BMW laughs last with twin-turbo 3-Series coupe! 10 High-Rez shots
Click pic for high rez version
Automotive media the world over have managed to snap spy pic after pic of the Bavarian Motor Werks’ upcoming 3-Series Coupe. Last week three official pics of the car were even leaked on the web ahead of its official release.
Despite the official pics going public ahead of schedule, BMW managed to protect the best secret about its new two-door 3-Series Coupe. When the new car goes on sale in Europe on September 23rd it will be available with a twin-turbo 3.0L six-cylinder engine. The boosted six will develop 306 hp and 295 ft-lbs. of torque, which will propel the coupe to 62 in 5.5 seconds. Each small turbo powers three cylinders each and spools it quickly on account of its size and provides force-fed assistance all the way to the engine’s lofty 7,000 rpm redline.
The car itself weights 22 lbs. less than the sedan and the 335i SE’s twin-turbo six weighs 155 lbs. less than a comparably powerful V8. The engine also gets direct injection technology for kicks.
Not to be forgotten is the entry-level 325i SE Coupe, which gets a 2.5L inline-six making 218 hp and 184 ft-lbs. of torque. That’s still good for a sub 7-second blast to 62 mph.
Follow the jump for BMW’s official press release on the new 3-Series Coupe that reveals even more details. Click on any of this post's nine official pics for a super high-rez version.
The new BMW 3 Series Coupé
04/21/2006
Heralding the dawn of a new era in engine technology, BMW’s all new 3 Series Coupé range goes on sale in the UK on 23 September 2006. The third generation of compact coupé marks the introduction of the first ever twin-turbo petrol-powered engine in a production BMW as well as pioneering Direct Injection technology. Two models will be available at launch.
Model OTR Price Power (HP) Torque (Nm) Acceleration (0 – 62mph) Top Speed (Mph) Combined cons. (Mpg)
BMW 325i SE Coupé £28,090 218 250 6.9 153 33.6
BMW 335i SE Coupé £33,420 306 400 5.5 155 29.7
Designed for sporting elegance
Despite its close technical ties with the 3 Series Saloon and Touring variants, designers set out with the goal of differentiating the two-door model more than its predecessors. From the front, side and rear, the car is clearly related to other 3 Series models but has its own, classically elongated, shape. Adopting BMW’s typical Coupé proportions of long wheelbase, short overhangs, long bonnet, cabin set to the rear and a low, sleek roofline, the new 3 Series Coupé has an elegant profile.
Key highlights in exterior design are the kidney grilles and restyled headlamps that give a bold yet elegant frontal view. At the rear, the broad rear lights use horizontal light rods with bright LED illumination to accentuate the low, wide appearance of the rear of the car.
Another change from the other models in the 3 Series range is the use of lightweight materials in the body construction in the Coupé. While all 3 Series models use Tailored Blanks that increase panel thickness where structural rigidity is needed, and reduces thickness where it’s not, the Coupé variant also uses plastics in construction. As a result of the lightweight plastic front wings used on the 3 Series Coupé the new car is an average 10kgs lighter than the Saloon variant.
Twin-turbo in-line six-cylinder
The all-new Coupé bodyshell clothes the twin-turbo 3.0-litre engine in the new BMW 335i SE that develops 306hp and 400Nm of torque between 1,300 - 5,000rpm. With such performance statistics, the 335i forms the pinnacle of the new 3 Series range.
The 335i SE Coupé accelerates from zero to 62mph in 5.5 seconds, and, if left unchecked, would travel on to an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph. This level of performance is made possible by two turbochargers, each supplying compressed air to three cylinders each. The use of two smaller units ensures that the turbochargers react more quickly to changes in the throttle position all the way to the 7,000rpm red line while also eliminating the previous scourge of turbocharged engines – ‘turbo lag’.
The turbocharged engine is also considerably lighter than a normally aspirated powerplant of equal power. In the case of the 335i, the new twin-turbo six-cylinder engine weighs approximately 70kgs less than an eight-cylinder engine of corresponding performance. This weight advantage benefits both fuel economy and weight distribution.
BMW’s all new high-precision Direct Injection system also aids these high levels of performance while also benefiting economy. Piezo injectors, located centrally in the combustion chamber between the inlet and exhaust valves, deliver atomised fuel in a conical burst into the chamber to ensure a smooth, efficient burn.
Piezo crystal injectors work when an electrical current is passed through the crystal to create a very precise and consistent fuel delivery. The result? Only the exact volume of fuel required is delivered into the combustion chamber on each cycle guaranteeing that all the vapourised mixture is burnt. This method of injection also serves to aid combustion chamber cooling, thus offering a higher compression ratio. As a consequence, the new car delivers an average fuel consumption of 29.7mpg on the combined cycle.
Entry-level six-cylinder
At the launch in September, the new 325i SE Coupé will form the entry point to the range. Delivering 218hp and 250Nm of torque from its 2.5-litre in-line six-cylinder engine, zero to 62mph is achieved in 6.9 seconds and the top speed is 153mph. However, performance does not compromise economy with the 325i SE Coupé delivering 33.6mpg on the combined cycle. This is made possible thanks to BMW’s patented VALVETRONIC variable induction technology and VANOS variable valve timing that, when combined, balance the requirements of performance and economy.
This level of economy is also made possible as a result of a number of weight and power saving measures in the engine. The 325i Coupé is the latest BMW to benefit from the magnesium – aluminium composite cylinder block first seen on the BMW 630i in Spring 2004. The lightweight combination of materials reduces the overall mass of the car and helps achieve the near-perfect 50:50 front-to-rear weight distribution for improved handling.
Finally, the 2.5-litre engine uses an electrically-powered water pump. This not only eliminates the engine power normally needed to drive a conventional crankshaft driven unit but also reduces the engine heat-up time to improve engine efficiency and occupant comfort.
Gearbox options
All new BMW 3 Series Coupé models come with a close ratio six-speed manual gearbox as standard. Those drivers who prefer the convenience of an automatic transmission, but the driver involvement of a manual, should opt for BMW’s new automatic gearbox option. Using an innovative torque converter and software set up, the new automatic gearbox offers a 40 per cent improvement in the response time to throttle inputs and a gear-shift time nearly half that of a conventional automatic transmission. Whenever a driver wants to take control of gear changes a pair of selection paddles located behind the steering wheel can be used to change gears.
Practical and ergonomic interior
Internally, all controls fall easily and ergonomically to hand. The seatbelt is now also delivered to the driver courtesy of a feeder arm integrated into the B-pillar. This only operates on the passenger side when the airbag’s seat detector recognises an occupant.
Both driver and passenger in the 3 Series Coupé sit comparatively lower in the car than they do in its Saloon counterpart. This ensures the maximum headroom for occupants, even with the lower roofline of the Coupé, and also gives occupants a safe, cosseted feeling in the car. Practicality is also a priority with the new 3 Series Coupé offering up to 440 litres of boot space in conjunction with convenient storage solutions in the interior.
Chassis and body – a sound basis
In common with all BMW models, the new 3 Series Coupé benefits from a near-perfect 50:50 front to rear weight distribution and rear-wheel-drive for the optimum in driving dynamics. A double-joint tie bar front axle with spring struts made almost entirely from aluminium and a five-link rear axle work in combination with a rigid body structure to provide very high levels of stability and comfort.
The 3 Series Coupé also comes as standard with Dynamic Stability Control , BMW’s latest traction control system. With DSC , the highest levels of traction and stability are complemented by the latest comfort and safety systems including brake pads that are dried in wet weather conditions and brakes that are applied harder when any possible brake fade is detected. This ensures the car remains under maximum control at all times.
To enhance the chassis and suspension set up, the 3 Series Coupé comes with a rack and pinion steering system as standard. Customers can also opt for BMW’s innovative Active Steering system that varies the steering ratio as a proportion of road speed. The Active Steering system additionally links into the DSC system, adding small amounts of steering correction without driver input when oversteer is detected.
Extensive safety systems
All of the passive safety systems of the new Coupé are controlled by a restraint and support system. The six standard air bags, seatbelt pre-tensioners and belt force limiters are all activated by the type and severity of a collision.
Recognising that the majority of accidents occur in the dark, the new 3 Series Coupé comes with Xenon headlights as standard. Customers wanting to improve visibility yet further can specify BMW’s Adaptive Headlights that, using the steering angle, aim in the direction the car is travelling rather than the direction it is pointing.
Drivers following a 3 Series Coupé might also notice BMW’s Brake Force Display at work. When the driver of the Coupé needs to execute an emergency stop, or when the ABS system is in operation, the driver behind is warned of the danger ahead by an additional illumination of the LED brake lights in the lamp cluster.
Future Coupé models
Other engine derivatives start production in September to broaden the 3 Series Coupé range. The new BMW 330i Coupé will develop 272hp from its normally-aspirated 3.0-litre six cylinder engine that, like the smaller engined 325i Coupé, uses magnesium alloy in its engine construction. Acceleration to 62mph is dispatched from standstill in 6.1 seconds with an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. The 330i Coupé still delivers 32.1mpg on the combined cycle.
At the same time as the 330i, the new BMW 330d Coupé will start production, offering 231hp and 500Nm of torque. Performance and economy are both top priorities for the diesel-powered Coupé, with the car posting a zero to 62mph time of 6.6 seconds while still delivering 43.5mpg on the combined cycle.
Details of the future entry-point BMW 320i and 320d Coupé models will be announced at a later date.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
pouya 3:43PM (3/04/2008)
pleas photo high quality
tanks
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Bob_Ericson 3:24AM (4/23/2006)
Take that Toyota! After you foolishly killed off the best inline six cylinder engine the world has ever seen (2JZ-GTE) your IS350 with V8 will still only see the back end of the 3 series.
You had this stuff ON THE SHELF in 1993 and refused to give it to us in a sedan and then discontinued the Supra. I really don't like BMWs, but way to go BMW! You took a very fine car and finally gave it the engine it deserves.
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Tyre 3:33AM (4/23/2006)
There's just to much trunk for my junk. A nice auto but, something just looks a little off to me.
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jo 3:41AM (4/23/2006)
rear wheel well seems kinda lower than the front wells comparitively.. maybe this is nothing new but i think thats whats making the design a li'l disproportional..
regardless.. its a beemer and i cant wait to get my hands on it!.. i smell M
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HC 3:56AM (4/23/2006)
rear fenders are lower than that of the front..
front face is ok, the rear end doesn't appeal to me at all. Seems like the rear is a little bit too long.
Still like the E46 better, but it might grow on me :P
Can't wait to see the M version
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Overwork 4:54AM (4/23/2006)
This thing looks like a piece of sh&t, that back is too long. Looks like some old mercedes coupe back in the 80's.
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L3 6:30AM (4/23/2006)
AMAZINGLY appropriate water shot for that MONSTEROUS dorsal fin.
When will satillite radio antennas become invisible?Talk about the 1980s? Used car salesmen will be ripping that antenna off any buffing out the glue marks before you take delivery of your used one in five years...
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RamSport47 7:09AM (4/23/2006)
That is one pretty car...obviously Bangle had little to do with it as it is breathtaking and quite balanced unlike all of the other BMWs
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Jack Mehoff 7:51AM (4/23/2006)
Looks like BMW made a coupe that Jaguar would have made had they made one out of the X or S type. My first look at the Beemer made me think JAGUAR! Me no likey. The sedan is a work of art, but someone was drinking too much lager when they designed the coupe. It's just not inspiring. But, those who image concerened will buy the car no doubt.
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Derek 8:20AM (4/23/2006)
Infiniti knows it's doing good when BMW is taking styling Q's from their G35 coupe, but that was just my first impression. I don't know why we feel the need to compare, but it definitley looks better than in the spy pictures! It takes a while for me to know if i'll like the stying or not, but you can usually tell if something's going to grow on your or not. I think this is a step in the right direction! Good job!
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dude 9:30AM (4/23/2006)
It looks like they were designing a sedan and then at the last minute decided to make it with 2 doors instead of 4 so they could call it a coupe and pretend it was sporty.
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Mike 10:33AM (4/23/2006)
Hey Autoblog, you guys know there is an American press release available. You don't have to use the UK press release. We don't even get the 325 coupe in the US. We get a 328 which is more powerful than the 325 in the UK.
http://www.bmwusa.com/vehicles/futurevehicles/new3coupe/press.htm
Tech data:
http://www.bmwusa.com/vehicles/futurevehicles/new3coupe/techdata.htm
Performance 328i 328xi 335i
Acceleration 0-60 mph1
(manual / automatic) 6.2 / 6.8 seconds n/a 5.3 / 5.5 seconds
3.0-liter dual overhead cam (DOHC), 4-valve inline 230 horsepower, 6-cylinder engine with composite magnesium/aluminum engine block, Valvetronic system s s
3.0-liter dual overhead cam (DOHC), 4-valve inline 300 horsepower, 6-cylinder engine with high precision injection and turbo charger s
Max. torque / Engine speed 200 ft. lbs. / 2750 200 ft. lbs. / 2750 300 ft. lbs. / 1400-5000
Brake front / Diameter (inches) Disc vent. / 11.8 Disc vent. / 11.8 Disc vent. / 13.7
Brake rear / Diameter (inches) Disc vent. / 11.8 Disc vent. / 11.8 Disc vent. / 13.2
Top speed mph (with Sport Package)4 130 (150) 130 (150) 130 (150)
Power-weight ratio 14.6 14.9 11.9
Vehicle Dimensions 328i 328xi 335i
Length (inches) 181.1 181.1 181.1
Width (inches) 70.2 70.2 70.2
Height, unloaded (inches) 54.1 n/a 54.1
Wheelbase (inches) 108.7 108.7 108.7
Unladen weight (lbs) 3351 n/a 3571
Handling 328i 328xi 335i
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), including Brake Fade Compensation, Start-off Assistant, Brake Drying, and Brake Stand-by Features, with Dynamic Traction Control s s s
xDrive all-wheel drive s
Wheels 328i 328xi 335i
Wheels - 17" alloy style 157 w/225/45 R17 all-season run-flat tires s s
Wheels - 17" alloy style 185 w/225/45 R17 all-season run-flat tires 2
Wheels - 18" alloy style 189w/225/40 R18 (f) / 255/35R18 (r) performance tires 2
Wheels - 18" alloy style 197w/225/40 R18 (f) / 255/35R18 (r) performance tires 2 3
s Standard
1 BMW AG Test Results. Refers to manual transmission. Actual acceleration results may vary, depending on specification of vehicle; road and environmental conditions; testing procedures and driving style. These results should be used for comparison only, and verification should not be attempted on public roads. BMW urges you to obey all posted speed laws and always wear safety belts.
2 Included in optional Sport Package
3 Sport Package required
4 Top speed is electronically limited
n/a - not yet available
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charlie 11:05AM (4/23/2006)
Gorgeous. I like the rear A LOT better than the sedan.
However, it seems like BMW got lazy. The 325, 330, and now 328 and 335 all use the exact same 3.0L inline six. The 328 and 330 are supposedly physically identical with the only difference being gimped software in the 328. The 325 has a slightly different intake and then gimped software. And the 335 just takes the engine and turbos it. Why couldn't they have built a 3.5L inline six? Considering that they get 333hp out of the current M3's 3.2L unit, it shouldnt have been hard to make 306hp from 3.5L.
It seems like BMW is sacrificing their design philosophy in order to cheaply produce a more powerful engine. I remember reading an interview with one of the BMW design exective where he explained WHY BMW WOULD NEVER MAKE A TURBO GASOLINE CAR. He said that turbos unavoidably create lots of torque- and torque requires heavier everything- heavier brakes, heavier clutch, heavier transmission, etc, which adds weight to a car and hurts its driving dynamics.
I have a twin turbo car. An Audi A6 2.7T. As far as producing power, I love that engine. 255 ft-lb of torque from 1850rpm. The car is fast, but I wouldnt consider it sporty. And there are other downsides: the car takes longer to warm up than a normal car because the turbos have to warm up, and until its fully warmed, which seems to take about 10 minutes of normal driving, it gets terrible mileage.
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Rando 11:36AM (4/23/2006)
It's not quite "lazy", but rather very cost-effective to use the same base powerplant across a wide range of models. :) I do agree that it would be nice (from our point of view) to see a magical 3.5L inline six that's lighter and more fuel-efficient than its competitors.
In the end, I think very few people care what's under the hood -- they care about what they're getting for their money. So as long as the price segmentation is there, it doesn't matter that it's a 3.0L engine across several products.
I'm pretty enthusiastic, but don't want to do any modifications that would potentially void the warranty, and I would expect that the vast majority (98%) of people are the same.
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Rando 11:38AM (4/23/2006)
What would be a great comparison chart is HP per pound (of ENGINE)... I think BMW's turbo 3.0L will do very well in that comparison...
Anyone have the data? :)
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Calvin 11:42AM (4/23/2006)
Interesting observation on the warm up time. My WRX seems to take forever to warm up compared to other cars I've owned. Not sure if it's due to the turbo or it's because of the gauge though. My friend's Legacy GT seems to have the temperature needle in the operating range much sooner.
I like the purer and more linear throttle response of a naturally aspirited motor. But I'm sure BMW did a good job or they wouldn't have it out. Besides, you can't fight the progress of technology. If it works, then deal with it, and perhaps having to adjust our own perceptions of it. I used to hate autos but now, I'm exclusively looking for autos.
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Rando 11:44AM (4/23/2006)
What would be really interesting is a comparison of HP per pound for each of the *engines*... (Though, as charlie states above, more torque means more transmission weight -- but all the competing engines have similar torque now. So it seems fair to compare just the engine weights. Powertrain weights would be cool too, but that data seems impossible to find without being internal to the companies.)
Anyone have the engine weights?
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Redwood 12:27PM (4/23/2006)
Somebody should tell that exec never say never. First off, BMW has had gasoline turbos in their past. Secondly, fuel economy is becoming a bigger and bigger deal. BMW has had 3.5L I-6 engines in the past (heck, they had 310hp 3.6L engines in the U.S 15 years ago), but as one of the BMW guys said, increasing engine size also increases fuel consumption and that is a big reason for going with turbos. There is also the advantage of having more torque than even the outgoing M3.
Your A6 2.7T is nearly 400 lbs. heavier and has 50hp less and 42lb-ft less torque. A bigger mid-size sedan isn't exactly an apples to apples comparison to a smaller coupe even if they are both twin-turbo.
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Matt 12:42PM (4/23/2006)
The rear is much more appealing than the current E90. Much more inline with the current 7 series iteration. Overall a much more pleasing car, though my favorite is still the E46 and prior. Regarding the rear fenders being lower than the front, obviously an optical illusion caused by the upward slanting body crease. Assuming the front and rear tires have the same overall diameter, the fenders look to make identical arches. As for twin turbo, I believe it's more of a gimmick than anything. It definitely sounds cooler, but most of us know that a single turbo is as effective or more effective than two smaller ones. If you think about it, while there are twice the turbos in this package, each turbo is receiving half the exhaust pulse pressure than a single turbo. That's why you'll see many TT Supra owners switching to a single, larger turbo (it's just as effective or more). RX-7 owners follow suit, only because their sequential twin-turbo was overly complicated. In the end, BMW just increased the part count and consequently more parts prone to failure. Still a big improvement over the outgoing models. This will definitely up the ante on the M3 refresh! Can't wait for that bad boy.
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Matt 1:05PM (4/23/2006)
#14 HP output of motor per mass of the motor would be interesting data. Too bad it probably won't fair closely to an RX-7 rotary motor (280HP from a 1.3L). Also turbo comparisons aren't as interesting as naturally aspirated comparisons (ie HP per liter in NA motors), simply because it is relatively easy to acheive high output in forced induced motors. But it would be interesting to see the actual weights of motors more accessible to the public for comparative analysis.
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