Photo: BMW
Just the other day we were writing about the upcoming G30 5 Series and we ended on a not so optimistic note, thinking about the future of the 4.4-liter V8 on the 550i model. The truth of the matter is, this mill is simply getting too big for the current downsizing trend and it might have to be replaced soon, forced induction or not.
That’s also what Auto Bild is reporting only they seem pretty sure that the 4.4-liter mill will get replaced by a very powerful 3-liter inline 6-cylinder mill based on the B-family of plants. The thing is, we’re also expecting a downsize but hopefully not so big.
We’ve been getting used to having V8s inside 5ers and it would really be a shame to have them gone altogether, no matter how good an inline 6 can be. There simply is no replacement for the sound and feel of a vee eight and on that note, we hope to have one to drive when the G30 comes out.
If you were to ask any autoevolution editor the solution is rather simple. Based on the current strategy that BMW employs saying that 500 cc cylinders are perfect for power/efficiency/sound mixture, a 4-liter V8 would be more than welcome.
Developing such a new plant would take some serious investment however but it could be the key for the upcoming M models that will also have to use new plants. Therefore, if I was to make a bet, I’d go for a new 4-liter V8 to be announced when the G30 comes out.
The power output should be close to what we have on 550i models today and getting 450 HP out of such a plant really wouldn’t be an issue these days.
Combine that with lightweight materials and a new design and we have ourselves a winner, possibly. That is, of course, if the guys from Auto Bild are wrong and we sincerely hope so.
We’ve been getting used to having V8s inside 5ers and it would really be a shame to have them gone altogether, no matter how good an inline 6 can be. There simply is no replacement for the sound and feel of a vee eight and on that note, we hope to have one to drive when the G30 comes out.
If you were to ask any autoevolution editor the solution is rather simple. Based on the current strategy that BMW employs saying that 500 cc cylinders are perfect for power/efficiency/sound mixture, a 4-liter V8 would be more than welcome.
Developing such a new plant would take some serious investment however but it could be the key for the upcoming M models that will also have to use new plants. Therefore, if I was to make a bet, I’d go for a new 4-liter V8 to be announced when the G30 comes out.
The power output should be close to what we have on 550i models today and getting 450 HP out of such a plant really wouldn’t be an issue these days.
Combine that with lightweight materials and a new design and we have ourselves a winner, possibly. That is, of course, if the guys from Auto Bild are wrong and we sincerely hope so.
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