BMW's Next Generation 3.0 Diesel

[JoshCalkins]

TwinPower 3.0

Yesterday, we looked at the latest addition to BMW's EfficientDynamics program, a new aerodynamics testing center that seeks to mitigate fuel consumption by decreasing a vehicle's drag coefficient. Going hand in hand with that effort, and further exploring BMW's efficiency plan of gradual and numerous refinements, the German automaker has announced the latest iteration of their 3.0-liter inline six diesel powerplant.

The engine, called the TwinPower 3.0 (there's also a gasoline variant) is only set for release in European markets at the moment and will replace the current 3.0 diesel over the next few months. The old 3.0 produced 286 horsepower and 428 lb-ft of torque, more than adequate for most drivers, but the new one bumps the power up to 306 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. This increase in power is accompanied by an increase in efficiency, as the new engine reduces fuel consumption and emissions by 4%.

These advances were accomplished mainly by refining the engine's fuel injection system. The injector pressure was bumped up to 29,000 PSI (over the previous versions 23,000), which allows for more precise metering of fuel. Also, the twin turbochargers received a few tweaks to help with the power boost.