In the automotive world, there are two widely accepted forms of forced induction: turbocharging and supercharging. The idea behind the two is similar as both shove extra air into the combustion chambers but their operations and outcomes are noticeably different. While the turbo runs on exhaust gasses, superchargers get their thrust from the engine’s crank via a belt and pulley. This has been the way of the supercharging world for eons but BMW might try to change things up a bit. As the rumor mill runs at full speed, the next M3 could be propelled via an engine fed by electric supercharger.
According to Car & Driver magazine, BMW’s next hyper coupe fall back on its straight six roots but to stay competitive in the ever-growing horsepower wars, it will feature forced induction. The German brand has been rather successful with their recent turbo technology and has enlisted the forced air blocks in almost every model. The blower should be similar in design to a centrifugal supercharger at its core, but the difference is in how they boost is powered. Ditching the crank driven belt, the new design operates via a small electric motor that creates instantaneous torque. With a maximum speed of up to 70,000 rpms, the compressor could reach full boost in just a third of a second. A United Kingdom based company, Controlled Power Technologies, is currently developing the system which could first be seen in a couple of years. It may just be speculation, but when the next BMW M3 hits the streets, it could be flung sideways via one innovative piece of technology.
Source: Car & Driver
