Porsche is apparently moving forward with its four-cylinder engine plans, but a new report indicates that Porsche is not the only German automaker with its eyes on a four-pot powerplant. Jim O’Donnell, BMW ’s North American CEO, has confirmed that the luxury automaker is indeed developing a new four-cylinder powerplant.
In an interview with Business Week, O’Donnell confirmed a new four-cylinder is under development. “It will deliver stronger performance in terms of acceleration than the current 6-cylinder, it will deliver lower emissions and will give you better fuel economy; so it is a win, win, win situation,” he said. “This will be a high tech 4-cylinder engine; obviously turbocharged.”
Although the new engine might sound like a dream come true, don’t get too overly excited. O’Donnell went on to say that the new engine has not been green lighted for the U.S., and that there is a chance we might not see the four-banger on our shores for quite awhile. So much for a win, win, win.
However, with most Americans clamoring for high gas mileage vehicles, it seems like it would be a mistake for BMW not to bring its new turbo four to the U.S. sooner rather than later.
