'07 BMW 335i Coupe to get Twin-Turbo Inline-Six Engine

[Mike Jung]

BMW 3 Series Coupés arrive in fall
Senior model gets bi-turbo inline-six
Toronto Star newspaper
Apr. 29, 2006. 01:00 AM
GERRY MALLOY


The new 2007 BMW 3 Series Coupé, bowing in Canada this fall, will be available with the company's first-ever, twin-turbocharged inline-six engine.

Two variants will be offered: the 328i and 335i.

The Coupé spelling (with the accent aigu) will be used up here, but Coupe will be the style in the U.S., a BMW Canada spokesperson says.

Only the 335i will feature the new aluminum-block, 3.0-litre twin-turbo six, rated at 300 hp and 300 lb.-ft. of torque.

Thanks to two small, low-inertia turbos, each feeding three cylinders, as well as direct fuel injection and dual-VANOS variable valve timing, that torque peak extends all the way from 1400 to 5000 r.p.m.

(VANOS is an acronym for VAriable NOckenwellen Steuerung, German for variable camshaft control.)

BMW claims acceleration of 0-to-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in just 5.6 seconds, plus lower fuel consumption.

The 328i Coupé will be powered by a version of BMW's current, normally aspirated 3.0-litre straight-six, with an engine block of magnesium/aluminum composite.

Using variable valve-lift technology, it's rated at 230 hp and 200 lb.-ft. and can do 0-to-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 6.6 seconds.

Both models come with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. Both offer an upgraded Steptronic six-speed automatic as an option.

When equipped with the automatic and Sport Package, the 335i will also include steering-wheel shift paddles.

BMW's xDrive AWD system and active steering, will also be available on both models. BMW's full range of electronic chassis-control nannies are standard, as are 225/45R17 run-flat tires.

The Coupé's styling is based on that of the 3 Series sedan and wagon, with a number of distinctive touches, such as a low, sleek roof line. To my eye, the Coupé looks far better proportioned than the sedan.

BMW's all-new 3 Series arrived for model year 2006, but the line's coupes were carried over from the previous generation.

Pricing and optional equipment information will be released later.

BMW to using Twin-Turbos.

[badboy2451]

mmmmm

[bigbenSC]

300 HP out of a twin turbo 6 cylinder in 2007 is pretty pathetic. We have turbo'd 4 bangers and normal breathing 6 cylinders that put out similar numbers. I'd be impressed if it were a decade ago. But a new 3-series coupe is still a big deal, and the new one looks pretty good from what I've seen.

[RyanBeemer]

BMW
Out of my price range most likley

[SpyhunteR]

Originally Posted by bigbengt67

300 HP out of a twin turbo 6 cylinder in 2007 is pretty pathetic. We have turbo'd 4 bangers and normal breathing 6 cylinders that put out similar numbers. I'd be impressed if it were a decade ago. But a new 3-series coupe is still a big deal, and the new one looks pretty good from what I've seen.

well from what they're saying, the way the power delivery is the key factor here. Not the fact that it has twin turbos.

Did you even read? Peak torque is from 1400rpm to 5000rpm, sounds pretty intense to me. Having quick spooling turbos, valve timing, and awesome bmw tuning will get you that. Also think about the modability of the car will be.

[RAZE]

Thats only a few horsepower less than an M3. I wonder what the next M3 will put out.

[nascarnate326]

Next M3 will have 400 ish. My guess at least.

[SpyhunteR]

Originally Posted by RAZE

Thats only a few horsepower less than an M3. I wonder what the next M3 will put out.

with other companies stepping up BMW has to as well

[2003SCT]

^I agree..they have to keep on top of their game.


CHRIS

[2003SCT]

I can see this as a nice thing for companies like Dinan to make some real power upgrades...

CHRIS

[Irate]

New M3 has a ~400hp V8... but I agree w/ Spy: the modability of the 300hp TT V6 > Expensive mediocre mods on the V8

Talk to anyone who has modded an NA BMW straight-six and they'll tell you its mucho $$$. Now modding an already-turbo'ed engine would seem slightly "easier"...

[GregFarz78]

straight 6 ftw

this thing will probably cost low-mid 40s though

[Irate]

^ high-40's min... with the addition of a single simple option, it'll probably be about 50K flat. Word is that the new E90 M3 will be in the low-mid 60's as opposed to the E46's mid-high 50's, so gee BMW might as well increase the price of everything.

[AMRAAM4]

Ask RX7 and Supra owners what they think of twin-turbos. Not all it is cracked up to be. Too high of a chance of problems. One check valve, solenoid, vacuum line, actuator, gone haywire under all that mess of an engine and turbos, and sh1t doesn't work. Then you spend hours trying to find the one screw up.

[99GApunk]

bout time they changed something on the 3 series... pretty blah for a bmw. hopefully this will all change but who knows

no more all wheel drive 3 series?

[bigbenSC]

^ AWD typically follows the new BMW launches by about a year.

[Mike Jung]

Straitlaced stormer
BMW 335i turbo coupe has rocket power, but the edginess in style is muted
Jul. 15, 2006. 01:00 AM
LAURANCE YAP
SPECIAL TO THE STAR


INNSBRUCK, AUSTRIA—Suddenly, it seems like everybody's doing turbocharged engines again.

The last little while has seen the introduction of turbocharged cars from what were previously unexpected sources.

While Volkswagen and Saab — to name two — have been selling turbo models in our market for years, we're now seeing them in Mazdas (the Mazdaspeed6 sports sedan and CX-7 crossover) and even Saturns (Sky Red Line roadster).

Even Acura, a company widely associated with high-revving, naturally aspirated motors, is on the turbo bandwagon.

The brand's upcoming RDX sport-ute is powered by a 2.3-litre turbocharged four.

Now BMW has joined the turbo gang with the 335i, the top model of its completely redesigned range of 3 Series coupes.

Some might argue that only one kind of engine belongs in a 3 coupe: a naturally aspirated inline-six.

So the idea of a turbocharged Bimmer, at least initially, may be a bit difficult to absorb.

Truth is, BMW has had a long history of working with turbochargers.

Not only has it offered turbodiesel engines in the rest of the world for many years — including in 3 Series coupes — but it has been a major innovator of turbocharger technology in motorsport.

The hottest 2002 sports coupe was turbocharged and romped all over its competition; in the early 1980s, Brabham-BMWs with turbo four-cylinders were producing more than 1,500 hp.

All this turbo experience shows the moment you pull away in the new 335i coupe. Though the numeric designation is a misnomer — a 3.0-litre inline-six with twin turbochargers is under the hood — the badge on the trunk actually understates the effect you get when you stomp on the gas.

Thanks to their small size, the turbochargers spool up immediately, with very little appreciable lag: there's plenty of torque to move away smartly from a standing start.

The rush doesn't quit until you're brushing the 7000 r.p.m. redline.

With 300 hp on tap, the 335 is almost as powerful as the outgoing M3 two-door, with its 333-horse 3.2-litre inline-six, and has a lot more torque (300 lb.-ft. vs. 262).

BMW claims a 0-to-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time of under 5.5 seconds.

Thanks to the way the power seems to swell under your right foot, it feels even faster than that.

The exhaust note, which is muted and almost diesel-like at low revs, hardens and deepens the faster you go, with a delicious wah-wah-wah sound when you back off the throttle.

More importantly, the new engine is very flexible, meaning you rarely need to work the gearbox to get past slower-moving traffic.

Should you wish to do so, you're rewarded with warp-drive sensations, an aggressive engine note and an impressive eagerness to rev.

Expect the 335i to start at more than $50,000 Cdn (no prices have been announced).

If that would break your budget, BMW Canada will also offer a 328i coupe that, despite its designation, is also powered by a 3.0-litre six, this time without turbochargers.

Horsepower is a still-substantial 230, though torque output is lower at 200 lb.-ft.

Otherwise, the setup is largely the same: standard 17-inch wheels, with the option of upgrading to a sport package with 18s or 19s (on the 335); run-flat tires; available variable-ratio active steering.

The new coupe is a flattering car to drive: its slick controls make you look like a smooth, competent driver.

That's even the case if you're a jet-lagged, sleep-deprived auto journalist negotiating unfamiliar Alpine passes.

The cars we drove were fitted with active steering, which isn't my favourite, but which darts the nose into corners with authority.

Brakes, throttle and clutch combine to create a driving experience that's fluid and poised no matter what the situation.

It's easy to establish a fast, flowing rhythm in this car, all the more so when you specify the six-speed Steptronic automatic, which now comes with manual-shift paddles on the back of the steering wheel.

The only major downsides to the way the new 3 coupe moves down the road:

A clumpy ride that can be downright rough on some surfaces (expect it to deteriorate further with the larger tire packages).

A bit of initial softness in the brake pedal.

The interior had undergone numerous detail changes, compared to the 3 Series sedan.

The roof is lower, as is the seating position — presumably for a sportier feel.

The centre console seems higher-mounted, bringing all of its controls (including the optional iDrive controller, should you order navigation) closer to the driver.

The gauges' italic typeface remind you that you're in a faster car. The steering wheel seems thicker, while the shifter is shorter and the seats have more side bolstering than the sedan's.

They flip forward with the pull of a lever to provide access to two back seats that are actually quite comfortable, assuming you're not too tall and flexible enough to get into the seat in the first place.

On the outside, the new coupe is perhaps the most conservative yet of BMW's current designs.

It's a beautifully proportioned car, to be sure, but lacks the edginess that so defines the 3 Series sedan and the 5 Series cars.

Indeed, from some angles, it seems kind of anonymous, and the standard 17-inch wheels look too small for the car.

On the other hand, nice details include a plunging face that flows from the top of the hood right through the grille and into the bottom spoiler.

Lined up alongside the Infiniti G35 coupe (likely to be replaced within a year), the 335i doesn't have as much visual punch, but does have better proportions and a higher-quality appearance.

Its styling is also more conservative than the curvaceous Mercedes CLK coupe (even if it's a more satisfying and aggressive drive).

A potential new competitor is the next-generation Audi TT.

With its larger cabin, available 3.2-litre V6 and revised styling, the Audi encroaches on 3 Series territory as it didn't before, and its all-wheel drive is an attractive winter advantage.

But the BMW still sets the dynamic benchmark for this group.

That superb turbo six is the coupe's ace in the hole, with excellent handling and all-round ability doing their bit.

But design and prestige advantages aren't as clear-cut as they used to be.

The 3 Series coupe traditionally has been the best to drive and the best to look at — the default choice.

It still is, but the competition these days means buyers shopping in this price bracket have an awful lot more to distract them..

from: http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/Con...l=969048871196

[Irate]

pics pls, I need a new desktop

[Panacea]

0-62 in 5.6 seconds... that's quite slow. It'll be a 13 second car. When I hear TT, I think at least a 12 second car.

As far as the torque power band, I think that's unique to VVT engines (though I might be wrong). I know the Buick kept 90% of it's torque throughout the powerband, but I don't know if the Mazda's the same way.

[Irate]

re: your "measly 13-second" comment... Its not the M3 model. Think of it this way, the E46 330ci was good for around a 14.0, so I would see a 13.8 from this 335 as an nice improvement