[Ramos]

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Reading through the latest threads here on 2ADDICTS, I realized how split we are on our preference of engines that will power the upcoming and much anticipated M2 and M2 Gran Coupe ..

Since we still have to wait 2 plus years before we can have one of those babies on our driveways, I figured why not pass the time with an official poll to see where the engine preference really stands! Silky smooth 6 or weight saving 4 pot ..

Make your choice known and tell us why !


My thread made the home page
The number of votes has tripled in one day

Update on poll results as of 5/6

Now with 344 votes, here is what we know:

* 83% + overall favor the I6
* A whopping 57% of respondents see the potential of an I4 as a deal breaker

Hopefully BMW is listening

[bimmerjph]

I am sold on an S20. In fact I would also be interested in a M version of the b38. Assuming they could get it up to 300hp without massive lag.

[Ramos]

Isn't the B38 a 3 cylinder 1.5L? Anyway the down side of an I4 has to be more lag than an I6 with the same HP target assuming similar technology

[amdmaxx]

Smooth tt inline 6 with 350hp please

[bimmerjph]

Originally Posted by Ramos

Isn't the B38 a 3 cylinder 1.5L? Anyway the down side of an I4 has to be more lag than an I6 with the same HP target assuming similar technology

Yes it is. But, an inline 3 has many of the characteristics (better sound and smoother than an i4) of an inline 6 in a smaller, lighter package. An i3 would also have all of its weight a a good bit behind the front wheels, which really be good for handling. As you can tell, I really like the b38. Lol

A smaller engine doesn't necessarily mean more lag. The N20 is already pushing 270hp. With a better intake, exhaust, and maybe a small displacement bump you could easily be at 300hp. None of those things will increase the lag at all. And since an i4 is lighter, it doesn't have to have the same hp target as an i6.

[08LMB135i]

4cyl with 300+HP please.

[Ramos]

Originally Posted by bimmerjph

And since an i4 is lighter, it doesn't have to have the same hp target as an i6.

While I agree that a lighter car does not need to have the same HP target, I think for competitive reasons, BMW are bound by a few things in terms of the HP numbers for the M2:

1. The M2 cannot have less HP than the M235 or the 1M
2. The M2 has to be competitive with the CLA AMG 45 and the RS3, not neccesarily match them, but at least be in the ball park

For these reasons, I don't think that 300 HP will do regardless of weight, I think they have to be targeting the 340-350 range.

Speaking of the CLA AMG 45, does that car really have the highest specific output of any production car ever?
The current champ is the Porsche 911 GT2 RS pushing 620 HP from 3600 CC which puts it at 172.2 HP per liter. If the speculation about the Merc having 360 HP from a 2.0 I4 is true, that would put it at 180 HP per liter !!
Is that for real? How insane is that

[R3DL1N3]

TT i6 - 350 horsepower please. A 4 cyl would be right maxed out, leaving little on the bone for tuning etc. he'll for 2 grand the 1m can put out 400+ horsepower and even more torque at the wheels. Why would u want a 4 (or less!) unless the weight was WAY down, say 3k lbs. BMW please stick with your legendary i6!

[clbmw]

As long as it beats the Merc and Audi round the track (and on the road) I don't mind. I doubt it'll be a four pot because it'd be hard to swallow with the M Performance packing an I6, but we don't know do we.

Personally I like the NA 6 and 8 engines but that's very unlikely.

[Ramos]

Despite the small number of votes (17 so far) the trend is pretty obvious.

1) overall 65 % of us would prefer a 6 cylinder M2 compared to 35% who would prefer the 4 pot

2) More importantly, the 4 pot is a deal breaker for 30 % of respondents while the I6 is not a deal breaker for anyone..

Keep the votes coming !

[EINSER M]

in BMW I trust they'll have the right ///M engine for the M2

[Tåst]

s54 whit magnesium aluminium block, some one thinks why NA? Because it´s about 80lbs lighter than turbocharged engine and all weight saved front of the car, which is good.

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by Holander

s54 whit magnesium aluminium block, some one thinks why NA? Because it´s about 80lbs lighter than turbocharged engine and all weight saved front of the car, which is good.

And it would never clear today's emissions standards. If we're just going to toss out silly ideas, I'd like a 3.0L V12.

[Tåst]

Originally Posted by Red Bread

And it would never clear today's emissions standards. If we're just going to toss out silly ideas, I'd like a 3.0L V12.

Sure? Porsche do it all the time, Cayman 3.4l S goes 30mpg. I`m not sure, but inline six is better platform than boxer engine if you want low fuel consuption.

Hybrid technology goes also cheaper when they start make i3 and i8 models. So why don´t put electric motor on back axel? Lots of torque on low revs(no lag) and more economy. Little more weight, but it´s located very good place.

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by Holander

Sure? Porsche do it all the time, Cayman 3.4l S goes 30mpg. I`m not sure, but inline six is better platform than boxer engine if you want low fuel consuption.

Hybrid technology goes also cheaper when they start make i3 and i8 models. So why don´t put electric motor on back axel? Lots of torque on low revs(no lag) and more economy. Little more weight, but it´s located very good place.

N/A isn't the problem, it was the S54. But the fact remains that a turbo charged engine gets better mileage on government efficiency tests. I do think you're right that we'll eventually see more and better integration of hybrid powertrains in performance oriented cars though.

[Tåst]

Red Beard, I`m sorry about that confusion.


Yep, turbocharged engine is better in every way, okey more weight but compensate that can make smaller engine and less cylinders.
I drive M135, lots of torque and revv pretty nicely, but sound, there is something missing. It sounds good (if you compare 4cyl) but there aren´t individual thortle bodyes making metallic rasspy intake sound on higher revs like S52 or S54, in my opinion this sound makes NA L6 so special and now it´s gone.

[Red Bread]

I agree, individual throttle body engines sound terrific and have been an M brand specialty for years, it's very sad to see that disappear. I would really enjoy a n/a motor much more than a turbo charged one, but know that with current regulations, we're unlikely to see a naturally aspirated M car for some time.

[///Mangler]

Originally Posted by Ramos

Despite the small number of votes (17 so far) the trend is pretty obvious.

1) overall 65 % of us would prefer a 6 cylinder M2 compared to 35% who would prefer the 4 pot

2) More importantly, the 4 pot is a deal breaker for 30 % of respondents while the I6 is not a deal breaker for anyone..

Keep the votes coming !

That's because 65% of the people in here are too young to remember 4cylinder cars.

I'll take the E30 M3 over the E30 325is M Technik any day. Only real enthusiasts know the difference and why. 95% of all BMW drivers have no clue what engine in in their car anyway, it fit their lease range and color combo.

T

[Red Bread]

Agreed, even the recent 320is was very appealing. I'd be fine with the M2 being a more focused, sharper car than the faster in a straight line M235i.

[Meeni]

I prefer inline6 NA (like the S54), but I'd go for a I4 NA also, if it revs like an animal.

[Tåst]

I4 NA might be impossible, without hybrid etc...but I accept I4 turbo if specs are like these. Engine like "new era S14" and there isn´t tricky plastic covers to hide engine. Look E30 M3 engine bay, it´s like art.

Configuration...Straight 4
Location...........Front, straight mounted
Displacement...1.599 liter / 97.6 cu in
Bore / Stroke... 77.0 mm (3 in) / 85.8 mm (3.4 in)
Valvetrain........ 4 valves / cylinder, DOHC
Lubrication...... Dry sump
Aspiration....... Garrett Turbo
Power.............310 bhp / 231 KW
Torque........... 420 Nm / 310 ft lbs
Red Line.........8500 rpm
BHP/Liter .......194 bhp / liter

[Ramos]

Originally Posted by Holander

I4 NA might be impossible, without hybrid etc...but I accept I4 turbo if specs are like these. Engine like "new era S14" and there isnt tricky plastic covers to hide engine. Look E30 M3 engine bay, its like art.

Configuration...Straight 4
Location...........Front, straight mounted
Displacement...1.599 liter / 97.6 cu in
Bore / Stroke... 77.0 mm (3 in) / 85.8 mm (3.4 in)
Valvetrain........ 4 valves / cylinder, DOHC
Lubrication...... Dry sump
Aspiration....... Garrett Turbo
Power.............310 bhp / 231 KW
Torque........... 420 Nm / 310 ft lbs
Red Line.........8500 rpm
BHP/Liter .......194 bhp / liter

Seriously !!
310 Hp from 1.6 liters!! You are aware that the highest specific output currently on a production car is the Porsche GT2 RS (163 BHp / liter)

How about 400 BHp from a 1.5 liter 3 cylinder? Why not stop there? I want mine with 1000 Hp from a 1.0 liter 2 cylinder motor !