BMW 123d Variant Is a Hot Shade of Green

There's increasing pressure on carmakers to become environmentally friendly. The European Union has put enormous pressure on companies that produce high-end luxury and sporting cars, like BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche, to reduce CO2 levels. As a result, BMW has announced that for 2008, there will be no fewer than 22 models with a CO2 level of 140g/km (240g/mile) or less. One of them is the long-awaited new 123d.

The four-cylinder, twin-turbo all-aluminum 2.0-liter unit that propels the 123d is another in a long series of great engines from BMW. It makes the little 123d the first mass-produced car with a 200-plus-hp engine with CO2 output below 240g/mile.

To be precise, the engine is capable of 201 hp, which enables the new model to do the 0-62-mph sprint in 7.1 seconds, with an estimated fuel economy of around 54 mpg. There will be three- and five-door variants available. The car will also receive BMW's new stop-start technology. Called Efficient Dynamics, it also includes a brake energy regeneration function.

There will be new engine variations for other BMW and Mini models as well.

The 123d is slated to go on sale in September, with pricing to be announced closer to that time.