March 23, 2007

BMW’s next M3 will indeed have a V8, as expected. It will be lighter than the inline-six it replaces yet deliver 420 hp in European trim.
Following in the heels of BMW’s unveiling of the M3 styling prototype at the Geneva Motor Show, BMW has released specifications of the V8 engine. And it’s a monster, as befits BMW’s engine-building heritage, with 420 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque in European specifications. All this in an engine lighter than the inline-six engine it replaces.

BMW says the engine will be redlined at 8,300 rpm. It will use variable camshaft control and low-pressure double-VANOS for what BMW calls as “optimum charge cycle, system offering full power and performance even with normal engine oil pressure.” Unlike mainstream BMW engines, this will have throttle butterflies – one per cylinder for eight total.


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