BMW At The New York International Auto Show: Two Exciting Concepts, Four New M Models And All-Wheel Drive Are Highlighted

Automotive Intelligence, the web for automotive professionals

This Week:

© 1998 - 2001 Copyright &
Disclaimer
Automotive Intelligence,
www.autointell.com
All Rights Reserved .
For questions please contact
editor@autointell.com

News of March 14, 2001

BMW At The New York International Auto Show: Two Exciting Concepts, Four New M Models And All-Wheel Drive Are Highlighted

BMW X Coupe Concept

Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey - BMW will showcase two exciting concepts at the New York International Auto Show-the X coupe and the Z9 convertible. Four new models from BMW M will also take center stage. The new M3 coupe and convertible, as well as the 2001 M roadster and coupe, will join the M5, to bring the number of M models to five. The X5 4.6is Sports Activity Vehicle, which will be available this fall, raises the performance bar for vehicles of this type considerably. Also featured will be two of the three 3 Series models available with all-wheel drive-the 330xi sedan and the 325xi sport wagon.

X coupe concept: Unique Concept in a Bold Design

The X coupe very deliberately plays the role of automotive iconoclast. It does not shy away from what might be considered paradoxical or contradictory: a coupe that can go off-road... a sports coupe with a diesel engine... asymmetries on its exterior and interior. From a pure styling standpoint, the X coupe is dramatically different from anything BMW has ever created and hints at future BMW design.

The X coupe's bold look is a study in tension that is heightened by the asymmetrical design. This styling concept is also seen in the interior where the driver's "work space" is clearly delineated from the passenger's space. A variety of textures, including flexible surfaces, combine with solid aluminum switches and levers to create and look and feel unlike anything else.

The drivetrain is equally unique with a full-time all-wheel drive system from the X5, 20-inch wheels and tires, and a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder turbodiesel engine.

Z9 convertible concept vehicle

BMW Z9 Convertible

The Z9 convertible concept offers a glimpse at a different direction of BMW interior and exterior design. The interior features iDrive, an ergonomic concept designed to make operating the myriad functions inside the car easier.

The design strategy for this open-air 2+2 is "Simplification" and it signals the future of BMW design. The exterior is highlighted by large wheels and tires-20-inch front wheels sporting 245/45 tires with 21-inch rears with 285/40 tires.

The interior of the Z9 convertible highlights iDrive, a system designed to minimize driver distractions. At the heart of iDrive is The Control Center, a color monitor placed within the field of view of the driver and passenger. Functions are called up using a rotary-push knob on the center console between the driver and passenger. Commands are executed by moving the controller back and forth, left and right or diagonally, rotating it and pressing on it. iDrive will be used in the next generation 7 Series.

Four Exciting New Models from BMW M

BMW M3 Convertible

The exciting new M3 will be available in two versions, coupe and convertible. Both feature a 3.2-liter, 333 horsepower, engine. It features six electronically controlled throttle butterflies, a sophisticated intake system and a high pressure version of Double VANOS variable valve timing. Both use a six-speed manual transmission. The M3 coupe will accelerate from 0 - 60 mph in under 5 seconds. Traction is enhanced by the new M Variable Differential Lock and Dynamic Stability Control.

Like other 3 Series convertibles, the M3 convertible uses a fully automatic soft-top with heated glass rear window. Front seats include integrated seatbelts for comfort and easier rear seat access. Rear seat access is further enhanced with redundant seat controls.

The M roadster and coupe benefit from a significant power increase, using a version of the M3 engine for 2001. In these cars it produces 315 horsepower. This represents a 75 horsepower increase from their predecessor models. Both models feature a five-speed manual transmission and limited slip differential. To complement its greater performance, the M roadster receives the firmer suspension tuning of the M coupe.

X5 4.6is: Taking the Performance of BMW's Sports Activity Vehicle to New Levels

BMW X5 HP

All Photos. BMW

The X5, particularly the X5 4.4i, has been lauded for its dynamic driving character. The X5 4.6is will, when it arrives this fall, raise the stakes yet again. It's 4.6 liter V8, with 347 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque (European ratings), should power the newest X5 from 0 - 60 mph in under 6.5 seconds and give it a top speed of nearly 150 mph. To complement all this power the 5-speed STEPTRONIC automatic will use more dynamic programming. With the shift lever in "D" the shift programming will be very close to the Sport mode in the X5 4.4i. The Sport mode in the X5 4.6is, then, is even more aggressive.

The performance potential of this latest SAV is made immediately apparent by the 20-inch wheels and tires accented by more prominent wheel openings. The front is set off by a body-colored bumper/spoiler and standard xenon headlights. The rear view features a distinctive body-colored rear apron with dual chrome oval tailpipes.

Three New All-Wheel Drive Models

All-wheel drive is available in three models of the 3 Series for 2001-two sedans, the 325xi and 330xi, and the 325xi sport wagon. Using a version of the all-wheel drive system in the X5 Sports Activity Vehicle, power is split 38% front and 62% rear. This ensures that the dynamic driving character, for which the 3 Series is famous, remains undiminished. In slippery conditions, power is diverted to the wheels with greatest traction using a sophisticated version of BMW's Dynamic Stability Control system, known as DSC-X. All three models are available with a choice of 5-speed manual or 5-speed STEPTRONIC automatic transmission.

(March 12, 2001)

[Homepage] [ News] [ Companies] [ Management] [ Publications] [ Events] [ Careers]
[Services] [Discussion] [ Guestbook] [ Search]