South, great post! It is wonderful to hear that more than one or two possibilities are being explored.
Quote:
Originally Posted by SUB-ZERO
A bi-turbo S65 variant will be marvelous!
1. A progressive iteration of one of the best engines ever.
2. Imagine the fun aftermarket tuners can have with this engine!
-SZ
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I like the bi-turbo S65 best of the quartet.
Quote:
Originally Posted by mkoesel
Here's my take (whether you want it or not) 
Believability: 10%
Why? We already have two turbo V8s - the S63 and N63 - so I don't how it will make a good business case to build yet another one.
Believability: 70%
Why? An "S55" would follow on logically just like the N63->S63 evolution. And I personally think 160hp/L will be very feasibly for M division. Granted, there is still a discrepancy as far as the N55 vs. the N54 forming the basis. When it comes down to it, the primary difference is turbo setup and Valvetronic. But those two will be weighed independently by M either way.
Believeability factor: 25%
Why? While this would make a lot more sense than the turbo'd S65 would, I still don't think BMW will go through with it. They need to play up the greener image that people have of engines with lower cylinder count. Make no mistake, they are going to do all they can to tie the Efficient Dynamics story into the M3 as tightly as possible.
Believability factor: < 1%
Why? I just don't think it makes any sense. As I see it, fitment issues with the V8 as far as an X3 M or Z4 M are due to the turbos, intercoolers, plumbing etc, most likely. If you are going to have to move them no matter what the cylinder count, then you could just as easily relocate them for the V8, and not spend all the money developing a V6 block, crank, cams, heads, not to mention testing all that. And for less displacement, no need to lose cylinders - just destroke/debore the V8. |
No disagreement with your takes, but which of the four has the greatest potential for outputting the highest bhp per pound of motor? Any idea; anyone?