Munich. The history of BMW M3 motor sport has been enriched by a further fascinating chapter as the BMW M3 GTS celebrates its debut on the racetrack and on the road. In terms of performance and safety, the most powerful version of the high-performance BMW M3 Coupe featuring a 331 kW/450 bhp engine offers the ideal preconditions for use at club sport events, whilst at the same time being officially road-legal. The BMW M3 GTS is produced at the BMW M GmbH manufacturing facility. In addition to a larger and more powerful V8 engine, exclusive tuning of the 7-speed M Dual Clutch Transmission with Drivelogic and modified suspension technology, the car, which is designed for club sport use, has also been specifically optimised with regard to aerodynamics and lightweight construction.
The supreme sporting potential of the BMW M3 GTS is underlined, inter alia, by a power-to-weight ratio that has been lowered to 3.4 kg per hp. Featuring a transmission and suspension configuration which has been optimised for the racetrack, the BMW M3 GTS accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 4.4 seconds. The car reaches the 1000 metre mark from a standstill in just 22.5 seconds. Top speed is 305 km/h.
“The BMW M3 is an icon and internationally synonymous with the highest level of dynamics,” explains Dr. Kay Segler, CEO of the BMW M GmbH. “Our aim was to develop a model variant that would prove its outstanding potential both on the road and at club sport racing events. The BMW M3 GTS is pure M feeling, embodying the brand values in a highly concentrated form.”
Tradition and future: The BMW M3 in motor sports.
For as long as two decades and four model generations, the BMW M3 has been the embodiment of spectacular motor sports successes. The number of victories and titles achieved in touring car sports has never been matched by any other model. With its precisely balanced overall concept, the latest BMW M3 also provides the ideal basis for outstanding performance on the racetrack. The BMW M3 GT2 is currently causing quite a stir at long-distance motor sports events. The BMW M3 is also playing a predominant role in preparing the brand’s comeback at the “German Touring Car Masters”. Parallel to this, BMW is currently setting new standards in the support of club motor sports. The many decades of experience in the development of racing cars and high-performance, road-going automobiles are reflected in the high performance potential of the BMW M3 GTS.
High-revving V8 engine technology at its best: Larger displacement, higher performance and higher torque.
The power required for high performance in motor sports is delivered by an
8-cylinder engine featuring a high-revving concept. With its unparalleled enormous pulling force, which is constantly available over a very wide engine speed range, the V8 engine developed exclusively for the BMW M3 by the BMW M GmbH features refined performance characteristics that are closely oriented towards the requirements of motor sports. A version of this power unit with further increased displacement, power output and maximum torque was exclusively conceived for the BMW M3 GTS.
The increase in displacement from 3,999 to 4,361 cc is achieved by a cylinder stroke that has been extended from 75,2 to 82 mm. In the enlarged combustion chamber, a maximum power output of 331 kW/450 bhp (BMW M3: 309 kW/420 bhp) is delivered at 8,300 rpm. Maximum torque has been increased by 40 Nm to 440 Nm and is available at an engine speed of 3,750 rpm.
Characteristic constructional features derived from motor sports, which include, inter alia, the crankcase designed as a bedplate construction and made of a special aluminium-silicon alloy, individual throttles, knock sensors featuring ionic-current technology and a dynamically optimised wet-sump oil supply have been adopted from the original power unit. The lightweight sports exhaust system developed for the BMW M3 GTS with model-specific primary catalytic converters and titanium rear silencers ensure optimum exhaust flow.
Transmission of power is effected by means of the M Dual Clutch Drivelogic gearbox developed for the BMW M3. This 7-speed transmission operates according to a principle also developed for motor sports and permits gear shifting without interruption of traction for extremely dynamic acceleration. Its gear shift characteristics have been exclusively tuned to the modified engine featured by the BMW M3 GTS.
High-performance suspension with adjustable racetrack set-up.
The car’s suspension technology also derived from motor racing is based on the front and rear axle construction featured by the BMW M3 Coupe. Contrary to that, the BMW M3 GTS features a rigid rear-axle support as well as a coilover suspension, the dampers of which are independently variable in the traction and compression travel. Moreover, camber on the front and rear axles and vehicle height are variable for motor racing purposes. The car is lowered by 16 mm at the front and 12 mm at the rear.
The high-performance brake system featured on the BMW M3 GTS has been designed as a fixed-calliper construction and comprises six pistons on each of the front wheels and four pistons on each rear wheel. Compared to the BMW M3, the brake discs are 18 mm larger in diameter at the front and 30 mm larger in diameter at the rear. Furthermore, steel-armoured hoses are used.
Specific tuning of the stability control function DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), including ABS and the M Dynamic Mode (MDM), make allowances for the increased dynamic potential of the BMW M3 GTS. Optimum transfer not only of acceleration torque but also of the brake torque is also guaranteed by mixed tyres on matt black, 19-inch M light alloy wheels featuring a Y-spoke design.
Aerodynamics: Optimised components with variable adjustment.
In order to optimise air stream and for on-demand adaptation of downforce characteristics, the BMW M3 GTS is fitted with motor racing-oriented front apron and rear wing elements. They offer the possibility to adapt the car’s aerodynamic characteristics according to the racetrack profile and other basic club motor sport requirements. The air duct elements in the front apron are also variable, as is the position of the rear wing. The tail assembly is based on the corresponding component featured by the BMW 320si in the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC).
The BMW M3 GTS can be recognised from the outside by its bright orange single-coloured body. Additional model-specific features are the matt black exterior components such as the BMW kidney grille, roof trims and alloy wheels as well as the side gill elements made of dark anodised chrome. In addition to the standard CFRP roof on the BMW M3 and titanium rear silencers, an exceptionally light construction of the centre console and door panels, the use of polycarbonate side windows at the rear and a polycarbonate rear window, dispensing with seats in the rear compartment and acoustic insulation configured specifically for the vehicle all serve to guarantee weight optimisation. The unloaded weight of the BMW M3 GTS according to DIN is 1,530 kg including roll bar and M Dual Clutch Drivelogic transmission (BMW M3: 1,600 kg). Automatic climate control and audio system supplied as standard comfort features in the BMW M3 can be fitted if the customer desires.
The interior of the BMW M3 GTS reflects a predominant focus on optimum performance and the highest level of safety on the racetrack. The range of equipment includes thoroughbred racing bucket sets, carbon interior trims and an Alcantara® M steering wheel. Door and sidewall linings in the rear compartment are also made of Alcantara®. The BMW M3 GTS is equipped as standard with a roll bar fitted behind the B-pillars. Furthermore, the car body offers fastening points for six-point safety seat belts and an optional extension for the roll cage. The car is fitted with three-point automatic seatbelts for road use. Additionally supplied six-point safety seat belts for driver and front seat passenger and a fire extinguisher complete the range of equipment.
SUMMARY OF M1 OPTIONAL COSMETIC PERSONALIZATION PROGRAM:
EXTERIOR:
Carbon fiber hood (bonnet)
Carbon fiber trunk (bootlid) with integrated spoiler
Carbon fiber mirrors
Carbon fiber front splitters
Carbon fiber rear valence diffuser
Carbon fiber sideskirts
M-stripes (available in M tricolors, Alpine White, or Ferric Gray)
M-stripes may be placed on left, central, or right hand side of car. Additional stripes can be incorporated along the side of the car.
18″ competition wheels in two finishes
BMW shadowline chrome can be extended to the front kidney grills and rear exhaust ports (titanium effect finish will be an option).
Matte paint options : Frozen Gray, Frozen Black, Ice White.
Techno Violet option (including all additional colors from other M-vehicles)
INTERIOR:
Seats available in full and half-leather using M tri-color pattern on center of seats (like E30 / M3 Evo).
M tricolor pattern on door panels (like E30 / M3 Evo)
Carbon fiber dashboard panels / Aluminum panel options.
Titanium and body color matched pieces extending to the door handles and gear shift surround trim.
Alacantra seat fabric and roof headliner.
Quote:
When introduced as a Concept precursor to the BMW performance packet for the 1er Coupe. The Tii Concept introduced a modern day approach to personalisation.
Having already established a successful personalisation programme for the MINI brand. Concept Tii introduced the early stages to what can be achieved for the BMW brand.
The Tii Concept unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2007 in a land where personalisation is a common theme amongst younger domestic japanese customers previewed the imminent BMW Performance range a customisation package for the 1er Coupe.
Although the BMW Performance package has been established. BMW are still aware of the After market companies that offer enthusiasts more diversity some at the cost to the official BMW warranty.
The M1 aims to be a new form of concept for BMW by offering a personalisation programme to the specific demographic although the elements will be purely cosmetic.
Although introduced on the BMW 1er Coupe Tii Concept but never carried over to the BMW Performance range was the Carbon Fibre bonnet.
The BMW M1 will offer as a part of the personalisation programme this feature as well as an optional Carbon Fibre bootlid with integrated Spoiler. other Carbon Fibre features to be presented as options include mirrors , front splitters , rear valance and side skirts. This will allow the customer to add these additional lightweight aids to the standard Carbon Fibre Roof.
Taking a look back from history will be the return of M stripes which can be ordered in the M Tri-color or in Alpine White or Ferric Grey. The stripes can be ordered to be placed on each the left , central or right hand side of the car allowing a continuation from the front of the car’s facia flowing over the roof right down to the rear bumper. M-Bonnet Stripes can also be ordered being placed MINI style on the grooves of the hood. Additional stripes can be incorporated along the side “character line” across the car , classic reversed “Turbo” signs can
Alloy wheel choices will begin with standard 18″ 5 spoke wheels in two finishes , optional will be 18″ competition wheels again in two finishes. BMW shadowline chrome can be extended to the front kidney grilles and rear exhaust ports. A titanium effect finish will be an option.
The interior will offer a Motorsport haven by a combination of standard Sports seats in a combination of leather , half-leather full fabric using an M Tri-Color pattern on the central part of the seats and door panels similar in effect to the classic E30 series M3 Evo.
The Dash area of the car will offer Unique Carbon Fibre dash cappings as well as aluminium effect , Titanium and body color which extends to the door grabs and gearbox surround . Alacantra for the seats and roof headlining will be an option.
Matte Paint options will be exclusive to the M1 and available in Frozen Grey and Black and Ice White. additional colors will carry over from other M Vehicles along with colors exclusive to the M1 including a new update of “Techno Violet”
The Tii Concept and the addition of BMW Performance has established that there is a market for an in-house personalisation programme for M vehicles although aimed at the cosmetic aspect additional Performance upgrades will be introduced as an extended vehicle option.
The BMW M1 will be the test case for the M Personalisation programme but it is highly likely the M3 will eventually offer something similar.
Engine change to the new TwinScroll Single Turbo 6-cylinder engine (N55)
300HP @ 5800
300lb-ft @ 1200-5000
Now with Valvetronic
New 7-Speed DCT is now optional
Optional Harmon Kardon sound system now available
Woodcliff Lake, NJ – January 11, 2010… BMW’s EfficientDynamics philosophy continues with the 2011 135i Coupe and Convertible models which feature the company’s latest twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six cylinder engine. Both models will feature the 7-speed Double-Clutch Transmission (DCT) as an option.
The new six-cylinder (N55 designation) develops maximum output of 300 hp at 5,800 rpm, with peak torque of 300 lb-ft available all the way from 1,200–5,000 rpm. This is the same level of performance as the current 3.0-liter twin-turbo six-cylinder but with the innovation of twin-scroll technology and the integration of VALVETRONIC throttle-less intake technology, this new engine promises even better throttle response and even more fuel efficiency. Thanks to VALVETRONIC, VANOS, and the twin-scroll turbocharger housing, peak torque is reached 100rpm earlier than with the previous engine, and engine boost response is improved across the entire engine speed range.
In order to enhance the sporting character of the optional 7-speed Double-Clutch Transmission, the shift paddles now feature dedicated paddles for upshifting and down shifting. The driver now pulls the right paddle for upshifts and the left for down shifts. Manual shifts may also be accomplished via the console mounted e-shifter.
Harman Kardon Surround Sound System replaces HiFi System Professional as the upgrade sound system option.
The 2011 BMW 135i Coupe and Convertible will go on sale in the United States as 2011 models in Spring 2010.
BMW’s vision for the future of the megacity vehicle, dubbed Project-i (Isetta?) comes in the form of this 1-series coupe modified to run on electricity.
For the next major autoshow on schedule, the International Autoshow at Detroit, BMW will bring this car to follow-up the VisionED concept car.
BMW maintains its goals of combining the green energy push with its own motto of “sheer driving pleasure” or “joy”. They have aimed to make this car fun to drive, with a good amount of torque and power.
The Engine and Drivetrain
The engine itself is a uniquely derived unit that produced 170hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. This gives the car a 0-60 time of 8.5seconds. Well within the normal limits of your everyday BMW and impressive numbers for an electric vehicle.
Backing up the engine is a new advanced lithium-ion battery pack that was developed jointly by BMW and SB LiMotive. This pack combined with intelligent power management software will give the car a range of 100miles in everyday use.
How long does it take to charge the car to full? About 3 hours (using european power outlets at 230/240volts). In the USA this number would be extended to 4.5hours.
Packaging
The layout and arrangement of a car such as this is always an issue but BMW has been able to lay all out all the components into the rear drive axle and into the engine bay of the car. This is a major hurdle to overcome when developing the car of the future; from the passenger’s perspective its hard to tell the difference between this car and a traditional gas powered vehicle.
The battery packs themselves are located under the hood where an engine normally would be and underneath the car where the rear fuel tank would be. The larger battey pack is in the rear, and this is done to keep the center of gravity in the car low and to maintain the 50-50 weight distribution. Which other electric car maker is thinking like this right now?
The electric drive motor is mounted on the rear axle.
Energy Recouperation
Wasted kinetic energy was also a top priority in this project. When the driver is accelerating a car, energy goes from the battery to the motor and out to the wheels in order to move the car forward. But what about when the driver lets off the gas? Well, now a large portion of the kinetic energy is just being dissipated. Why not take the kinetic energy and run it backwards through the motor which now acts as a generator and can actually then recharge the battery while slowing the car down for you (think engine braking). BMW says this type of thinking help regenerate up to 20% extra power for the car.
Visuals
The visuals on this car are mostly fluff, as this is a showcar intended to attract attention. It is notable that since there is no exhaust or emissions, the exhaust cutout on the rear bumper has been removed.
The car has also been fitting with more aerodynamic wheels, similar to the ones seen on the Vision ED concept car.
The Future
This car is clearly part of a broader general strategy in the future. The so called project-i is aimed at producing a car for mega cities that will be not only clean with little to no CO2 output but also highly efficient. This car takes another step forward from the MINI-E towards the final goal.
Of note however, all of these cars in BMWs growing armory of electric vehicles share a similar characteristic. They are all based on some of the most sporty cars in the BMW lineup. This is not by chance. BMW intends to maintain fun and driveability with the car of the future.
For 2011 BMW has made some substantial changes to the E92 and E92 BMW 3-Series Coupe and Convertible.
The first and foremost and probably biggest change is the introduction of the much debated N55 engine to the 335i
3.0l
Single Turbo “TwinPower” Dual Scroll
300HP and 300LB-FT Tq.
Improved torque band and overall engine responsiveness
Introduction of VALVETRONIC
All aluminum construction
Styling
Redesigned headlights (new shape and “graphics”).
Brighter LED “corona” rings (angel eyes)
Bi-Xenon now standard
Adaptive Headlight and the Adaptive Headlight Range Control are optional
New tailight “graphics” (overall shape is unchanged) now with LED
New sideview mirror design
New front and rear bumper design which actually increase the overhangs to make the car look slightly longer
Wider kidney grill with a unique chrome surround design
Convertible with sun-reflective leather
Interior
New multifunction steering wheel
Modified paddle shifting. (+) on the right and (-) on the left.
ConnectedDrive (including internet options in certain markets)
New Colors
Deep Sea Blue Metallic
Vermillion Red Metallic
Mineral White Metallic
For M-Sport Photos please check out the official M-Sport thread ==> http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=341971
Woodcliff Lake, NJ –BMW has announced substantial enhancements to the 2011 3 Series Coupe and Convertible, including outstanding style updates for 328i and 335i models and a new engine for 335i models. The 2011 3 Series Coupe and Convertible models will go on sale in Spring 2010, and pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date.
Fundamentally unchanged are each car’s essential attributes of rear-wheel drive (xDrive is available on the Coupe), near-perfect 50-50 weight distribution, remarkably precise steering, and skillfully engineered suspension…all of which conspire to produce the uniquely satisfying driving experience that is quintessentially BMW.
All-new is the engine for the 335i model. Internally designated the “N55,” this turbocharged, all-aluminum engine features essentially the same “short block” and 3.0-liter displacement of its predecessor, but benefits from five additional years worth of development and refinement. The result is an engine that is more responsive, more fuel efficient, and cleaner-running than its outstanding predecessor, but preserves the previous engine’s output and soul: 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque, and a 7,000 rpm redline. The 6-speed manual gearbox – beloved by North American enthusiast drivers – remains standard, and the well-known 6-speed Steptronic automatic is optional, now featuring “pull-style” shift paddles on the multifunction steering wheel.
Design. Reflecting the legendary distinction of BMW Coupes and Convertibles
The profile of the BMW 3 Series Coupe and Convertible is instantly recognizable at first glance. Beyond the basic shape of the car and its classic lines, the new design of the headlights, the enhanced depth and detail of the taillights, the interior, and even the exterior mirrors were specifically created for the Coupe and Convertible. These unique design elements reflect the sporty character of the car. The driver who chooses a two-door vehicle desires a car with dynamic looks as well as driving performance. With this in mind, BMW engineers and designers set out to create a unique, unmistakable blend of design features and most importantly, driving pleasure.
It all begins with proportions. The new, long hood powerfully symbolizes BMW’s loyalty to the inherently balanced inline-6 engine. The long wheelbase, short overhangs, the passenger compartment set aft and the low, sleek roofline which seamlessly slopes into the trunk are all characteristics of the BMW Coupe and BMW retractable hardtop Convertible.
In addition to the classic proportions, three design lines—the shoulder, character and lower sill lines— enhance the sleek appearance. Both the shoulder line and character line stretch uninterrupted to the back of the car, allowing one’s eye to move quickly and smoothly from front to rear along the entire length of the car. The sill line of the lower edge of the door flows into the front and rear air dams, reinforcing the dynamic nature of BMW’s newest 3 Series Coupe and Convertible.
The combination of lines flowing into one another elegantly emphasizes the vehicles’ performance potential. While the shoulder line rises slightly but consistently from front to rear, the character line flows in a long, stretched arch all the way from the front fender to the new taillights. As the sill line, by contrast, moves up slightly to the rear in a slow and gentle curve, the distance between the character and sill lines becomes smaller near the rear wheel arches. The fender flare around each rear wheel also serves to give the character line extra tension in both an upward and outward direction.
Attractive new innovations at the front, side, and rear – integrated precisely into the overall look of the car- give greater emphasis to the sportiness of both models. At the same time, these modifications slightly extend the overhangs front and rear (now 1.14” and 0.12” longer, respectively), which adds a sleeker and even more athletic appearance.
The new, widened kidney grille, a signature feature of every BMW, suits the broad new hood and stands out from the surfaces around it. Interaction with the three-dimensional kidney frame creates a look of power and unique style. The frame around the kidney grille now features a chrome band precisely twisted within itself.
The 3 Series Coupe and Convertible come standard in the U.S. with Xenon Adaptive Headlights, accented by BMW’s signature corona light rings. At the top, the new headlights merge into a trim bar cutting off the light beam to create that concentrated, focused look typical of a genuine BMW. The corona rings, now powered by super-bright LED light sources, can serve as daytime running lights (if that feature is activated), and also as evening city lights, making the Coupe and Convertible instantly recognizable as a BMW, day or night. The upper edge of each headlight fixture is also illuminated by an LED light source.
The new design of the taillights is unique to the 3 Series Coupe and Convertible. The rear light cluster feature two-piece L-shapes and are further accentuated by a new color scheme. With two rows of light tubes that illuminate simultaneously, they create a night design with depth and dimension. Integrated flush into the body of the car, the lights are split into two sections and extend up the trunk lid, blending with the character lines from the side profile. Horizontal LED tube taillights give the car an unmistakable look at night. The horizontal flowing lines accentuate the wide track and low stance of the Coupe and Convertible.
An additional horizontal contour line has been added to the rear air dam to further accentuate the width of the Coupe and Convertible. It creates light-and-shade effects to give the entire rear end a flatter and smoother appearance.
The exterior mirrors also receive a new design, adding further innovation to the unique looks of the BMW 3 Series Coupe and Convertible. They blend harmoniously into the side view and silhouette of each new model.
Deep Sea Blue Metallic, Vermillion Red Metallic, and Mineral White Metallic exterior colors will each become available for the new 3 Series Coupe and Convertible this spring.
Interior: a truly stylish ambiance
The emphasis on individual style, dynamic performance and exclusivity continues within the interior. Here again, the focus is on the driving experience, as announced by the standard leather multifunction steering wheel. Horizontal lines dominate the surfaces on and around the instrument panel which blend with the lines of the center console door panels to give the interior a light but dynamic feel. In true BMW fashion, all operational and informational elements essential to driving are grouped on and around the steering wheel. Climate controls, as well as those for the audio and navigation systems, are within easy reach of the front passenger.
Because the Coupe and Convertible are four-passenger cars, the rear seat passengers are treated to a center console between their individual rear seats which includes individual storage boxes, additional air outlet vents, and footwell lights.
The BMW 3 Series Coupe and Convertible come standard with Dark Burl Walnut wood trim. As a choice, Bamboo Anthracite wood, Light Burl Walnut wood, and Aluminum trim are optional. Like the standard Dark Burl Walnut, these materials appear on the dash, front and rear consoles, doors and rear side panels.
The standard leatherette upholstery is available in Black and Creme Beige. For the optional leather upholstery, luxurious Dakota leather can be chosen. Here too, the buyer may choose Creme Beige, Oyster, Coral Red, Saddle Brown, Gray, or Black. Upholstery leather appears on the seat facings, door inserts and door handle surrounds; other leather-trimmed items include the gear shift boot, handbrake grip and steering wheel.
In other items of trim that don’t change with upholstery or trim options, the interior door handles, gearshift surround trim, steering wheel spokes, instrument dial and engine Start/Stop button surrounds, dash air-outlet adjusting tabs and the optional iDrive controller are in pearl-gray galvanic material.
An elegant ambiance is further created in the interior by special lighting and switches with a premium look and feel. Ambiance lighting, streaming down from under the ledge on the door and side panels, and running from the A pillar all the way to the rear passenger area, creates a particularly warm, indirect lighting effect.
Through its design and configuration, the cabin emphasizes the sporting and driver-oriented character of the 3 Series Coupe and Convertible. Taking a seat behind the steering wheel, the driver’s eyes will immediately focus on the instrument cluster.
All-new turbocharged engine with Valvetronic for 335i
BMW 3 Series Coupe and Convertible customers have a choice of two inline-6 engines that are the worlds’ finest. The 328i features 230 horsepower while the 335i has 300 horsepower and is the first inline-6 equipped with a single twin-scroll turbocharger, BMW’s Valvetronic throttle-less intake technology, High Precision direct fuel injection, and all-aluminum construction.
The 335i’s new inline-6 engine displaces 3.0-liters and develops maximum output of 300 hp at 5,800 rpm, with peak torque of 300 lb-ft available all the way from 1,200–5,000 rpm. Redline is 7,000 rpm. This is the same level of performance as the previous 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-6 but with the innovation of twin-scroll technology and the integration of Valvetronic, this new engine is even more fuel efficient.
Historically, BMW engineers were never satisfied with the most often-cited downside to turbocharging: the frustrating “turbo lag” that occurs between the time at which driver presses the accelerator pedal and when the turbocharger develops sufficient rotation to increase power. Turbo lag is usually worse at low engine speeds. Other drawbacks included relatively high fuel consumption and poor emissions output. At the time, turbocharger technology was not a reliable, practical or efficient was to make power. For these and other reasons, BMW put turbocharged gasoline engines on the shelf for more than 20 years.
Two recent developments caused BMW to reconsider turbocharging. While many luxury-performance carmakers began to achieve power gains by building engines of ever-increasing displacement, BMW looked for a more efficient way; smaller engines and turbocharging made sense. Also, the technology transfer from BMW’s turbocharged diesel engines could easily be transferred to their gasoline-fired counterparts. Accordingly, BMW articulated its new approach to developing high-performance engines as part of its EfficientDynamics initiative.
The new N55 is the first BMW inline-6 to combine turbocharging, High Precision direct fuel injection, and Valvetronic variable intake technology. It features a single, mid-sized turbocharger with a “twin-scroll” housing to boost performance and minimize the response lag. Thanks to its housing design which maintains proper separation between streams of exhaust gasses, the turbocharger builds up pressure much faster than previous-generation turbochargers, thus eliminating even the slightest tendency for lag.
A further advantage of turbocharging is that this is the most weight-efficient method to boost engine power and performance. The N55 turbocharged inline-6 weighs approximately 150 lbs. less than an equally powerful eight-cylinder engine displacing 4.0 liters. This lower weight means a significant advantage not only in fuel economy, but also in balancing the car’s weight distribution.
Using Valvetronic for the first time on a turbocharged inline-6 allows the engine to “inhale” air for combustion with virtually no delay and with reduced pumping losses. As a result, the engine makes power more quickly than ever before, and this is proven by the N55’s ability to reach peak torque at 1200rpm, 200rpm earlier than its predecessor.
As a result, the technology in the BMW 335i Coupe and Convertible represents a significant achievement in terms of both performance and fuel efficiency. The advantages over a conventional turbocharged engine are not only clearly measurable, but easy to feel on the road.
Turbocharging typically includes intercooling of the engine’s induction air, that is, cooling the compressed air that emerges, very much heated up by the compression process, from the turbocharger(s). Sometimes it’s done with coolant; in the case of the N55 engine, it’s accomplished with outside air. Intercooling is necessary to reduce the temperature of the incoming air to preclude detonation or “knocking” that can reduce power or, in the extreme, damage the engine. Of course, the N55, like all other current BMW engines, is equipped with knock control as part of the Digital Motor Electronics (DME) engine management system. On the N55 engine, the DME is now mounted directly to the top of the engine for better packaging and weight savings.
The significant loads and cylinder pressures of the N55 300-hp engine required the use of an aluminum engine structure with cast-iron cylinder sleeves. Altogether, the N55 weighs about 427 lbs. The 335i Coupe and Convertible dual exhaust system runs at both sides of the vehicle. At low loads, a flap channels most gas through one side to reduce low-frequency exhaust “rumble.” The 335i Coupe and Convertible feature an air-to-oil external oil cooler mounted in one wheel well as opposed to the N52’s coolant-to-oil unit.
The peak power of 300 hp at 5800rpm has already been mentioned; this is fully 70 hp up on the 2011 328i models. At least as important is the fact that this engine can deliver its peak torque from 1200 rpm – not far above idling – to 5000 rpm. On the road, this power and torque result in outstanding performance. The 335i Coupe and Convertible can accelerate from 0 – 60 mph in just 5.3 (5.5) seconds and 5.5 (5.7) seconds, respectively, when equipped with the manual (automatic) transmission. The sense of urgency continues all the way to the electronically limited top speed of 130 mph (150 mph when equipped with the optional Sport Package). The 335i xDrive coupe accelerates 0-60 mph in 5.2 (5.3) seconds when equipped with the manual (automatic) transmission.
Finally, the new N55 engine is able to achieve a more favorable emissions signature than its predecessor. The single turbocharger has only one exhaust path and feeds a single catalytic converter in place of the previous engine’s two. This means the exhaust gases are concentrated at the catalytic converter for better cold-start emissions performance, making the N55 a more environmentally friendly engine.
The 328i Convertible is powered by BMW’s 230 horsepower, 200 lb-ft, 3.0-liter inline-6 engine, known internally as the N52. Its magnesium/aluminum construction and Valvetronic variable valve lift are features found only on BMW engines. The N52 achieves impressive progress on all performance and technology fronts, especially in its remarkably light weight of 357 lbs. An aluminum/magnesium engine block, hollow camshafts, plastic camshaft cover, improved combustion chambers, a further evolved Double VANOS[1], higher fuel injection pressure, sophisticated engine electronics, an electric coolant pump, a variable-volume oil pump and an oil/coolant heat exchanger are the other weight-saving features and improvements of this engine over previous generations.
For the Coupes: Available xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive.
The 2011 BMW 335i xDrive Coupe combines intelligent all-wheel drive with the power of BMW’s new 300-horsepower, turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 engine. Likewise, the 2011 BMW 328i xDrive Coupe will impress with its 230-hp, 3.0-liter inline-6 engine featuring magnesium-aluminum construction. On smooth, dry roads BMW’s xDrive gives a sporty, rear-wheel drive feel. But on a wet or snow-covered road, xDrive automatically sends more torque to the axle with more traction. BMW’s xDrive is the most sophisticated and responsive all-wheel drive system on the market today. It has proven its merits, in terms of agility and safety, in the 19 BMW models currently offered with xDrive in the U.S.
For the Convertibles: Sun-Reflective Leather offers cooler seats
BMW is the first carmaker in the world to use sun-reflective technology to mitigate temperatures on leather seating, armrest surfaces, headrests, and gear shifter. The process uses modified color pigments imbedded in the leather during the production process to reflect the infrared radiation of the sun in wavelengths of more than 720 nanometers.
This leather treatment is able to reduce surface temperatures on dark interior colors by up to 20 Celsius degrees (36 Fahrenheit degrees), and also offers advantages on light-colored upholstery, where the heating effect of sunshine is less severe, reducing the surface temperature by as much as 15 Celsius degrees (27 Fahrenheit degrees). All other qualities of the leather remained unchanged.
Official press release photos, wallpaper, attached in a gallery here. Although I don’t think these make good wallpaper since the new chassis looks portly, and quite frankly, hideous.
The BMW M6 Competition Limited Edition is being presented for the first time at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.
The BMW M6 Competition Limited Edition combines the supreme dynamics of a high-performance sports car and the exclusive features of BMW Individual to form a truly fascinating symbiosis. Appropriate modifications of the suspension further enhance the profile of this unique Coupé designed from the start for maximum performance.
New set-up of the springs, dampers and anti-roll bars, together with the body lowered by 12 millimetres/0.47″ at the front and 10 millimetres/0.39″ at the rear, together with a new combination of wheels and tyres, optimise both lateral and longitudinal dynamics to a standard never seen before. The suspension control systems, the control unit masterminding the EDC Electronic Damper Control, wheel track and camber as well as the map controlling the variable M differential lock are all geared precisely to these special modifications of the suspension.
The colour concept featured both outside and within the interior highlights the unique character of this outstanding two-door in a most stylish manner, emphasising the motorsport technology and uncompromising premium quality of the car. BMW Individual matt paintwork in Frozen Grey metallic accentuates the powerful and, at the same time, exclusive presence of this unique Coupé.
The BMW M6 Competition Limited Edition is being built in a production run of just 100 units. The exclusivity of this very special model is further symbolised by a special placard on the roof lining bearing each car’s serial number as a unique achievement in automotive technology.
The interior of the BMW M6 Competition Limited Edition is available in two colour variants. BMW Individual all-leather upholstery in Merino comes either in Black with light-grey contrasted seams or in twin-tone Silverstone/Black with light-grey and black seams forming a special contrast.
Merino leather comes on the seats, the headrests and side panels at the rear, the instrument panel, the trim cover on the driver’s side, the glove box, the armrest, the handbrake lever gaiter, as well as the door and side panels. The door closing handles, in turn, are finished in black nappa leather.
On the twin-tone model the seat centre sections as well as parts of the door and side panels as well as the door closing handles come in black, all further elements are in Silverstone. On both versions footmats with a surrounding bend in Silverstone Merino leather as well as door cutout trim proudly bearing the “M6 Competition” model designation add the final touch to the exclusive ambience of the car.
