The Best Sports Car BMW Z8

 

The 2003 BMW Z8 was a concept car manufactured by German automaker, BMW, during the period 2000 to 2003. This model was the production version of Z07 model. The popularity of the concept car stimulated BMW's decision to manufacture the production model, BMW Z8. Though the model had a good start, the production of the vehicle had stopped in 2003.

The 2003 BMW Z8 was released as a predecessor model to the BMW 507. The sports car is a two door two-seat convertible version, build on the FR layout. The sports car has the wheel base of 2500 mm. The length, width and the height of the car are 4,400 mm, 1,830 mm and 1,320 mm respectively. The curb weight of the car is 1,585 kilo grams. The sports car was designed by Henrik Fisker.

The power to the car comes from a 4.9 liter V8 engine and it is mated to a standard 6-speed manual transmission. The other optional transmission offered by the vehicle includes a five-speed automatic, which generates same amount of power as that of 6-speed transmission.

The sports car was first introduced at the 1999 Frankfurt Auto Show. The sports variant draws many styling cues from the famous 507 roadster model like twin kidney grille, long, sloping hood with round headlight blisters, striking leather interior with a simplistic layout and distinctive vents at the back side of the front wheels. The BMW Z8 featured all the necessary accessories and parts of a real sports car. The outstanding design, rarity and superior performance of the attracted customers towards the car.

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BMW X5 Cars Series Wallpapers

BMW X5 Cars Series Wallpapers http://audicarsnews.blogspot.com/

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2011 BMW 1 SERIES ENGINE DETAILS

New official photos and technical data related to the newly revealed BMW 1 Series, Its engines and the measures planned to launch, we confirm everything said in yesterday's model adding new details on the range engines. The parent company has issued 78 new high-resolution pictures that will certainly help strengthen or refute the idea that you have already made on the aesthetics of the car.

The 1 Series is the first car in its class to be equipped with an optional 8-speed automatic transmission and is equipped with the Stop & Start system on all engines and all transmissions. It 'also a new "ECO PRO" which suggests how to best use the car to consume less and sets the electronic engine control for this purpose. The parent company claims to have done considerable work on a sector to ensure greater comfort and suspension while maintaining the driving pleasure provided by the rear-wheel drive and the 50:50 distribution of the masses between the two axles. The chassis is made up of a scheme prior to double-jointed, while the rear is the 5-arm solutions. The car is now fitted with electromechanical steering and DTC (electronic stabilization) with electronic differential lock function.

2011 BMW 1 SERIES

High load of electronic technologies for security and entertainment: we speak of the beam assistant (who ine have described a few days ago) Headlights with adaptive lights that direct the beam in the corners when you turn, back-up camera, chimes and collision against over the center line, cruise control with braking function, an indicator of speed limits, internet, complete interface audio systems with external media, real-time information on traffic, radio and web applications for specific Facebook and Twitter.


The engines range at launch will consist of two petrol and three diesel engines, all Euro 5 supercharged by turbo (Twin-scroll for gasoline, for diesel with variable geometry): starting from the 116th with a displacement of 1598 cc, 136 hp already at 4400 rpm and maximum torque of 220 Nm from 1350 to 4300 rpm. With this engine the 1 Series accelerates from 0 to 100 km / h in 8.5 seconds reaching a top speed of 210 km / h. The average consumption ranges from 5.5 to 5.7 L/100 km, depending on tire choice. CO2 emissions limited to 129/132 g / km. More stringent that the engine of the 118th, compared to the same airspace, provides 170 hp at 4800 rpm and maximum torque of 250 Nm from 1500 to 4500 rpm. The 0-100 km / h is covered in 7.4 seconds while top speed is equal to 225 km / h. Average fuel consumption ranges from 5.8 to 5.9 L/100 km with CO2 emissions equal to 134/137 g / km.

The offer raises the 116d diesel engine with common-rail (1600 bar injection pressure) to 1955 cc, capable of 116 hp at 4000 rpm and 260 Nm from 1750 to 2500: the 0-100 km / h completed in 10.3 seconds, top speed is around 200 km / h and average consumption ranges from 4.3 to 4.5 L/100 km and CO2 emissions equal to 114/117 g / km. Over the 118d performance guarantees, with the same capacity and pressure fuel injection, 143 hp at 4000 rpm and 320 Nm from 1750 to 2500 rpm. With this engine has exceeded the 0-100 in 8.9 seconds while top speed is about 212 km / h. The average consumption ranges from 4.4 to 4.5 L/100 km with emissions 115/118 g / km.

At the top of the range diesel (and more powerful engine at the moment by us) is the 120d with 1955 cc engine capable of delivering well 184 hp at 4000 rpm and 380 Nm of torque between 1750 and 2750 rpm, the pressure is equal to 1800 bar. The 120d devours the 0-100 km / h in 7.2 seconds going to a top speed of 228 km / h. The average consumption is said to 4.5/4.6 L/100 km with CO2 emission of 119/122 g / km.

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2011 BMW X5 HYBRID CAR PICTURE

The BMW X5 Hybrid could be launched later this year. Sister of the X6 Active Hybrid only in name, the new Bavarian SUV will offer a hybrid powertrain is completely different from that of the model sportier. Where the X6 is fitted with a 4.4 V8 twin turbo diesel, the X5 will be equipped with a four-cylinder turbo diesel, of course combined with an electric motor. The X5 Active Hybrid therefore, will be the first BMW diesel-hybrid.



Based on the X5 Vision Efficient Dynamics Concept presented at the Geneva Motor Show in 2008, the Bavarian sport utility mount the 2.0 twin turbo diesel 204 and 400 Nm flanked by an electric motor that adds 20 hp and 210 Nm According to the house, the prototype reached the 100 from standstill in 8.9 s, consuming 6.5 l/100 km of diesel fuel and emitting 172 g / km of CO2. And the numbers of the standard model should not be very different.

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BMW WAGON HURRICANE RS BI-TURBO V10 750 SUPERCAR

Prepared and personalized by G-Power, the unusual and anything sweet van BMW Hurricane RS Touring offers both a supercar performance and comfort and interior space, allowing the model to take the child from comfortably for school or for a family trip, or even raze the trackdays around.


The engine BMW V10 RS Touring Hurricane G-Power received from a Bi-turbocharger system Turbo and offers an absurd power of 750 horses, accompanied by a new G5-RS adjustable suspension and a braking system and scaled composite brake discs and 39.6 cm in diameter and 38 clamps 6 and 4 pistons. Thus, the RS Touring BMW Hurricane by G-Power accelerates from 0-100 km / h in just 4.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 360 km / h.


Your external visual followed the trend of sports and more ignorant of his performance, with 20 "wheelssidewalks with tires Michelin Pilot Sport 285/30 ZR20. Meanwhile, the interior has also become more sophisticated and comfortable with a new special coating.

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NEW RELEASED FEATURES ON X3 BMW 2011

There are some features that are included on the All-New 2011 BMW X3 released today are very helpful and allows drivers to operate this SUV. Also the more luxurious interior and a more cheerful color display or "alive". For example, the xDrive35i, red-brown leather interior (red brown).BMW says this new change makes room for driver and rear passenger relieved. The back seat - middle that can be folded - can also be used to put the needs of the journey, for example Minivan and so forth. There are some BMW X3 review.

xDdrive35i
Two units are tested first xDrive35i and xDrive20d Business. BMW X3 2011 Version very full and luxurious. The roof is not only equipped with roof rails, as well as glass that can be opened (shifted) so that the passengers and the driver immediately enjoy the fresh air outside the car.
This glass roof can be closed, if the passenger or the driver is not exposed to the scorching sun. To operational by pressing the button located at the front of the ceiling.


To entertainment and communication, xDrive35i is also more complete than xDrive20 Business. In this version, a Bluetooth connection to work effectively when linked with Android smartphone and iPod Touch, including to play songs. While Bluetooth for phone, the speaker voice sounded very clear.
BMW seems to have prepared a place for the phone again gadget and trends in the world, namely the iPod and iPhone. Center console, fit for both the Apple product.


xDrive20d
Special diesel version, Xdrive20d, specialized version of the Business, the connection only Bluetooth connection facility of communication. This version is not equipped with roof rails and glass roof . But for the xDrive Executive, completeness and feature the same with xDdrive35i. For entertainment, BMW only put 6 speakers. As for the Executive variants, such as Xdrive35i, using 12 speakers.


Start-Stop

X3 BMW 2011 New features and very functional to improve the efficiency of fuel consumption is "the Start-Stop" which works automatically. When the speed above 10 km / h and then the car stopped, in a few seconds the engine will die automatics. The instrument panel indicators are shown, dead engine condition.

For the machine back to life, simply by pressing the gas pedal. This is the first automatic transmission in combination with the Start-Stop system. Even so the system can also be nonactive by pressing the button on the side.

Do not worry about the battery runs out or the AC was not functioning when the engine died. So, the temperature increases and energy reserves of the battery down, automatic machines turned on again. In addition, speed is always below 10 km / h, the system does not work (very helpful on a very bad traffic, such as Jakarta).

Explained well, actually X3 already uses a system of mild hybrid . When the brake is operated, the energy is converted into electricity stored in batteries.

Options

Using a 6-cylinder gasoline engine capable of producing power and torque 306 rpm PS@5.800 Nm@1.200 400 - 5000 rpm. Using direct injection technology with Valvetronic valve.

This version is perfect for those who like speeding because of the steady pull of the machine! While xDrive20d, the choice for those considering an economical operating costs (for companies).

Features that really helps is the electric parking brake (activated and released by pressing the button) "Auto Hold" to prevent the car moving when stopped (including flights).

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BMW 6 Series Convertible to be unveiled on 25th march

2011 BMW 6 Series Convertible

BMW India has confirmed that it will launch the new 6 Series in India on the 25th of this month. The vehicle uses a 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine producing 320hp and 450Nm.

2011 BMW 6 Series Convertible

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BMW I8 STAR IN NEW MOVIE "MISSION IMPOSSIBLE"

BMW Vision EfficientDynamics and now uses the official name I8 reportedly will be a car in the movie blockbuster Mission Impossible : The Ghost Protocol . Reported by sun.co.uk . He further, supercar this hybrid - other versions are also on display at Geneva - now already in the shooting locations in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, where the film crew gathered. Cars with futuristic figure will perform with other BMW models in the same movie, the latest-6 Series.
BMW I8 is a hybrid car with a combination of 3-cylinder diesel engine, turbocharger, plus an electric motor which is claimed to produce 328 PS power. Another greatness of this car is capable of doing sprint 0-100 km / h in 5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 248 km / h (in Germany, the highest speed the car is limited to 240 km / h). No less interesting, with an increasingly expensive oil prices, fuel consumption supercar is 26.57 km per liter!
BMW I8 go on sale in 2013. Although the sale price has not been announced, media predict this car will be sold at 160,000 U.S. dollars, or USD 1.5 billion in the United States . Later, in the new film Mission Impossible , I8 will speed up by Chief John Anderton, who has also been used BMW in the 2002 science fiction film, Minority Report . By coincidence, John Anderton and heroes Mission Impossible before, Ethan Hunt, played by the same person, namely Tom Cruise. For BMW, this is an interesting promotion for the latest products that are marketed in 2013.

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BMW CONCEPT CAR ATTRACTED AT THE GENEVA MOTOR SHOW

BMW concept car that attracted attention at the Geneva Motor Show this time is the Vision Connected Drive. Appearances figure car "stimulating" for a different and unique design plus the dominance of metallic color throughout its body. Only the rear, combined with light orange cap. While the interior, driver and passenger seats are designed with unique.

The cockpit has two screens, each for driver and passenger. Before appearing in this exhibition, BMW already stated, Vision Conneted Drive as a super car future and become part of the world's Internet networks. Hence, this concept car is considered as a reflection of the cars of today and the future. These factors that cause BMW is called Vision Connected Drive. Cockpit using the monitor screen that can produce images with 3D effects and display icons, such as tablets or operate a computer smartphone. Remarkably, this instrument can be programmed.
The resulting information can also be projected onto the bottom of the glass in front of the driver and generate impressions known information Head-Up Display (HUD). The screen passengers can be utilized as a smart navigator. Passengers, who also served as co-pilot, can evaluate the information and get details of the navigation system receives a "Oline". Once filtered to the '"forward" alias forwarded to the instrument driver if necessary. Their ability called BMW with the interaction between driver and passenger.

While passengers with social networking and the environment. Even provided "Emotional Browser" which presents many choices information suit the tastes of passengers and the driver.

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Mission Impossible IV To Use The Stunning BMW Efficient Dynamics Concept Car

BMW Vision Efficient dynamics

BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics electric concept car is on a roll in the next Tom Cruise blockbuster movie, Mission Impossible IV. The BMW Vision EfficientDynamics was recently caught hanging outside the set of ‘Mission Impossible: The Ghost Protocol.’ Sources say the car will be featured in some car-chase scenes along with the new 2012 BMW 6-Series Convertible. 

The car uses a 3 cylinder 1.5ltr turbo diesel motor and has twin electric motors producing 139hp, it’s a plug-in hybrid and has a limited top speed of 155 mph (250kph), more than enough to get you into trouble.

The BMW, which has is an astonishing car with futuristic looks, was just spotted on the set where the movie was being shot. Mission Impossible IV stars Tom Cruise and Simon Pegg and will be released in the US on December 16th, 2011. No word yet on when the BMW Efficient Dynamics car will be released…

BMW Vision Efficient dynamics

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2011 Latest BMW Roadster Concept

At the Geneva Motor Show held next month, Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW) will introduce a new concept, namely the sports car or roadster called "Vision Connected Drive". The design is slightly different from the Vision Efficient Dynamic BMW introduced earlier.
This concept car at the Same time DESCRIBE the vision of BMW about the vehicle of the present and future. Especially the concept Became part of the world's Internet networks. BMW releases new images show the cabin or cockpit unique and futuristic the which is equipped with a large LED screen, in front passenger front and Also information on the condition of the car in front of the driver.



Described, the roadster car will provide comfort, security and entertainment systems optimally, can be adapted to the tastes of different drivers and passengers. In addition it is also equipped with a system or technology that facilitate the work of the driver.


In addition, also presented the concept of a pure electric car designed for everyday use so-called BMW Active which can carry four passengers. The model will also serve as the master and made his debut in this exhibition Efficient Dynamics BMW 320d Touring Edition. These cars use diesel-powered 4-cylinder 20 kW or 163 PS with fuel consumption of 23 km per liter.

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BMW X1 M'ED Sports Package

The BMW X1 was recently launched in India and the world over and has been the latest model to drive down to get M’ed.

X1 M Sport --front bumper

As always, the visit to the M-Division has resulted into a total transformation of the original X1. As far as looks go, the X1 M Sport gets wider air intakes, bigger wheels , all-black interiors and a lot of ‘M’ badges. In conjunction to all this BMW also offer new Alpine White, Le Mans Blue, Sapphire Black, Space Grey, Vermillion Red and Mineral White exterior colors.

BMW X1 M --alloys

Well, you might think, all these sporty concoctions are fine and that its all-show-and-no-go. You’d be wrong because, the M Sport Package also includes suspension upgrades and a  six speed manual box to suit the racing overalls.

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BMW X1 launched in India

 German luxury car maker BMW on Thursday introduced its cheapest model in India, a new sports utility vehicle. The vehicle will be available in both petrol and diesel variants. While the petrol option, BMW X1 sDrive 18i, will be available for Rs 22 lakh (ex-showroom, all-India), the diesel variant will have two options, X1 sDrive 20d, priced at Rs 23.9 lakh and X1 sDrive 20d Exclusive priced at Rs 29.9 lakh (ex-showroom, all-India).

it is also the most practical model for India thanks to its high ground clearance and compact dimensions. Have already generated a good interest among buyers and have received over 1,000 bookings which has already created a waiting period of three months.

The diesel engine gives a power of 177 BHP and torque of 350 Nm from 1750 to 3000 rpm. The petrol engine gives a power of 150 BHP with a torque of 200 Nm at 3600 rpm. BMW claims that the diesel variant takes 8.3 seconds to attain a speed of 100 kmph whereas the petrol variant takes 10.4 seconds. All variants have six speed automatic gearboxes.

The ARAI average fuel efficiency stat for the diesel X1 is more than 15km to the litre while for the petrol it is 11+. All variants are ‘sDrive’ meaning that they feature rear-wheel drive unlike xDrive which is all-wheel drive.

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BMW to launch new hybrid supercar

It’s official! BMW will build a plug-in hybrid supercar inspired by the Vision Efficient Dynamics concept (pictured here).
The mid-engined supercar will be built at the company’s plant at Leipzig in Germany within two years time. The Vision supercar will use advanced materials like carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) chassis and body panels to keep its weight close to the concept’s 1,450kg, amazingly low for a car in this segment.
BMW is expanding the plant and creating a new production line which will be able to churn out carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) chassis and body panels, which the new car and the upcoming Megacity electric compact car will be made from. While the concept uses a three-cylinder 1.5-litre diesel engine paired to a pair of electric motors to produce 323bhp, the production version could use a petrol engine mated to one electric motor for cost rationalisation and simplicity.
It is reported that BMW’s Vision supercar will cost upwards of Rs. 1 crore (without import duties) and will compete primarily with Audi’s e-tron and Mercedes-Benz’s SLS E-Drive.

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MINI coming to India in 2011

BMW’s niche brand MINI will be available in India by the middle of 2011. The iconic British brand which is owned by the German carmaker will make its entry into the Indian market after the launch of BMW’s X1 SUV early next year.
MINI will launch the Cooper hatchback followed by the Countryman crossover. The MINI Cooper will be powered by a 1.6-litre 181bhp petrol engine and will be priced around Rs. 20 lakh owing to the high duties that imported cars attract. The larger MINI Countryman will be priced a tad higher. Both these models will be niche players in the Indian market and would attract buyers due to their novelty value end exclusivity.

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BMW to launch bikes in India priced Rs 18 lakh onwards

After 13 years of its first attempt to enter the Indian two-wheeler market through a joint venture with the Hero Group, BMW revealed plans to launch BMW Motorrad.

The German luxury carmaker will start selling the flagship S 1000 RR as well as the R and K series models in December with prices expected to start from 18 lakh.
SOURCE-ET

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BMW to launch new 2 Series model range

BMW M3

BMW is working on a new 2 Series model range which will be pegged between the 1 Series and the 3 Series.
The 2 Series will become BMW’s entry-level rear-wheel drive model when the 1-Series moves to a front-wheel drive platform in 2015.BMW has already filed trademark applications for the nameplates 228, 230 and 235 which hints at the possible engine choices for the new 2 Series as well. Even the M2 moniker has been registered by BMW, pointing towards a hot performance version of the 2 Series.

Apart from the 2 Series, BMW will also launch a premium all-electric hatchback based on the ‘Megacity’ concept by 2012.

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First Drive: 2011 BMW X3

Refined, Not Redefined

Long before the segment-bending X6, BMW's crossover strategy was simple: offer the utility of a traditional SUV but in a package that's not only luxurious, but fun to drive. The original X5 Sport Utility Activity Vehicle kicked things off in 1999, and only a few years later, the smaller X3 arrived.

Now, luxury crossovers are a dime a dozen, and automakers are clamoring to be a part of the small CUV segment. In just the past few years, we've been introduced to the Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLK, Volvo XC60 and Infiniti EX35, among others. But as the X3 aged, its unusually harsh suspension and not-so-great interior plagued sales. In 2004, BMW moved roughly 35,000 X3s off dealer lots, and just last year, that number dropped to less than 10,000. Things aren't looking good for 2010, either.



Instead of trying to reinvent the formula, BMW has improved on the X3's original idea by offering more refinement, top-notch driving dynamics and heaps of technology focused on efficiency and connectivity. The end result is a compact crossover ready to regain its spot at the head of the class. Find out if BMW succeeded after the jump.


One of the primary issues that needed addressing was the X3's design. That's not to say the original X3 wasn't attractive, but its styling grew more outdated with each year, not only within the segment, but within the BMW lineup. The 2011 X3 uses the full suite of modern day BMW design language – larger, upright dual-kidney grille; angular, sideways-T taillights – and 80 percent of the time, it looks great.

The other 20 percent? When looking the X3 in the eyes, there's a strong character line below the headlamp cluster that's been softened, and the clear headlamp surround is more squared off. The end result is an oddly awkward front fascia, as if BMW's designers sculpted the new X3 and then realized they forgot to add headlights. It isn't horrible by any means, it just looks... off.

 We like the side profile of the new X3 with its stronger character lines and upward slope to the rear window, and things are crisp, clean and fresh out back. We highly recommend opting for the Sport Activity Package ($1,550 or $1,850, depending on model) as it adds the X-Line exterior trim treatment and larger, more attractive wheels. Still, standard-issue X3s like our tester aren't too hard on the eyes, and while the overall design is sleek and fresh, it lacks some of the unique visual interest that you'll find on a Volvo XC60 or Mercedes-Benz GLK.

The X3 is slightly larger than its outgoing model, gaining 3.1 inches in length (183.0 total), 1.1 inches in width (74.1 inches) and 0.5 inches in height (65.4 inches). BMW points out that the new X3 is similar in size to the first-generation X5, and this dimensional increase means the automaker's smaller X1 will have more breathing room within the X Series. However, because the X3's proportions haven't grown all that much, interior dimensions haven't been greatly improved, either. In fact, front headroom and rear legroom have actually decreased for 2011.

At first glance, the X3's interior feels a bit cramped for both the driver and front passenger, partially due in part to the wider center console and more sculpted, downward-sloping dash. If you've been in any of the latest crop of BMWs, the center stack will look extremely familiar, with the 8.8-inch iDrive screen placed front and center within the sloping lines of the dash. The integrated infotainment system has come a long way since its introduction in the 7 Series, and iDrive is more intuitive than ever. The X3's setup uses BMW's new ConnectedDrive software that offers enough features to make your iPhone jealous, including the ability to display e-mails when the vehicle is stationary, as well as a text-to-speech functionality that reads messages through the audio system while on the go.

Overall levels of interior refinement are top notch, and though the cabin isn't as stylish as what Volvo has done with the XC60, it isn't as cold and grey as the Mercedes GLK, and the controls are simpler and easier to navigate than the ones found in Audi's Q5. All of the seats are comfortable and supportive, especially the optional sport chairs fitted to our tester. Rear seat passenger room isn't as generous as the X3's size would lead you to believe, and the back seats cannot be moved forward or backward – something that would help greatly, especially when longer-legged folks are seated in the front.

At its launch, BMW will be offering the X3 in two flavors: xDrive28i and xDrive35i, using the same gasoline powerplants that we enjoy in the 3 Series sedan. An all-new xDrive20d four-cylinder diesel option is available in other markets, and naturally, BMW tells us that this model is "being considered" for American consumption. It's the typical response whenever we ask about diesel offerings, though BMW is seriously considering it, especially since sales of the diesel-powered X5 have exceeded original expectations.

We tested the higher-end xDrive35i, powered by BMW's delicious new N55 turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six. 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque is more than enough to motivate the 4,222-pound 35i, and even with all-wheel drive, this X3 can do the 0-60 sprint in just 5.5 seconds on its way to an electronically limited top speed of 130 miles per hour. The naturally aspirated 3.0-liter mill in the 28i offers 240 hp and 221 lb-ft, meaning it'll take you 1.2 seconds longer to hit 60 mph, but we don't envision this engine ever feeling sluggish or underpowered. Even BMW's base engines are sweet-working mills these days. Unfortunately, none of the X3s on our drive program were fitted with the 28i setup, but if our experience in the 3 Series is anything to go on, we don't expect any thumbs-down verdicts for the base X3 engine configuration.

Both the 28i and 35i use a new eight-speed automatic transmission with manual shift function (steering wheel-mounted paddles are available on the 35i), and though official EPA fuel economy numbers have yet to be released, we're fairly confident that even the potent xDrive35i will be able to achieve a combined MPG number somewhere in the mid-20s. U.S.-spec X3s are no longer available with a row-it-yourself manual transmission, and to be honest, we don't really mind. The eight-speed auto is good stuff, and as much as we love a proper manual box, there just isn't a business case for that sort of thing in small crossovers. We need to stop crying about it.

Having eight cogs to stir through aids efficiency, though the transmission has an odd tendency to hesitate ever so slightly just before a gear is engaged. This is extremely noticeable in the sportier drive settings when you aren't using the manu-matic function, and though this quirk is dulled a bit in the standard drive mode, it's still present. That aside, gear changes are still smooth as butter and unlike other eight-speed automatics, the X3 makes the most of its low-end torque power to avoid the constant need to downshift when prodded to pass. The optional paddle shifters are a nice bit of added driver involvement, but we much prefer leaving the shifter in D and letting the X3 do the work itself – with eight gears to choose from, you'll be clicking the paddles an awful lot.

The X3s that BMW brought for us to test were all European-spec models fitted with the automaker's new start/stop system – something that won't be offered on U.S.-spec cars. This is BMW's first application of start/stop with an automatic transmission, and we applaud the smoothness and fluidity of the engine firing up just before taking off from a stoplight. Will we ever see BMW's start/stop functionality on cars slated for North American duty? It isn't in the cards quite yet, but BMW's executives told us to test it and give feedback about whether or not we think it's a useful addition to the X3 experience. Our verdict: Offer it in the States, even if it's a stand-alone option. In a time when fuel economy numbers can truly make or break potential sales, adding another MPG or two to the X3's window sticker certainly can't hurt.

BMW is coming through loud and clear on the sport part of its SAV nomenclature, especially with the addition of the optional Dynamic Driving Control and Dynamic Damping Control systems. This is the same sort of setup found in the 5 and 7 Series cars, where drivers can switch between Normal, Sport and Sport + modes, and an all-new five-link rear axle system dramatically improves overall ride comfort – perhaps our biggest complaint about the last-generation X3. The added 1.1 inches of width and our tester's larger 18-inch wheels with 245/55-series tires help to keep things planted and solid on the road. All in, the X3 has lost the harsh ride quality of the first-generation model while still retaining a level of firmness and confidence that you'd expect from a BMW.

Things are perfectly pleasant with the X3 left in Normal mode, but for drivers with an enthusiast soul, Sport and Sport + is where it's at. Here, the throttle response is sharper and the electric power steering offers more weight and feedback, though still providing a linear steering feel lock-to-lock. Additionally, the transmission comes into tune to the sportier driving style – it's more eager to hold a gear up to the redline and keeps your tach needle pointed right in the heart of the X3's powerband. If you're worried about sacrificing fuel economy, the driving control systems allow you to configure Sport mode to only improve the chassis, leaving the transmission alone, and unless you're seriously pushing the X3 down some challenging canyon roads, the eight-speed auto does a fine job of providing power on demand in its normal drive setting.

The new X3 hits dealerships later this year with the majority of sales expected to begin in the first quarter of 2011. The cost of entry is $37,625 for xDrive28i models and $41,925 for xDrive35i models, and in true BMW fashion, there will be an extensive options list encompassing things like sport, convenience and premium packages. What's more, BMW will be offering custom interior and exterior color packages, and consumers will be able to receive videos of their individual X3 as it moves through the different build phases within the automaker's Spartanburg, South Carolina plant.

We don't find many faults with the 2011 X3, but if we're honest, there isn't a lot to get excited about, either. What BMW has done is simply rework and refine its small crossover instead of jumping through hurdles to redefine its image. That's fine, but the end result is a vehicle that reeks of anonymity. It's the perfect vehicle for people... who have things... and like to drive to places. It's an entertaining, involving steer out on the road, but it won't turn heads like a Mercedes-Benz GLK, it doesn't look as classy as an Audi Q5 and doesn't speak of uniqueness like the Volvo XC60. Still, anonymity isn't all that bad, particularly when you have 300 hp on tap.


Source-autoblog.com



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