BMW M engines to be kept alive by racing tech, not hybrid systems
The next-generation BMW M3 and M4 won’t go hybrid as some feared, thanks to the introduction of racing-derived engine tech.
BMW is poised to keep the twin-turbo six-cylinder engines in the M3 and M4 alive well into the future, confirming the next-generation models won’t have to rely on full hybrid systems to survive.
Questions about whether the ‘S58’ engine in the M3 and M4 – as well as the smaller M2 – could survive into the Euro 7 emissions regulation era have circulated for the past few years, but concerns were eased in recent months with the unveiling of BMW’s M Ignite system.
Debuting in the M2 xDrive, the BMW M Ignite system is claimed to significantly reduce fuel consumption under high loads while also helping the ‘S58’ straight-six to remain compliant with Euro 7 emissions standards.
The new system centres around the pre-chamber positioned within the cylinder head, which is connected with the cylinder’s main combustion chamber by overflow openings. This pre-chamber has its own spark plug and ignition coil, meaning the engine has two ignition systems.
In the M2 – which has lower outputs than the M3 and M4 – the M Ignite system hasn’t changed how much power and torque it makes, however peak torque comes on earlier, while its compression ratio rose from 9.3:1 to 10.5:1.
Speaking to UK website Pistonheads at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, BMW M CEO Frank Van Meel said the M Ignite technology will allow future M cars to continue without hybrid assistance.
“Our motorsport-derived-tech M Ignite Euro 7 S58 comes out this year, so I can say that it will survive to go into our future M cars,” Van Meel said.
“It won’t be hybrid, as we’re sticking with the perfect combustion principle. Here [with the Concept M Neue Klasse] we will go to the extremes, not the in-between.”
The Concept M Neue Klasse was revealed as the preview of what the electric M3 will look like, taking heavy design cues from the new i3 EV, as well as hallmarks of the existing M car lineup.
Jordan Mulach
While the electric and petrol M3s will obviously be different under the skin, the Concept M Neue Klasse is expected to also influence the next-generation of turbocharged models, effectively allowing customers to buy based on powertrain rather than looks.
Without directly quoting Van Meel, Pistonheads reports the next M3 and M4’s S58 engine will adopt mild-hybrid technology to meet the Euro 7 standards, with an electric motor not providing direct drive to the wheels.
BMW executives have previously said the next-gen models will continue to offer manual transmissions too, while the recent launch of the three-pedal M3 CS Handscalter in the US and the demand for it will have given the brand even greater reason to not go auto-only.
