German Car Zone

Could be, south, but i think Martin knows his stuff...

I was thinking the same thing, but it looks much weirder than that imo.
But who knows, not me.

I don't know that much about engines layout, but that hardly looks like a V configuration imo... Of course i might be dead wrong about it, but that's just the 1st impression...

No, you are right, but mind that we are seeing some additional parts here, not seen on your regular V8. Those pipes and tubes could be for the turbos, while the actual engine itself is slightly below everything we are seeing.
The plastic engine covers are missing too, so that makes it look weird as well.

But I am no expert, so...

You're right too, it could be anything, it's too early to say, only some real expert or an engineer (think vabboud) could tell us more...

Anyways, Boxer or a V8, single or twin turbo, it'll be very interesting...

Not ignorance in the slightest south. I agree that maybe we're seeing an uncovered conventional engine for BMW but the fact remains that this has to be one that is completely unrecognisable when viewed against any of BMW's current engines.

The odd plumbing; the absence of any cam-covers, cylinder heads, engine block; the transversly aligned injection / inlet systems - all of this is distinctly different from any of BMW's current engine bays. If it is a conventional in-line 6 or V8 then why does it look so darned unfamiliar?

I've told you...

I'd like to see this engine without all of its plastic covers in place. Still, I'd bet you'd be able to see the cam-covers and some of the engine block...

Hmmm, this one already looks a lot like that spy pic one....

Edit, after comparing, I do see some major differences though:

Ok, but what are the benefits of testing the engine without all those plastic covers and stuff that Martin talks about?