BMW confirms 240-hp turbo four to replace base six in U.S.

Jan 31, 2011, 9:20am ET

BMW has detailed its new turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which is headed to the U.S. later this year.

Confirming various earlier reports, BMW has announced that a four-cylinder engine will return to its lineup for the first time in more than 10 years. Unlike the automaker's last four-cylinder - a low output 1.9-liter naturally-aspirated unit - the new four will boast more power than the inline six it replaces thanks to twin scroll turbocharging and high-pressure direct injection.



Displacing 2.0 liters, the new TwinPower unit boasts 240 horsepower and 260 lb-ft. of torque. Horsepower peaks at 5,000 rpm, a 1,500 rpm. decrease from the outgoing 3.0-liter inline six, while peak torque comes on at just 1,250 rpm. The automaker says that driving characteristics are not unlike its twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six used in various models ranging from the 135i up to the X5.



The TwinPower four-cylinder is headed to BMW products in North America by the end of 2011 for the 2012 model year.



BMW hasn't announced model availability or fuel economy, but we can anticipate that it will be made available in at least the Z4, the 1-Series coupe and convertible, as well as two or possibly three 3-Series bodystyles. Availability in the automaker's redesigned X3 also seems like a distinct possibility. The images BMW released show the engine under the hood of a 3-Series sedan.





