BMW working on new 400bhp quad-turbocharged diesel engine

BMW is putting the finishing touches to a new quad-turbocharged, in-line six-cylinder diesel engine for use in a number of high-end models, sources close to the German car maker have revealed

The new performance-orientated oil-burner is planned to get its first airing in a newly created 7 Series M750d model planned for launch in 2016. 

Set to replace BMW’s existing tri-turbocharged diesel, the new quad-turbocharged engine is claimed to boast a capacity of 3.0 litres and develop well over 400bhp and 590lb ft. 

Details remain scarce, although sources suggest the new engine could build on the tri-turbo unit used in the M550d and X5 xDrive50d M-Performance by adding a small electrically driven turbocharger to increase low-end boost pressure and provide added punch. 

Alternatively, BMW could improve induction qualities by using a fourth conventional gas-driven turbocharger.

The existing tri-turbocharged unit develops 376bhp at 4000rpm and 545lb ft at a relatively high (by diesel standards) 2000rpm. 

As well as being earmarked for the new M750d, the quad-turbocharged diesel is also set to appear in four-wheel-drive M Performance derivatives of the BMW X5 xDrive50d, BMW X6 xDrive50d, and X7 xDrive50d.

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