New 3 Series to Have the 'Most Powerful' Four Cylinder Ever Fitted to a BMW
Some details on the upcoming new G20 BMW 3 Series have been released by the German automaker today.
The G20 3 Series will have the “most powerful 4-cylinder engine ever to be fitted in a BMW series production model,” the automaker says. To date, the most powerful four-cylinder to be fitted to a production BMW is the 255 hp B48 2.0-liter turbo, so the 2.0-liter 3 Series should have at least 260 hp on tap. Despite this, BMW claims the new engine is 5 percent more efficient than the 2.0-liter turbo in the outgoing F30 3 Series.
Additionally, the G20 Series will sit 10 millimetres lower than the outgoing F30 3 Series, will have a stiffer chassis and will weigh as much as 121 lbs less in certain configurations. It will also have a wider track width, offering greater cornering stability, along with new dampers that offer the “perfect basis for striking a unique balance between sporty flair and ride comfort.” The sedan will boast 50:50 weight distribution as well.
SEE ALSO: 2019 BMW 3 Series Exposed in Spy Photos
BMW also shared some details on the various M performance parts that will be offered on the vehicle. The M sports suspension system will lower the suspension by 10mm and also add 18-inch light alloy wheels shod in performance tires.”We’ve also made the M sports suspension much sportier, with more rigid bearings and stabilisers, harder springs and additional body struts,” explained BMW’s head of driving dynamics, Peter Langen. The M sports suspension will be joined by a Variable Sports Steering rack in M versions of the G20 3 Series, which adjusts the steering weight based on the vehicle’s speed. An electronically controlled locking M sports differential will also be on the cards, working in unison with the Dynamic Stability Control system to provide higher cornering speeds and eliminate unwanted oversteer and understeer.
BMW is currently conducting pre-production tests of the G20 3 Series at the Nurburgring ahead of its anticipated debut at the 2018 Paris Motor Show this fall. It says a “particularly extensive testing programme,” was developed for the new 3 Series that will help ensure it’s up to the task of track driving and that it arrives with well-tuned suspension and steering and a durable powertrain.
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Sam McEachern holds a diploma in journalism from St. Clair College in Windsor, Ontario, and has been covering the automotive industry for over 5 years. He conducts reviews and writes AutoGuide's news content. He's a die-hard motorsports fan with a passion for performance cars of all sorts.
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Sorry but I'm not impressed. Even GM's Camaro 2.0 puts out 275HP and AMG kicks their 4 banger to 375HP with a host of other cars (Ford, Subaru, Volvo, Alfa Romeo, Honda, Porsche, Jag and Audi) in between 275 and 375. Keep trying BMW you're falling way behind.
BMW needs to get back where they use to be with this car and hearing that the G20 3 Series making improvements to ride and handling, body structure with less weight and steering is a start to make them on top as always because the competition is not lying down and also improving.