Switching from a naturally aspirated V8 to a twin-turbo straight six in the new M3 and M4 might bring benefits, but a test ride revealed a notable and predictable pitfall
BMW M division claims its new twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six engine is every bit as good, if not better, than the glorious naturally aspirated 4.0-litre V8 powerplant it supplants in the new M3 saloon and M4 coupé.
The raw figures are certainly impressive. They say it kicks out an added 10bhp, at 424bhp, and more than 25 per cent extra torque, with what is described as significantly more than 369lb ft below 2000rpm.
No lack of grunt, then. But as I sit next to Martin Tomczyk, one of a trio of factory drivers BMW’s M division has brought to the unveiling of the new engine at a test track north of Munich, in an