201 horsepower from a diesel engine is not news anymore. The Big 3 trucks are approaching 400 horsepower from the factory, and with a few mods can easily top that figure. Highly tuned and modified Cummins and Duramaxes are surpassing 100 horsepower per liter. But not without thousands of dollars of modifications, and lots of smoke.

But BMW is getting 201 horsepower out of only 2 liters (around 120 cubic inches) of displacement. To put that in perspective, if an LMM Duramax had that level of volumetric efficiency, it would be putting out 660 horsepower...from the factory.

The inherent limits of a diesel engine's dynamic operating range prevented most engines from attaining this level of specific output, simply because of the combustion properties of diesel fuel (which burns much slower than gasoline.) But through sophisticated engine management and the help of twin sequential turbochargers, BMW seems to have broken this mythical barrier.

Diesel Power's Take: BMW has publicly committed to bringing clean diesels across the pond, but has not committed to specific models or a timeframe. Many believe the upcoming auto show season will shed some light on the company's near-future plans. If I could have any say in it, I would vote for the 123d 5-door. Not that BMW is listening to the rants of this lone blogger, but if it is, carefully consider your new compact as a prime candidate for diesel power.