So as we all know, everyone's making their displacement bigger and producing more power. The next M3 will have a V8. The 325s are now 3.0. The new lexus IS is powered by V6. Do you think in a couple more generation the power war will push the 6s out of the window? G35s are pusing 300 now rite?
I dont really think they can get anymore power out of N/A 6s.. its sad really cuz inline 6s are great :happysad:

 

Um, well, in the quest of carmakers these days to get more and more power out of engines, displacement is obviously going to be at the top end of the list. What do you expect, 4 and 5 liter I6's from BMW? I don't really understand your point. There will always be lower end cars that require 4 and 6 cylinders for gas mileage and low cost.

In a 'couple of generations of cars' I wonder if there will even be any emphasis on engine power at all, frankly...times are a-changin. 2016 sounds and is pretty far away. If I had the money, I'd go out and buy a kick ass car today, but I don't because of school. I'm not sure how long the car industry can sustain this engine power war, or more specifically how long the public will continue to buy these cars as the supply of gas dwindles in comparison to demand (thanks, China).

 

I think inline 6's will always remain at least a base option from BMW..... they are relatively reliable (except the M3's), have a strong, broad, smooth power band which V configurations don't have (V6s and V8s tend to loose their ability to breathe above 5000 rpm), and are quite economical.

I do believe that the horsepower war can continue with the advent of more hybrid availability...... Toyota plans to offer hybrid versions of all of their Lexus vehicles and many more Toyotas in the next 5 or so years. Honda is getting into the hybrid groove as well. I also belive that will revolutionize the industry and basically force the hand of every one else to produce hybrids for more than just their econoboxes or family sedans. We will eventually be looking at V8 performance with V6 economy, and V6 performance with 4 cylinder economy.

 

BMW and Volvo are pretty much the only companies that sell a passenger car inline six here in the USA. Mercedes ditched the format for the V6 in the mid-90s, Lexus has just now switched. GM has one in the midsize SUVs.

The problem with the inline six isn't one so much of power as packaging. It's a looong engine, longer than a V8, and requires an engine bay with enough size in it to fit. With more and more cars being built on corporate platforms intended to underpin a bunch of different vehicles of varied shapes and sizes there's generally not as much room allowed for an inline six.

As far as the mainstream is concerned, it's already a rather unpopular choice. But, I don't think BMW is going to drop the inline six any time soon. The 3-series is their biggest seller and it's got inline sixes. Everything else in their lineup save for a 6- or 7-series is also available with an inline six. The big cars have sixes outside the USA as well. The unique thing about BMW is that every single one of their vehicles, even the 1-series, is designed to fit an inline six. It's their signature motor. I do not think BMW will switch over to V6 engines any time soon.

 

I have to agree with Mike. BMWs I6 is not going anywhere any time soon.

 

Probably always see it in diesels, makes a lot of torque.

 

I think it sucks that there aren't more I6 Turbo engines coming out, but it's not like the power to fuel economy rates are really on par with what people want. Many V8 and V6 engines are being developed with tricks that make them nearly as efficient as an I4 on the highway too so I guess (I6) enthusiasts will just have to work with what's available.

 

yeah, thanks a lot. :ugh:

 

BMW 335i
3.0L twin turbo 350bhp

 

What does this have to do with the subject title?