This past week we've been hearing rumblings about three-cylinder motors. But does that really get your motor going -- no pun intended.
Well, that's what we're hear to essentially figure out.
The boys and girls from the UK's Autocar was one of the few publications given the chance to get behind the wheel and tell us a bit about it. Given that my biggest gripe about the new four-cylinder powerplant slotted into many of today's entry-level BMW products is its horrific sound, I am particularly interested.
This three-cylinder powerplant may be JUST what BMW has been looking for. It could be something that lives up to BMW's sporty aspirations, that elusive soul that gearheads mutter about and still remain highly efficient.
Of course, that is what we all want in a perfect world. From the sounds of it, BMW **may** have just created that for us.
Regardless of BMW's success or failure, this is easily the most important engine debut for BMW this year as this will likely trickle into most of its entry-level products and be the go-to choice for those desiring a BMW but have a budget to keep.
Read some excerpts from Autocar's very first impressions below...
What is it like?
...The compact three-cylinder starts, like all BMW engines these days, with a push of dashboard mounted button, idling with a distant and rather unique timbre. This prototype is equipped with an eight speed automatic gearbox, modified with remapped electronics to take full advantage of the new engine’s unique properties. It’s a combination BMW says provides the best compromise between performance and economy...
...From the first probing nudge of the throttle it’s clear the new unit is already at a fairly advanced state of development....
...It is the responsiveness of the new unit, though, that really stands out, giving it the sort of sporting attributes that have become part and parceled of just about all BMW engines down through the years. We are yet to discover exactly how much boost pressure it runs, but there is little hint of lag, just a lovely linear flow of power...
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