Spyker Automobiles has reportedly struck a deal with BMW to supply engines, according to Automotive News. These new powertrains would replace those provided by General Motors, as the giant automaker withdraws from its purged brand. In the BMW 3 Series, the diesel engine delivered 28 mpg overall in our tests.
The 328i with a 3.0-liter six-cylinder gasoline engine returned 23 mpg overall. And for more verve, there is the twin-turbo six with 300 horsepower. Reliability for 3 Series engines has been well above average the past few years. Coming from a competing car line, these engines are the most natural fits for the Saab 9-3. By outsourcing the engines, Saab would save considerable money in development and manufacturing that would have to be amortized over a rather modest sales volume.Saab enthusiasts may argue that small-displacement turbocharged engines have defined the brand in recent decades. Yet, the reputation for frugal luxury that a professor would approve of, the current 9-3 with a turbocharged four-cylinder matches the base 3 Series with 23 mpg overall. And the 9-3 jogs 0-60 mph in 8.0 seconds, compared to the 3 Series' sprint in 6.9 seconds. The 3 diesel is even quicker, hitting 60 mph in 6.7 seconds.
