It ‘s all theoretical of course but when asked about BMW ‘s new 1.5L three cylinder architecture the head of BMW M was unusually candid about the possibilities. According to an interview Dr. Friedrich Nitschke gave to Car and Driver the new engine is capable of more than we initially thought. Quite a bit more.

BMW_3cylinder_TwinPower

Here ‘s the full quote:

The three-cylinder is an attractive engine. It is possible to reach around 185 to 200 horsepower per liter in a forced-induction three-cylinder and we have 1.5 liters of displacement. Such an engine, which, by the way, sounds very similar to a six-cylinder engine, would have over 310 horsepower. And we are not even at the limit there. Generally speaking, I could imagine such an engine.

What this means for future BMWs is very unclear. We ‘re not even if this level of tune will ever see an official light of day. But to know its possible is interesting indeed. Could we see a front wheel drive 300+ hp BMW eventually? And do we really want that?