C&D Gets Fresh Info on New BMW M-Cars from Company Boss Friedrich Nitschke

BMW has been forced to adapt its Motorsport division to the changing times, and while they may have been able to give us a five-liter V10-powered M5 in the past, the future holds nothing of the sort in store.

Actually, they may even use BMW’s new 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine as the base for a performance engine, as according to M division boss Friedrich Nitschke, they are now able to extract 185 to 200 hp per liter through turbocharging – a quick calculation hints at a theoretical output of around 300 hp.

This information comes courtesy of Car&Driver, which had the chance to sit down with the head of BMW’s M sub-brand and pick his brain. Nitschke was questioned about the possible addition of all-wheel drive to the mainstream M cars, to which he replied that those customers who want such a vehicle already have the X5M and X6M – additional models wouldn’t be necessary. I’d also add the (M Performance) M550xd, which has one of the most impressive diesel engines ever made, plus it’s all wheel drive, so it fits the bill.

Herr Nitschke did admit to the fact that future M engines will be closer to BMW’s production units, as bespoke power plants like the current M3’s V8 or the V10 in the old M5 aren’t as cost-effective. Nevertheless, these engines will retain their high-revving nature, which is a brand trait, and an important one at that.

Speaking of the V8-powered M3 (E90/E92), it has apparently sold out, despite the fact that the car will be built for six more months. Why would they want to alter the formula, when demand for the current car is still high.

By Andrei Nedelea

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