In a recent interview for Auto Motor Und Sport (German), Dr. Klaus Draeger, member of the board of management in charge of development at BMW AG, says a two-cylinder engine from BMW is a possibility. According to Draeger, ideally the the engine will have a capacity of 500 cubic centimers per cylinder and an output of 80 or 100 horsepower.
First news around a 500cc three-cylinder engine broke on BMWBLOG back in June when we reported that BMW is investigating a 500cc per cylinder base design which also uses Direct-Injection and Turbo charging. At the time, we said that this engine could be featured in many BMW models, but will not be perceived as a base engine or entry model.
Draegers statement comes with no surprises. In the past few years, BMW has become an advocate of smaller, highly-efficient powerplants and the near future will bring three and four cylinder engines that would set BMW apart from its competitors.
Four-Cylinder Engine Illustrated
Draeger also emphasized once again the imminent appearance of a front-wheel drive BMW powered by efficient engines.
The newly developed engines could potentially replace the costly hybrid systems that haven’t proven to be extremely fuel-efficient.
“Already in the 1-Series and 3-series the potential savings compared to larger motors is rather low,” said Draeger.
For the same magazine, Draeger was hinting at a two-cylinder 1.0 liter powerplant that would power the futre BMW front-wheel drive platform.
[Source: AMSvia Worldcarfans]
Author: Horatiu B.
Source: http://www.bmwblog.com/2010/10/25/a-two ... -from-bmw/