BMW GROUP AND PSA PEUGEOT CITROEN - GASOLINE ENGINE PROJECT

Beginning in 2006, the engines will equip small and mid-size cars produced by the Peugeot and Citroën marques as well as future models of the MINI. Production is expected to eventually total roughly one million units a year.

At a special technology day at BMW Group's Research and Development Center in Munich, executives from both companies presented the technical features of two types of engines:
- A 1.6-liter atmospheric engine with a variable geometry turbocharger and a power output of 85 kW (115 hp).
- A 1.6-liter direct injection, compressed turbo engine with a power output of 105 kW (143 hp).

The new models are the first in a family that will eventually comprise engines delivering a range of power outputs from 55 kW (75 hp) to 125 kW (170 hp).

As a result of both group's expertise, these engines offer a large number of new features including:
- Variable valve timing.
- Fully controlled oil pump.
- Single belt drive for all ancillary components.
- Cylinder heads produced by lost foam casting.

In addition, several innovations have been developed, including:
- Direct injection to optimize power.
- Twin-Scroll turbocharger to improve response time and driving comfort.
- Self-disengaging water pump to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

The co-operation between BMW Group and PSA Peugeot Citroën clearly demonstrates that gasoline engines still offer a great potential of technological progress, thus contributing to the reduction of consumption and CO2 emissions while enhancing the car performances and its related driving pleasure.