WHealy

Not necessarly a BMW fan (never owned one), but in light of our turbo, S/C threads, I thought this was interesting.

BMW AG will offer turbocharged gasoline-powered engines in its main car models in the next few years.

The aim is to bridge the power gap between BMW's top-of-the-line models and its high-powered M versions, which will stay normally aspirated.

BMW's M5, to be introduced this year, has a 500-hp V-10 engine. The normal 5-series models have six- and eight-cylinder engines that produce as much as 333 hp.

The next 3-series range will get six-cylinder engines. The next M3 will have a V-8 that is much more powerful than the 343-hp inline 6 in the current M3.

"This leaves a significant power gap that can be filled by the turbocharged engines," a BMW source says, adding that the turbo engines will be based on direct-injection gasoline-powered engines.

Some of the turbocharged models will come with automatic transmissions, increasing their appeal in the United States. The M models only come with manual transmissions. The United States was BMW's top market in 2003.

The turbocharged models will not have the extensive body and chassis modifications of the M models.

BMW has a history of making turbocharged cars. The 170-hp 2002 Turbo was introduced in 1973. In 1980, BMW introduced the 745i, a 252-hp turbocharged six-cylinder car that topped off the 7-series lineup. Its successor was the 750i, which was powered by a 5.0-liter V-12. The turbo version of the 745i sold 16,031 units worldwide from 1980 to 1986.

Elara

They're also now saying they AREN'T bringing the 1 series over, but may revamp it and bring it over as a 2 series.

4thGen

sounds like BMW has officially sold its soul...

rev-2-9k

i will belive it when i c it on the showroom floor, they make enough power without FAI.

WHealy

I saw that too Elera ...

BMW AG may scrap plans to export its new 1-series small car to the United States.

Company executives had said a version of the 1 series, most likely a sedan, would come to America 18 to 24 months after the five-door hatchback is launched in Europe this summer. BMW officials say the plans have changed.

"I am not prepared to say what sort of car we will bring," says Tom Purves, CEO of BMW North America.

He says the 1 series had been on track for sale in the United States, but "lots of things have changed."

He says U.S. dealers haven't vetoed the plan, and that a four-door hasn't been approved for production. He said it may be up to BMW North America to make a case that the 1 series can sell in the United States.

Burkhard Goeschel, BMW's top product development executive in Germany, said, "Despite the success of our Mini, U.S. customers still have to get used to small models."

Asked if the 1 series will come to the United States before 2007, Goeschel said: "This is not very likely. It has been a decision of BMW U.S.A. not to bring the 1 series to the U.S. for the near future." He added: "If we go to the U.S., it will be with another body variant (than the hatchback)."

Backpedaling

A Europe-based consultant working with BMW says the company is "backpedaling" because of the strong euro and because other 1 series derivatives are being considered.

"BMW is toying with changing the name of one of the body styles - it could be called the 2 series," the source said. "The U.S. may get a four-seat, two-door model with a trunk, but they would make it sleek and coupelike."

Calling the coupe a 2 series would follow BMW's strategy of making even-numbered models either coupes or sportier versions of sedans. That would allow BMW to price a 2 series higher - a strategy used in positioning the new 6 series coupe and convertible above the 7 series sedan.

The 1 series is based on the 3 series, which debuts next year. The 2 series also would use 3 series components.

The 1 series hatchback, which will be built in Regensburg, Germany, is 166.5 inches long - 9.5 inches shorter than the 3 series sedan.

Currency an issue

A European stock analyst who had heard that BMW is reconsidering plans to sell the 1 series in the United States said: "The fact that there has been this wobble suggests there has been rethinking because the exchange rate has changed dramatically."

The analyst, who spoke on condition that he not be named, added: "It raises the issue whether you can sell this vehicle profitably and if it helps you in terms of image and profitability."

BMW has currency-hedging arrangements with banks that provide partial protection from a weak dollar. But those arrangements end after 2005, near the time the 1 series would enter the U.S. market.

"If the euro stays strong and climbs, then the 2006 horizon will get difficult," the analyst said. "They'll have to increase prices, and that could put the viability of the 1 series program on hold."

rev-2-9k

I think it was Road and Track who showed a spy picture of a 3 M series but it was a hatchback not dis-similiar to the 318ti that went away in '95.