New 2007 BMW 335i to Get Twin-Turbo Six-Cylinder BMW Canada announced that it will include the new 3 Series coupe in its 2007 roster, arriving this fall. Initial photos show a
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| The new BMW 3-Series Coupe should be pleasing to traditional BMW loyalists. (Photo: BMW Canada) |
design that should be pleasing to traditional BMW loyalists, as well as appeal to the automaker's newer more stylistically daring clientele. Even bigger news is that the new top-line non-M engine will get a boost to help it compete with the now class-leading 306-horsepower 3.5L V6 in the Lexus IS 350, which is also expected to arrive in coupe and/or retractable hardtop version soon. That boost will be via twin turbochargers. The straight-six engine will also get a new high-precision fuel injection system and an all-aluminum crankcase, to reduce weight and enhance handling. Just
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| The new coupe's lines should appeal to BMW's more stylistically daring clientele as well. (Photo: BMW Canada) |
shy of the Lexus V6's horsepower rating, BMW's 300-horsepower 3.0L mill will nevertheless top the segment in all-important torque, delivering a maximum of 300 lb-ft from a broad range that starts at 1,400 rpm and tops out at 5,000 rpm, compared to the IS 350 engine's maximum of 277 lb-ft at 4,800 rpm. Mated to a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic with Steptronic manual-mode, the new 335i Coupe should be good for runs from standstill to 100 km/h in the five and a half second range (5.6s according to BMW's conservative estimates), which is just a bit slower than the current M3. The small, low-inertia turbos
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| The front seats feature a convenient arm that reaches out to hand driver and passenger the seatbelt. (Photo: BMW Canada) |
are said to allow for minimal lag and hardly affect fuel economy, which is estimated at 9.5 L/100 km city/hwy. Making sure that its new coupe is also reachable by entry-level luxury buyers, BMW will offer a less powerful 328i Coupe as well. This model will also feature a 3.0L inline-six, but without the turbochargers. Nevertheless, its combination of 230-horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque should make for spirited performance. Targeting
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| New rear seating area offers more luxury and greater legroom. (Photo: BMW Canada) |
F1 fans, the new 335i Coupe will get steering wheel mounted shift-paddles when the available Sport Package is added to a car featuring the optional six-speed automatic transmission. What's more, due to the strong take-up of BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive system, the new 3 Series Coupe will be available with four driving wheels for the first time. The new two-door Bimmer will become available at BMW dealers this coming fall, with pricing and optional equipment available nearer its official launch date.