outstanding
in power output, low-end torque, refinement and fuel economy. Top
marks to BMW”
Arturo de Andrés, Automóvil |
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By completing back to back wins at
the International Engine of the Year Awards 2008, BMW’s
3-litre Twin Turbo petrol unit has matched the feat achieved
by its V10 in 2005 and 2006, and secures back-to-back overall
wins at the event. The result also confirms turbocharging as
the power generator of choice, as the engine’s triumph
here makes it
one of seven categories scooped
by turbo engines.
With an impressive 380 points – finishing nearly 100 points
ahead of the Volkswagen’s TSI – the 2,979cc unit
proved to be a hit with jury members the world over. Many were
wowed by its sheer performance, or recognised the significance
of the debut of BMW’s high-precision direct-injection
system, which helps to maximise performance and fuel economy
by precisely dosing the air-fuel mix. Adoption of the system
also enables a higher compression ratio (10.2:1) for better
fuel economy as well as a more efficient method of combustion
chamber cooling.
John Carey from Wheels magazine said the unit is “proof
that BMW pushes the boundaries
of engine technology more than any other manufacturer”.
Auto’s Lorenzo Facchinetti thinks it is a “gorgeous
engine that has the ability to make
a 1-Series or 3-Series feel like an old M3, with much more fluidity
and fuel efficiency”. And Schalk Pienaar from Wiel commented
that it shows “good use of available technology to lower
fuel consumption and provides smooth and strong power delivery”.
The two small turbochargers – rather than one larger unit
– each supply three cylinders to ensure
a more rapid response to throttle position throughout the rev
range, and also eliminate lag.
The last words on the powerplant should go to a clearly overwhelmed
Hormazd Sorabjee, editor and publisher of Autocar India: “There
is something simply magical about BMW’s in-line six. It
has a creamy smoothness that makes velvet feel like sandpaper.” |
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points |
| 1. BMW 3-litre Twin Turbo (135, 335, X6) |
380 |
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| 2. Volkswagen 1.4-litre TSI Twincharger (VW
Golf, Touran,
Tiguan, Jetta) |
287 |
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| 3. Volkswagen/Audi 2-litre 4-cylinder Turbo
FSI (A3, A4 Cabrio, A6, TT, Eos, Jetta, Skoda Octavia, Seat
Altea, León, Golf GTi) |
270 |
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| 4. BMW 4-litre V8 (M3) |
241 |
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| 5. BMW 5-litre V10 (M5, M6) |
151 |
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| 6. BMW-PSA 1.6-litre Turbo (MINI Cooper S,
Clubman,
Peugeot 207, 308) |
149 |
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| 7. Subaru 2.5-litre flat four Turbo (Forester,
Impreza,
Outback, Legacy) |
78 |
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| 8. Toyota 1-litre 3-cylinder (Aygo,Yaris/Echo/Vitz,
Citroën C1,
Peugeot 107, Subaru Justy) |
69 |
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©2008 UKIP Media & Events Ltd
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