Turbocharged R6 to Bridge Gap Between 330i and M3

Excluding the modern common rail diesel motor, BMW hasnt worked with the turbocharger since the time of the hair-raising 2002 Turbo and the Brabham/BMW F1 car of the early 80s. So far its managed to avoid forced aspiration in all of its gasoline-powered vehicles, opting for lag-free advancements in performance and fuel-saving technology through good ol ingenuity and countless hours of research and development. Therefore it comes as a great surprise that rumors run amok that the German brand is considering turbochargers for a new range-topping inline-six engine.

Announced just over a year ago, BMWs state of the art R6 motor upped the ante. A complete overhaul of the M54 3.0-liter I-6 currently found in the E46 (current generation) 330i, X3 3.0 SUV and the Z4 3.0

Rumors are running amok that BMW is considering turbochargers for a new range-topping inline-six engine. (Photo: BMW of North America)

Between the upcoming 258-horsepower 330i and the forthcoming M3 (which is said to feature a 400-horsepower 4.0-liter V8 derived from the M5s 500 horsepower F1-inspired

Between the upcoming 258-horsepower 330i and the forthcoming M3 is a rather large performance gap - one of roughly 130-horsepower. (Photo: BMW of North America)

Having learned a great deal about turbocharging in the development its all-conquering 3.0-liter twin-turbodiesel I-6, its reported that BMW will apply the same technique in building the gasoline equivalent. Though the motor will have two turbos,

BMW learned a great deal about turbocharging in the development its all-conquering 3.0-liter twin-turbodiesel I-6. (Photo: BMW of North America)

Building on the existing R6 means that the twin-turbo version will feature the same weight-saving construction and power-improving technologies. While not confirmed, the turbo add-on should boost the 335is output to around 330 horsepower, an increase of 72 from the 330i, and less than 15 horses short of the current M3! This should guarantee that the 3,300 pound 3-Series be propelled

While not confirmed, the turbo add-on should boost the 335is output to around 330-horsepower, an increase of 72 from the 330i, and less than 15 horses short of the current M3! (Photo: BMW of North America)

Though a six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic gearbox will undoubtedly be offered with the 335i, insiders believe that BMW will be phasing out the current SMG option for regular 3-Series models. Having observed the ultra-quick gear change times and the unparalleled smoothness of the Borg-Warner designed VW-Group DSG twin-clutch gearbox, BMW is said to be investing in its own variant for use in the 335i. The engine will most likely debut prior to the release of the transmission.

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