The BMW 3-Series began production back in 1975 and is one of the German automaker’s luxury sedans. The 2012 model year will mark the 3-Series’ sixth generation since its birth and will incorporate all of the current versions for the luxury car: 2-door coupe and convertible, 4-door saloon, 5-door touring, and 5 door liftback. The new 3-series is expected to be powered with new aluminum four-cylinder gasoline engines ranging from 135 to 220 horsepower.
The current model is powered by a choice of four different engine. The 3.0L I-6 produces 230hp and 200 lb-ft of torque, while the 3.0L twin turbo diesel gets 265hp and 425lb-ft of torque. Another option is the 3.0L twin turbo I-6 getting 300hp and 300 lb-ft of torque, and the final engine option is a 4.0L V8 producing 414hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Engines can be mated to a six-speed manual transmission or a six- or seven-speed automatic.
BMW is going to explode into the New York Auto Show on April 2nd-11th, debuting 5 vehicles; 2011 BMW 5 series, 2011 BMW 335is Coupe and Convertible, 2011 BMW X5 SAV(making their North American debut), and 2011 BMW Alpina B7 xDrive (making its World debut). Something tells me that BMW has been working hard not to fall through the cracks as the likes of Mercedes and Lexus turn out vehicles of their own. The 2011 BMW 5 series alone competes with the 2011 Mercedes E550 and the 2010 Lexus LS460 even though BMW speeds right by them due to its V8 engine with a maximum output of 400hp.
Follow the jump for details on each of these models plus the press release.
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Alpina unveiled the B3 S Biturbo at the Geneva Motor Show. The tuning kit will be available for Sedan, Coupe, Estate and Convertible 3-Series and is based on improving especially the car’s performances.
The 3.0-liter engine has been tuned to deliver an impressive 400hp at 6000rpm with a maximum torque of 397lbs-ft at 4500rpm. the result is a sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 186 mph.
In order to obtain this impressive performances, Alpina optimized the air intake and air filter, added a new exhaust system, installed high-strength MAHLE pistons and also added a high-performance cooling system.
The car sits on 19" light-alloy wheels with a three-dimensional sweep, each of them carrying 20 spokes. The interior gets leather sport seats, the ALPINA SWITCH-TRONIC leather sports steering and blue ALPINA instrument display.
Press release after the jump.
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The German automaker BMW has come up with a solution for enthusiasts who wish they could afford to get behind the wheel of a track tuned M3 but are willing to settle for a twin turbocharged straight six substitute, they will be happy to hear that there will be a new high performance addition to the 3-Series lineup. The 335is will undergo the same treatment as the Z4 SDrive35is and will debut at the New York International Auto Show in and slotted between the current 300 HP 335i and the 400 HP M3.
The BMW 335is will be offered in both coupe and convertible bodies dressed up with some fancy go fast parts in the rear with a set of black chrome exhaust pipes protruding through a body colored diffuser while riding on a set of 18 inch Ferric Grey alloys. While the new Bimmer retains the 3.0 Liter inline six cylinder engine with a pair of turbochargers hanging off to one side developing 320 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque mated to either a six speed manual or an optional seven speed double clutch transmission, it does get a new set of stylish pipes letting the lump breathe a little easier. The added boost and free flowing sport tuned exhaust means that 0 to 60 MPH times will be 5.0 seconds with the optional 7-speed DCT and 5.1 seconds with the manual 6-speed.
Updated 01/25/10: BMW today revealed the official details on the 2010 335is, both coupe and convertible models. Both versions will go on sale this spring, with prices starting at $50,525 for the 335is Coupe, and $59,075 for the Convertible.
Press release after the jump.
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Until the refreshed 2011 3-Series hits showrooms this spring, BMW owners can get their entry level luxury coupe to stand out with a little help from the American tuners at Vorsteiner thanks to their new simple yet effective aggressive V-MS aero package. The kit is made up of two lower lip extensions made from exotic carbon fiber at either end of the 3-Series’ front bumper and a new rear diffuser to go along with a variety of forged monoblock and three piece alloys measuring as much as 20 inches in diameter.
Press release after the jump.
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The German luxury automaker BMW unveiled the official details about the upcoming 2011 3-Series Coupe and Convertible. Both versions will go on sale this Spring and prices will be announced at a later date. Starting with the exterior, BMW has updated headlight design, widened the classic kidney and redesigned the lower front fascia with a larger air dam. The side mirrors become sleeker adding to the innovative look of the new coupe and convertible.
The biggest change for the new car comes under the hood offering a choice of two different inline six cylinder engines, with the 328i making 230 HP and the twin turbocharged 335i good for 300 HP and 300 lb-ft of torque thanks to the twin scroll turbine and the integration of Valvetronic engine technology. As a result the new 3-Series can sprint from 0 to 60 MPH in just 5.3 seconds and reach a top speed limited to 130 MPH, or 150 MPH when equipped with the optional Sport Package.
Updated 01/19/10: Presentation video revealed. Check it out!
Press release after the jump.
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