New V8 Engine for BMW Gran Turismo | BMW

BMW Gran Tourismo | BMW Gran Turismo

New V8 Engine for BMW Gran Turismo

BMW has revamped the V8 engine for the "Gran Turismo," enhancing its power performance and simultaneously improving the environmental performance of all models. It will be released on September 12th.

Text by HORIGUCHI Yoshihiro (OPENERS)

Improved Environmental Performance

“BMWGran Turismo" is a crossover model that fuses the spaciousness of a sedan, the cargo capacity of a wagon, and the interior space of an SUV (or SAV, as BMW calls it). In Japan, it is offered in two models: the "550i" equipped with a 4.4-liter V8 engine and the "350i" with a 3.0-liter inline-six engine.

In this update, the "550i Gran Turismo" adopts a newly developed 4.4-liter V8 DOHC "TwinPower Turbo" engine with twin turbochargers positioned in the valley of the V-bank, similar to the "650i" and the "650i Gran Coupé". In addition, it newly incorporates a "High Precision Direct Injection System" and "Valvetronic," which steplessly varies the lift of the intake valves. As a result, power performance has been improved by approximately 10 percent, with a maximum output of 330kW (450ps) at 5,500rpm and a maximum torque of 650Nm (66.3kgm) at 2,000-4,500rpm. The 0-100km/h acceleration is 5.0 seconds.

Furthermore, common to all Gran Turismo models, the environmental performance has been improved through the adoption of an engine auto start/stop function, ECO PRO mode, and electric power steering. Fuel efficiency in the JC08 mode has improved by 27 percent to 12.2 km/ℓ for the "535i Gran Turismo" with the 3.0-liter inline-six engine, and by a significant 30 percent to 9.6 km/ℓ for the 550i Gran Turismo.

Along with functional improvements, some equipment has been revised. The "Smart Opener," which allows the tailgate to be opened and closed with a foot motion even when hands are full with luggage, and a USB audio interface are now standard equipment.

Prices remain unchanged from before the modifications: 8.84 million yen for the 535i Gran Turismo and 11.4 million yen for the 550i Gran Turismo. All models are right-hand drive with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

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