BMW’s new twin-turbo V8 (N63)
April 23, 2008 by Alborz Fallah
Ever since Paul drove the the twin-turbo BMW 335i, he has been unable to contain himself so news of a twin-turbo V8 has got us all excited. The German kings of engine technology are at it again, this time BMW is in the final stages of releasing a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8.
BMW has already trademarked the “555i” badge, so we can assume the first installation will take place in the 5 series, with the BMW 555i sitting below the M5. But the N63 engine’s application could range from the X5 to the new X6 as well as the 7 series.
Some have even suggested that perhaps it may find itself in the 3 series, but that would seem unlikely as it would sit above the M3.
Early reports suggest the N63 puts out roughly 300kW of power and over 610 Nm of torque. BMW, being BMW, couldn’t simply attach two turbo chargers in the traditional sense, instead, the new engine uses a new concept for the location of the turbos.
The two turbochargers are placed in the “V” section of the engine while the air-intakes are moved to the sides of the block. BMW says this process reduces overall engine size.
The intercoolers are also utilising an air-to-water system allowing for much better induction and a shorter air path to the engine.
Not much else is known about the 555i or any of the models blessed with the V8. The 5 series should receive the new model and a minor update as part of its life cycle towards the end of May (Europe).
BMW Australia spokesman Toni Andreevski told CarAdvice that so far the new engine has only been confirmed for the X6 xDrive50i which arrives into Australia in January next year.
Thanks to BimmerFile for the info.
Tags: BMW V8
*****PRIMO!*****
Doing nice work BMW, pity it attracts co*kspank type owners! :-)
Cheers
F-0
Wicked, can’t wait for a drive of that one.
kw isnt that high, but i bet it would have a really wide torque range 1500-6000 just like the 335i
If ts anything like the TT6 it will be a ripper
Peak KW means very little. Being a turbocharged car AND a V8, the instant low down torque from two smaller turbos will be phenomenal and naturally taper down towards the higher end of the scale, resulting in a lower peak kW figure but make a quick package overall.
Who needs cubes (HSV427) when you have class.
Turbocharging is adding more volumetric cubic charge into a cylinder. More cubes, turbocharging, surpercharging, nitrous, it\’s all very similar. All adds more air and more fuel into the chambers.
Not every single post on here has to turn into mindless brand bashing dribble, does it?
That comment is like saying why have Ford used a N/A 4-litre when a 2-litre turbo would have done the same thing, or BMW\’s fantastic M3 6-cylinder. They also could have used a much smaller capacity engine and used turbocharging. Why did they go more cubic capacity?
What’s the issue with a larger capacity engine? With power comes increased fuel consumption. 300kWs require a certain amount of fuel to be burnt, whether it\’s from a blown application or naturally aspirated.
I do also believe a W427 and BMW 5-series are marketed at different target buyers, people who buy the W427 aren’t looking for class or prestige in a badge.
All this is coming from somebody who is a massive fan of higher end BMW engines too, so I’m not a one-eyed brand supporter or basher like most bloggers on this site.