When BMW launched the all-new M3 G80 in 2021, it got here with the S58 3.0-liter inline-six with two mono-scroll turbochargers, double Vanos camshaft timing, and Valvetronic variable valve timing. The S58 engine debuted in 2019 for the F97/F98 BMW X3 M and X4 M earlier than making it to the G80/G81 M3 and M4 two years later.
The S58 in commonplace guise makes 473 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque, the latter accessible from 2,650 to six,130 rpm. Meanwhile, Competition variants just like the M3 Competition xDrive have 510 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque at 2,750 to five,500 rpm. Notably, the BMW M3 G80 is the primary in its lineage to return with an non-compulsory all-wheel drivetrain.
The BMW S58 is a technical masterpiece with a light-weight solid crankshaft, a 3D-printed cylinder head core, high-precision gas injection, and a twin chamber oil sump that ensures dependable lubrication in excessive driving environments. The BMW M3 G80 continues to be in manufacturing as of 2024. Another M automotive that makes use of the S58 engine is the second-gen BMW M2 with a 453-horsepower model of the twin-turbo inline-six.
The inline-six engine has lengthy been celebrated for its smooth power delivery and balanced design. In automotive engineering, bigger displacements have typically been favored to maximise efficiency. However, there’s a distinctive and intriguing nook of the automotive world that used the smallest displacement inline-six engines ever produced.
These pint-sized energy vegetation might lack the spectacular displacement of their bigger counterparts, however they make up for it with their effectivity, packaging benefits, and typically even stunning efficiency capabilities. Auto producers which have produced these small engines have included them in quite a lot of fashions. From economic system automobiles to sports activities coupes, these small-displacement inline-sixes have left an enduring influence on the automotive business.
In order to provide the most recent and correct data doable, the information used to compile this text was sourced from varied producer web sites and different authoritative sources, together with Stellantis and Spyker.
Discover the class of the 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale, a mix of luxurious and efficiency.
The Smallest Inline-Six Engine
Straight-six or inline-six engines usually are not typically related to small-displacement engines. Typically, most individuals count on a six-cylinder engine to have a capability of a minimum of 2.0-liters, however often nearer to three.0-liters or extra.
Consequently, small-displacement inline-six engines are considerably uncommon within the automotive world, they usually generate some intrigue when they’re produced by auto producers. While many automobile producers have used straight-six engines of their automobiles, small displacement engines on this configuration weren’t at all times sensible or environment friendly to fabricate on a big scale.
The Displacement of The Smallest Inline-Six
Rutger van der Maar | Flickr
Alfa Romeo was a producer that produced one of many smallest inline-six engines that went right into a manufacturing automobile. Alfa launched the inline-six configuration engines early on in its automobile manufacturing historical past. Straight-sixes had been used the G1 fashions produced between 1921 and 1923, and the RL mannequin between 1922 and 1927. However, all these fashions had bigger capability engines. The engine capability of the G1 straight-six was 6.0-liters (6,330 cc / 386.3 cu in), whereas the RL mannequin, Alfa’s first sports activities mannequin, was powered by engines starting from 3.0-liters within the RL Normale to three.6-liters within the RL Targa Florio.
The smallest inline-six engine was the 1500 engine, with a capability of 1,487 cc or 90.7 cubic-inches that produced 44 horsepower.
This engine was designed for racing for the reason that engine within the RL was thought-about too heavy for this utility. It was first used within the Alfa Romeo P2 Grand Prix automobile and later within the highway model 6C 1500, which was launched to the motoring public in 1925 and produced between 1927 and 1929.
The Car With The Smallest Inline-6 Engine
Rutger van der Maar | Flickr
The Alfa Romeo 6C fashions had a variety of engines. The 6C 1500 was the one mannequin launched with a small displacement inline-six engine and was in manufacturing from 1927 to 1929. The preliminary mannequin had a single overhead camshaft whereas the later sport mannequin featured double overhead camshafts.
The small 1500 inline-six engine within the 6C, powered the automobile to a high velocity of 68 MPH, whereas the DOHC model squeezed an additional 10MPH out of the engine and delivered a blistering high velocity of 78 MPH.
Subsequent fashions within the 6C vary had been the 6C 1750, 6C 1900, 6C 2300, 6C 2500, and the 6C 3000, which had correspondently bigger engines. The final Alfa to function a straight-six engine was the Alfa Romeo 2600, produced between 1961 and 1969, after which the producer opted to standardize on the V-6 configuration.
Historical Overview of Straight-Six Engines
David Traver Adolphus / TopSpeed
Inline-six engines usually are not newcomers to the car business and even outdate the introduction of the V-configuration engines. The early automobile ICE engines had been all within the inline configuration, which led to the hypothesis that including extra cylinders would give extra energy.
The First Inline-Six Engine
The first inline-six engine was created again in 1903 by the Dutch producer Spyker. The engine was developed for racing and produced 60 horsepower, setting the pattern for auto producers of the day. The further energy produced by the six-cylinder engine was seen and shortly adopted by the early automobile producers.
The pattern caught on so shortly that by 1909 a big portion of automobile producers worldwide had adopted the configuration and had been producing automobiles with inline-six engines.
The Benefits Of Inline-Six Engines
Inline-six engines supply quite a few advantages that make them nonetheless a well-liked alternative amongst automotive producers immediately. One of the important thing benefits of inline-six engines is their inherently balanced design, which ends up in smoother operation and decreased vibrations in comparison with engines with fewer cylinders. This stability permits for greater engine speeds and improved efficiency with out sacrificing consolation.
Additionally, inline-six engines usually have a better torque output throughout a wider vary of engine speeds, making them well-suited for quite a lot of driving situations. This torque benefit interprets to higher acceleration and towing capabilities, making inline-six engines a most well-liked alternative for automobiles resembling vans and SUVs.
Another good thing about inline-six engines is their compact dimension and environment friendly packaging. Due to their straight configuration, inline-six engines could be mounted longitudinally within the engine bay, permitting for higher weight distribution and simpler entry to parts for upkeep and repairs. This format additionally allows smoother airflow and extra environment friendly cooling, contributing to improved total efficiency and reliability.
The C8 Spyder is the forgotten Dutch supercar that appears like nothing else on the highway
The Popularity Of Inline-Six Engines
Jaguar
Despite dealing with competitors from different engine layouts, the inline-six has maintained a loyal following and continues to be a well-liked alternative in quite a lot of automobiles. The longer design of the inline-six permits for higher weight distribution within the car, contributing to improved dealing with, stability, and flexibility.
This engine configuration, mixed with developments in gas effectivity and elevated environmentally pleasant calls for, has resulted in its continued use in a variety of automobiles, from luxurious sedans to rugged vans.
Straight-six or inline-six engines have been fashionable throughout a broad spectrum of automobile producers, with many manufacturers nonetheless choosing this engine configuration in lots of their present fashions.
BMW Inline-Six Implementation
BMW is understood for its long-standing dedication to the straight-six configuration, and it presents this engine in quite a lot of fashions throughout their lineup. Notable examples embody:
3 Series (particularly fashions just like the 340i)
4 Series
5 Series (such because the 540i)
7 Series
X Series SUVs (X3, X4, X5, X6, X7)
Z4 Roadster
BMW traditionally created what they claimed to be the lightest inline-six engine to ever be produced. The engine was made in 2005 and included within the BMW 130i supposed for the UK market. The engine was constructed of an aluminum and magnesium alloy, which considerably decreased its weight and allowed its inclusion within the development of smaller automobiles. While this engine might have been the lightest six-cylinder engine, it was definitely not a small displacement engine, with a 3.0-liter capability.
Other Manufacturers Offering Inline-Six Options
Mercedes-Benz is one other luxurious model that makes use of straight-six engines, particularly of their newer fashions outfitted with delicate hybrid programs for enhanced efficiency and effectivity.
CLS 450
E450 (Sedan, Coupe, Convertible)
GLE450 SUV
GLS 450
British automobile producer Jaguar has reintroduced the straight-six in a few of their fashions, leveraging the engine’s inherent smoothness. Models that provide the inline-six engine embody the F-PACE SUV and the XF Sedan.
Land Rover, significantly within the Defender and Range Rover fashions, has seen the introduction of straight-six engines, changing V6s in some variants.
Defender
Range Rover
Range Rover Sport
Volvo has traditionally used straight-six engines, however in recent times, it has seen a shift in direction of four-cylinder and electrical powertrains. However, some older however nonetheless fashionable fashions feature straight-six engines, such because the XC90.
Hyundai’s luxurious model, Genesis, has begun utilizing straight-six engines in some markets, significantly of their bigger sedans and SUVs, such because the Genesis GV80.
These producers and fashions spotlight the variety of automobiles that make use of straight-six engines, starting from sports activities automobiles to luxurious sedans and SUVs.
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Future Trends Of Small Displacement Inline-Six Engines
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The straight-six engine has lengthy been celebrated for its easy operation, balanced efficiency, and iconic sound. In current years, developments in automotive know-how and altering shopper preferences have sparked a renewed curiosity on this basic engine configuration.
As we glance to the way forward for automotive engineering, there might but be an utility for small displacement inline-six engines, significantly in new-generation inexperienced functions. From hybrid powertrains to elevated give attention to effectivity and efficiency, the longer term developments of straight-six engines might probably ship thrilling improvements and enhancements for drivers all over the world.
The way forward for small displacement inline-six engines appears to be like promising as producers intention to strike a stability between efficiency and effectivity. With developments in turbocharging and hybrid know-how, smaller inline-six engines are in a position to ship spectacular energy outputs whereas additionally bettering gas economic system and emissions. This pattern is especially noticeable within the luxurious automobile phase, the place automakers are downsizing their engine choices with out compromising on efficiency or refinement.
The compact dimension of inline-six engines makes them well-suited for a variety of auto functions. Their inherent easy operation supplies a stage of refinement that’s tough to match with different engine configurations. As automakers proceed to push the boundaries of engineering and know-how, we are able to probably see even smaller displacement inline-six engines that provide a compelling mixture of energy, effectivity, and class, shaping the way forward for automotive propulsion.
With 503 horsepower on faucet from its twin-turbo inline-six, the BMW M4 Competition is something however underpowered. Yet BMW felt the necessity to pack much more energy into its efficiency coupe for 2025.
The up to date M4 makes use of the identical twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine as final 12 months, nonetheless making 473 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque on the bottom mannequin and 503 horsepower and 479 pound-feet on the rear-wheel-drive Competition. But shifting as much as the all-wheel-drive M4 Competition xDrive unlocks an additional 20 hp – bringing the overall output determine to 523 hp.
Engine
Output
0-60 MPH
BMW M4
Twin-Turbo 3.0L I6
473 HP / 406 LB-FT
4.1 Seconds
BMW M4 Competition
Twin-Turbo 3.0L I6
503 HP / 479 LB-FT
3.8 Seconds
BMW M4 Competition xDrive
Twin-Turbo 3.0L I6
523 HP / 479 LB-FT
3.4 Seconds
The commonplace M4 coupe with the six-speed guide transmission nonetheless will get to 60 miles per hour in 4.1 seconds whereas the rear-drive Competition mannequin will get there in 3.8 seconds. The M4 xDrive doesn’t see its 60 mph time enhance both, regardless of the additional energy, getting there in 3.4 seconds within the coupe and three.6 seconds within the convertible.
All variations of the M4 have an electronically restricted high velocity of 155 mph except you get the non-obligatory M Driver’s bundle, which bumps the highest velocity to 174 mph for the Convertible and 180 mph for the Coupe.
A brand new headlight LED design provides the entrance finish of the M4 a extra fashionable look, whereas the taillights get a brand new laser-accented design. And if you wish to get loopy, BMW presents a brand new M Design exterior graphic that sends a chunky heart stripe down the hood and trunk lid of the automotive in both black or purple, with an M brand on the hood and slimmer accent strains elsewhere on the physique.
Inside, a brand new steering wheel encompasses a flat-bottomed rim and modified spokes and now is available in a particular M Alcantara end for the primary time. BMW’s iDrive 8.5 infotainment system additionally makes its technique to the M4 through a brand new 14.9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel. BMW’s Live Cockpit Professional system comes commonplace on the M4, which incorporates navigation and an M-specific head-up show.
You’ll need to pay a bit extra for the 2025 BMW M4. The base M4 coupe begins at $80,095 with the $995 vacation spot price included, the rear-wheel-drive Competition coupe is $84,195, and the M4 Competition xDrive coupe is $89,295. Opting for the Competition xDrive convertible will price you $96,295.
Expert opinion: With a punchy inline-six from BMW and an obtainable six-speed handbook, the 2024 Toyota GR Supra (and its distant BMW Z4 cousin) stays considered one of a really small variety of comparatively reasonably priced hard-core sports activities coupes. The turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder choice saves 200 kilos, which is essential for final dealing with in a reasonably heavy sports activities automotive.
Pros
More Power than marketed
Beautiful exterior styling
Bigger cargo area
Cons
Slightly smaller inside area
Higher price ticket
2024 Nissan Z
Expert opinion: With an obtainable handbook to match the Supra’s, just a few extra horsepower below the hood, and a decrease beginning worth, the Z makes a compelling choice for the $40,000+ sports activities automotive area. The Z provides a lot of the efficiency and practicality of opponents at a cheaper price. For that cheaper price, you get an attractive sports activities automotive with simply as a lot character because the competitors in addition to the heritage and retro appears to match. The 3.0-liter twin-turbo engine is robust down low and would not lose a ton of energy on the highest finish both.
Pros
Lower price ticket
Design cues from the enduring Z
Slightly larger inside area
Cons
Slightly worse gas financial system
Smaller cargo area
Summary
The Toyota Supra and Nissan Z are reasonably priced Japanese sports activities vehicles recognized for his or her efficiency and enjoyable driving expertise.
The Supra is powered by a BMW engine and provides each an inline-six and inline-four choice, whereas the Z makes use of a Nissan VR sequence twin-turbo V-6 engine.
In phrases of efficiency, the Supra has barely extra energy and higher gas financial system, however the Z has a decrease beginning worth and provides barely extra inside area.
Toyota and Nissan are two of the biggest automotive producers on this planet each based mostly in Japan. They are each recognized for making reasonably priced passenger vehicles for the lots in nearly each automotive phase. Both manufacturers even have a historical past of creating sports activities vehicles which are enjoyable, thrilling, and reasonably priced. The Toyota Supra and Nissan Z are two automobiles from Nissan and Toyota which are essential to every model’s sports activities automotive historical past.
The Supra identify has been round for over 4 a long time however after an nearly two-decade hiatus, it has returned. It retains the well-known Supra identify however now the Mk5 shares a whole lot of elements with BMW. The Z alternatively has been in production for over five decades and is now in its seventh technology. Both vehicles signify a return to kind for these affordable sports cars which put them in direct competitors with each other.
A defining attribute of each vehicles from earlier was once the engines. The Toyota Supra made use of the 2JZ which was a very strong and reliable engine and will simply be tuned to make extra energy. The Nissan 350/370Z made use of the VQ engine recognized for its trumpet-like sound which powered the earlier Z vehicles for nearly 20 years.
Base Powertrain Comparison
2024 Toyota Supra
2024 Nissan Z
Engine:
3.0-Liter Turbo I-6
3.0-Liter Twin-Turbo V-6
Horsepower
382 HP
400 HP
Torque
368 LB-FT
350 LB-FT
Transmission
6-Speed Manual/8-Speed Automatic
6-Speed Manual/9-Speed Automatic
Driveline
RWD
RWD
0-60 MPH
3.8 Seconds
4.3 seconds
Quarter-Mile
12.2 seconds
12.7 seconds
In order to carry you essentially the most up-to-date and correct comparability potential, we have relied on info sourced from Nissan, Toyota, Fueleconomy.gov, Car and Driver, and MotorTrend.
For 2024 Toyota provides the individuals a style of the previous in a recent manner that retains the Supra related.
Performance
Toyota
At launch, the Supra was introduced with a brand new turbo inline-six engine which was in partnership with BMW. This engine is named the B58 which is likely one of the most versatile engines made by BMW. It powers most vehicles within the line-up from the two and three sequence vehicles to the luxurious 5 sequence and even the X7. In the Z4, it initially made 335 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque but it surely now makes extra energy for the Supra.
To cut back prices, Toyota partnered up with BMW to provide the brand new Supra and acquired this inline-six engine. This is in step with the Toyota engine custom because the final Supra had an inline-six. But from 2021, a lower base inline-four turned obtainable and remains to be a BMW unit, generally known as the B48.
Nissan
The Nissan Z made use of Nissan’s VR sequence engine which is an evolution of the VQ and has been in manufacturing since 2015. It is a twin-turbo V-6 engine that’s now used within the new Nissan Z and makes extra energy than the B58 within the Supra. It has misplaced its sonorous trumpet whale however that is the trade-off wanted for extra energy and higher emissions. Unlike the Supra, that is the one engine obtainable for the Z.
Full Performance Specifications
Vehicle
Toyota GR Supra 2.0
Toyota GR Supra 3.0
Nissan Z
Nissan Z Nismo
Engine
Turbo I-4
Turbo I-6
Twin-turbo V-6
Twin-turbo V-6
Displacement
2.0 liters
3.0 liters
3.0 liters
3.0 liters
Transmission
Eight-Speed auto
Eight-Speed auto/Six-Speed handbook
Nine-Speed auto/Six-Speed handbook
Nine-Speed auto
Horsepower
255 HP @5,500 RPM
382 HP @5,800 RPM
400HP @6,400 RPM
420 @6,400 RPM
Torque
295 LB-FT @1,550 RPM
368 LB-FT @1,800 RPM
350LB-FT @1,600 RPM
384 @2,000 RPM
Drivetrain
Rear-wheel drive
Rear-wheel drive
Rear-wheel drive
Rear-wheel drive
0-60 MPH
5 Seconds
4 Seconds
4.5 Seconds
4.1 Seconds
Top Speed
155 MPH
155 MPH
155 MPH
155 MPH
(Sourced from Toyota and Nissan)
As seen within the desk above, with barely much less energy the Supra beats the Z in efficiency. But this isn’t stunning since beneath the attractive physique, it has a whole lot of BMW elements and the B58 is an overachieving engine. It has been confirmed that these cars make more power than advertised with a quantity above 400 horsepower which explains why it’s a lot sooner than the Nissan Z.
Fuel Economy
These could also be sports activities vehicles however they’re meant to be reasonably priced so they should have good gas financial system. Even with the inline-six the Supra edges out the Z with a mixed 25 MPG in opposition to the decrease 22 MPG.
From scorching hatches to low-slung coupes and every thing in between, the market continues to supply a variety of attainable efficiency vehicles in an age of SUVs
Interior Design And Technology
The interiors in Supra and Z have come a great distance from the earlier technology fashions. Leather seats, higher stitching, and even completely different colours and supplies may be optioned in keeping with your style. Both automobiles now have digital gauge clusters which may be adjusted to point out completely different info on them. They additionally get a big heart infotainment touchscreen with completely different features.
Toyota GR Supra vs. Nissan Z Technology Comparison
Toyota
The Supra shares a lot of interior features and layout with the BMW Z4 it is based mostly on however there are some Toyota-specific touches within the automotive. First off the 8.8-inch gauge cluster is exclusive to this automotive with only a few configurations. a 6.5-inch heart infotainment display screen is commonplace however you’ll wish to go for the bigger show. The bigger 8.8-inch heart touchscreen could be very paying homage to BMW’s interface however makes use of a unique theme and has different delicate adjustments made to the acquainted i-Drive system. It has options like navigation, Bluetooth, wi-fi Apple CarPlay, voice recognition, and some extra
Nissan
The Z has wanted an inside refresh for a very long time since we have been used to seeing the identical structure for 20 years now. The Z has a bigger 12.3-inch gauge cluster which is rather more configurable than the Supra’s and has rather more apparent adjustments when switching between drive modes. It additionally does higher than the Supra with an ordinary 8.0-inch heart infotainment and an elective bigger 9-inch show. It options each Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Sirius XM satellite tv for pc radio, and Wi-Fi.
Interior Room And Cargo Capacity
Toyota/Nissan
Sports vehicles are flawed by their two-seater configuration which provides them restricted inside and cargo area. The Toyota Supra has a barely smaller inside however a a lot bigger cargo space in comparison with the Z regardless of having the same hatch design. But this may simply do grocery procuring, a mini street journey, or every week’s price of baggage for 2.
A battle that dates again to the Nineteen Seventies, the Toyota Supra and Nissan Z dwell on to combat as Japan’s biggest sports activities vehicles
Safety And Reliability
Toyota
At this time, there are not any security checks accomplished on the GR Supra or the Z by the NHTSA and IIHS. Cars like these that serve a distinct segment market typically take longer to undergo exterior security procedures. But relaxation assured they each include some commonplace security expertise which incorporates:
Traction Control
Stability Control
ABS
Lane Departure Warning
Rearview digicam
Advanced Airbag System
Toyota GR Supra Safety
Not obtainable presently
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
Overall Rating
N/A
Overall Front Crash Rating
N/A
Overall Side Crash Rating
N/A
Rollover Rating
N/A
Recalls (NHTSA): 0
NHTSA Investigations: 0
NHTSA Consumer Complaints: 0
Awards: 0
Nissan Z Safety
Not obtainable presently
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
Overall Rating
N/A
Overall Front Crash Rating
N/A
Overall Side Crash Rating
N/A
Rollover Rating
N/A
Recalls (NHTSA): 0
NHTSA Investigations: 0
NHTSA Consumer Complaints: 0
Awards: 0
Reliability Comparison
The Toyota GR Supra and Nissan Z are new automobiles primarily with the Z as it’s a a lot newer automotive. But each manufacturers are recognized for making dependable automobiles so proudly owning these vehicles exterior guarantee will not be a difficulty however there’s the Supra’s engine. It is just not a Toyota powerplant however has been stress examined by Toyota and failure elements have been addressed. Either manner, each vehicles are anticipated to have above-average reliability however you might wish to know the common issues with the B58 engine.
The 2023 Nissan Z brings numerous updates, however was it modified sufficient to be one of the best available on the market?
Pricing And Availability
The 2024 Toyota GR Supra is dearer than the 2024 Nissan Z even with the bottom inline-four variant which prices $3,000 greater than the bottom Z with the V-6 engine and extra energy. Comparing the Supra and Z with six cylinders, there’s a $12,000 distinction which is loads between them. The hole closes with greater fashions however the Supra is the dearer automobile with the next entry worth.
The Toyota 2JZ family of 3.0-liter inline-six engines is well-known for its durability, allowing tuners to achieve incredibly high power levels. Although front-wheel-drive vehicles are not commonly equipped with this engine, a highly modified Toyota Starlet generating over 1,000 horsepower demonstrates that it is feasible, with impressive results.
A quick look reveals significant modifications to both the body and engine of this Starlet. The widened front track and broad fenders accommodate big, slick tires. The 2JZ engine is snugly positioned between the shock towers, with a large turbo directly behind it and a short exhaust protruding from the hood. The car is also equipped with a dogbox transmission, enabling rapid shifting without the use of the clutch.
Owned by Team Ø.G.T from Denmark, this Starlet was transported to Malta to participate in the MDRA Finals. The car displayed remarkable performance during the event, as captured in a video.
Typically, front-wheel-drive vehicles struggle on the drag strip, but this Starlet defies the norm. Team Ø.G.T’s best quarter-mile run in Malta saw the petite Toyota clocking a time of 9.123 seconds at 169.21 mph (refer to the timing slip below). The car also recorded several other runs in the nine-second range.
In March 2022, Stellantis announced a new twin-turbo, inline-six engine called the “Hurricane” as a replacement for the HEMI V8. This engine comes in two versions: a Standard Output (SO) with over 400 horsepower and a High Output (HO) with more than 500 hp. But it seems there’s an even more powerful variant in development.
During a recent conference in Detroit, Stellantis discussed its plans for further electrification while also mentioning ongoing investments in internal combustion engines. Michael Bly, Senior Vice President and Head of Global Propulsion Systems, confirmed that a more powerful version of the Hurricane engine is in the works, although specific details have not been released yet.
According to insider information reported by Automotive News, the high-performance variant of the Hurricane engine is expected to produce around 520 hp, making it even more potent than the current HO version. If Stellantis decides to continue producing gasoline-powered muscle cars like the Charger, it’s possible that this top-tier Hurricane engine will find its way under the hood.
In addition to the six-cylinder Hurricane engine, Stellantis also has plans for smaller variants. Bly revealed that a downsized four-cylinder version with a 2.0-liter displacement is in the pipeline. Furthermore, a three-cylinder engine derived from an existing European model is also on the agenda. Stellantis already offers a turbocharged 1.2-liter PureTech engine for various models in Europe, ranging from small cars like the Peugeot 208 to larger vehicles like the 508 midsize sedan/wagon.
Despite the introduction of the Hurricane engine, Stellantis has no plans to replace its Pentastar V6. Bly emphasized that the company will continue investing in this engine since it is known for its quality, reliability, and affordability. However, he did mention that the V6 will be electrified in the near future, aligning with Stellantis’ commitment to embracing electrification across its vehicle lineup.
The 2023 BMW M2 has undergone significant changes compared to its predecessor. Despite its increased size and weight, the new M2 is more powerful and faster than ever before. While some enthusiasts may lament the loss of its playful and tail-happy nature, the M2 has evolved into a more mature and focused performance car.
One of the noticeable changes is the M2’s exterior design. The front end features large air intakes and a grille design that sets it apart from its larger sibling, the M4. The rear end, on the other hand, remains relatively understated with a gloss black diffuser, quad exhaust tips, and an extended rear bumper.
Engine
Twin-Turbocharged 3.0-Liter Inline-Six
Output
453 Horsepower / 406 Pound-Feet
0-60 MPH
3.9 Seconds
Base Price
$63,195
As-Tested Price
$66,945
Under the hood, the 2023 BMW M2 is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine that produces 453 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. With the ZF eight-speed automatic transmission, the M2 can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph, but it can be increased to 177 mph with the M Driver’s Package.
While the increased size and weight of the M2 may raise concerns among enthusiasts, the performance of the car has not been compromised. The added power, combined with the close-ratio gear ratios, ensures that the M2 delivers exhilarating acceleration and performance on both highways and twisty roads.
In terms of handling, the M2’s wider stance and adaptive dampers contribute to its improved agility and balance. With 275/35 front and 285/30 rear Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, the M2 offers exceptional grip in all driving conditions. The M Traction Control system allows for 10 stages of stability control intervention, providing added confidence and control.
The interior of the 2023 BMW M2 is more spacious and comfortable, thanks to the increased wheelbase. The cabin layout is similar to the M4, featuring two screens for the digital cluster and infotainment system. The M2 also comes equipped with the latest iDrive 8 software, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
With a starting price of $63,195, the M2 remains a bargain within the BMW M lineup. Even with a few optional extras, such as the Live Cockpit Pro, Active Cruise Control, and Toronto Red paint, the as-tested price of the M2 is still significantly lower than the base price of the M4. This makes the M2 a compelling choice for enthusiasts seeking an exhilarating driving experience without breaking the bank.
The 2023 BMW M2 may be different from its predecessor, but it remains the best driving experience within the BMW M range. It offers impressive performance, a comfortable interior, and a relatively affordable price tag. The M2 is a grown-up performance car that balances power, agility, and practicality.
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