BMW Announces 1.5-Liter Turbo Diesel and Petrol Engines

BMW has announced it’s going to introduce new TwinPower turbocharged engines in both gasoline and diesel forms, displacing 1.5-liters and pushing up to 224 PS (222 hp) through their three cylinders.

The engines feature variable load control, direct injection and Valvetronic variable valve control on petrol versions. To keep costs down, about 60 percent of the components and 40 percent of the engine structure is shared between all the diesels and petrols.

The petrol engines will range in output from 122 PS to 224 PS (121 to 222 hp), while the diesels will be capable of delivering from 82 PS an 184 PS (80 to 181 hp), while also delivering torque figures of between 225-330 Nm (166-243 lb-ft).

BMW promises that the engines will sound good, be responsive and very efficient. "Because the frequency of the sound of a three-cylinder engine increases 50 percent faster than that of a four-cylinder, the engine is perceived as being extremely vivacious and sporty," BMW says.

The new 1.5-liter turbos will be used in the next generation MINI Cooper, the BMW i8 hybrid sportscar and the 1-Series GT. Other small and medium sized cars and SUVs are sure to follow.