BMW’s Single Turbo N55

Here’s a detail of the new BMW 535i Gran Turismo that deserves to be duly noted.

The 535i GT features BMW’s new TwinPower Turbo with High Precision Injection and VALVETRONIC technology, a single turbo with twin-scrolls that puts the squeeze on the 3.0 liter straight-six gasoline engine, internally referred to as the N55 over at BMW.

This engine, as opposed to the twin turbochargers of the N54 version, is a first for BMW, coupling that single twin-scroll turbo with High Precision Injection and the variable valve management of the VALVETRONIC system. The 4.4 liter V8 that goes into the 550i GT still gets a twin-turbo but that 4.4 liter may be getting this new tech-upgrading for the upcoming X5M/X6M versions.

Distinguishing the N55’s performance from its predecessor includes a broadening of the torque band, the 400 Nm now peaking pretty early at 1,200 rpms, and extending all the way to 5,000 rpms. The N55 also has a map-controlled oil pump which helps conserve energy, a first for a turbocharged engine, and the improved engine management gives it a better fuel economy and CO2 emission rating than the N54.

Naturally, speculation goes to the obvious next step, that BMW will introduce VALVETRONIC and High Precision (Direct)-Injection on a twin-turbo version of this 3.0 liter straight-six and dial the horsepower up to 360.

Via: Worldcarfans.com