Surprisingly, it was planned as a small-volume engine for high-performance compact S4s and S5s. Now it is Audi's only V-6 available in midrange A6s and A7s, the flagship A8 sedan and Q5, SQ5 and Q7 CUVs.
Honda engineers achieved impressive fuel efficiency and output without dual-overhead camshafts or direct fuel injection, which add substantial cost, complexity, mass and package size.
Clearly it will take time to find a following like VW has developed over decades in the U.S. But as far as the engine itself is concerned, the GM 2.0L turbodiesel is a strong start.
BMW diesel engine chief Peter Nefischer says the N57's top design priorities were efficiency, compact packaging, low emissions and the best possible power-to-weight ratio.