BMW Considering Turbocharged Power for 3 and 5-Series?

Turbocharged R6 to Bridge Gap Between 330i and M3

Excluding the modern common rail diesel motor, BMW hasn't worked with the turbocharger since the time of the hair-raising

Rumours are running amok that BMW is considering turbochargers for a new range-topping inline-six engine. (Photo: BMW Canada)

2002 Turbo and the Brabham/BMW F1 car of the early 80s. So far it's 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 rumours run amok that the German brand is considering turbochargers for a new range-topping inline-six engine.

Announced just over a year ago, BMW's state of the art 'R6' motor upped the ante. A complete overhaul of the 'M54' 3.0-litre I-6 currently found in the E46 (current generation) 330i, X3 3.0 SUV and the Z4 3.0 roadster, the all-new R6 will be available in nearly every 2006 model year BMW. The engine includes the brand's Double VANOS variable valve timing system and the highly advanced Valvetronic throttle control system. The R6's 258-horsepower claim to fame is that it's the lightest inline six on the market today, thanks

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

to extensive use of magnesium and other high-strength, lightweight alloy metals.

Between the upcoming 258-horsepower 330i and the forthcoming M3 (which is said to feature a 400-horsepower 4.0-litre V8 derived from the M5's 500 horsepower F1-inspired V10), is a rather large performance gap - one of roughly 130 horses. Rumour has this white space being plugged by a high-performance model featuring a twin-turbocharged variant of the R6 powerplant, available in sedan, coupe, wagon and convertible bodystyles. The so-called 335i also serves the secondary purpose of staving off Benz's updated C350, Lexus's shocking IS 350, Saab's twin-turbo 9-3 Aero and the face-lifted A4 3.2 FSI.