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After all the talks regarding a BMW three-cylinder engine, the luxury car maker has released fresh details on this new engine range. It will be available in both petrol and diesel versions and is set to debut in a production model next year. The new engine family has an aluminum block and can be mounted longitudinally or transversely. It features technologies such as double vanos infinitely variable camshaft control, valvetronic variable valve timing (on petrol variant), direct injection (common rail on the diesels) and up to three turbochargers. The petrol engine will have outputs ranging from 121 bhp to 221 bhp with an accompanying 180-240 Nm of torque. Its diesel brethren will generate between 80 bhp to 181 bhp and 225-330 Nm of twist. According to BMW, each cylinder has a capacity of about 500cc and the power plant is designed for thermodynamic efficiency with smooth and quiet operation. The engines are equipped with a torsional vibration damper which reduces vibrations. "Because the frequency of the sound of a three-cylinder engine increases 50 percent faster than that of a four-cylinder, the engine is perceived as being extremely vivacious and sporty," said BMW in a statement. The new 1.5-liter turbocharged engine is expected to power the all-new 2014 Mini and the BMW i8 hybrid supercar. Now that we have a 1.0-liter Ford Mondeo, don

Despite having engine tie-ups with PSA Peugeot Citroen (for the development of new front wheel drive hybrids) and Toyota (joint development of next-generation lithium-ion batteries for hybrids), BMW are reportedly having talks with Hyundai over a possible agreement to share future development costs for engines and other areas. This information was revealed by an insider who mentioned that the two companies are still in the early stages of discussion. Another source also mentioned that the two automakers had discussed a comprehensive alliance which includes a jointly developed engine where development costs will be split equally. A report in a German industrial publication, Automobil Produktion, stated that BMW and Hyundai were looking to spend a combined amount of US$1.3 billion and US$2.6 billion on the development of a new engine family. The report also claimed that Hyundai senior managers, including Chung Eui-Sun (the son of Hyundai Chairman, Chung Mong-Koo) met with BMW officials at BMW

BMW announced that its 528i sedan will drop its current inline six-cylinder engine in favor of a twin-turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder for 2012. With 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, the 2.0-liter engine offers identical power and an additional 30 lb-ft of torque compared to the 3.0-liter engine in the outgoing 2011 BMW 528i. BMW says the turbo four hits its horsepower peak at 5,000 rpm and reaches peak torque at a remarkably low 1,250 rpm. The new 2.0 turbo unit will be mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission only. BMW says the 2012 528i will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds, 0.4 second quicker than the 2011 model. Also new for the 2012 528i is a standard start/stop system which switches off the engine when the car is stationary at traffic lights to minimize fuel consumption. BMW says the revised 528i is some 15 percent more fuel efficient than the outgoing model. BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system will also be an available option on the 528i for 2012. Currently, all-wheel drive is only available on 535i and 550i models. BMW is betting that added power and efficiency will be enough to overcome the idea of a four-cylinder 5 Series. In related news, 2012 sees the return of the 520i model, powered by a 2.0 litre petrol engine with TwinPower Turbo technology as well. In this application, it generates 181 hp and 270Nm of torque, propelling the sedan from 0 to 100km/h in 7.9 seconds before reaching a top speed of 227km/h. The closest rival to the upcoming 520i would be the Mercedes Benz E 200 CGI. The 520i completes the century sprint faster than the E 200 by 0.3 seconds but will incur a slightly higher road tax due to its additional 200cc over the E 200's 1.8 litre engine.

The next generation of Saab models may very well be powered by BMW engines if negotiations between the two automakers are successful. Following widespread media speculations on the matter, Spyker N.V., the parent company of the Swedish carmaker confirmed talks with BMW. Here's the official statement: "Spyker Cars N.V. ("the Group"), a holding company that owns subsidiaries which produce and sell premium automobiles under the Saab and Spyker brands, has noted recent press speculation about the possible supply relationship with BMW. The Group confirms that talks are ongoing and will give further details once a final agreement has been reached." A report from Bloomberg citing an unnamed person with direct knowledge of the matter said the first Saab to benefit from the proposed deal would be the next 9-3 model, due for release in 2012. According to the source, Saab will make use of a new 222-horsepower engine that BMW is developing, which has yet to be introduced in any of the Bavarian automaker's cars. The same engine would find its way under the hood of the new 9-5. The person said the two automakers are also in talks about Saab buying diesel engines from BMW, as well as the possible use of the MINI Countryman's platform for the future 9-2 premium sub-compact. A final announcement on the deal could be made in a week