Autoblog

Motor Trend declares victor in epic BMW 3 Series versus Cadillac ATS battle

Jeffrey N. Ross — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Videos, BMW, Cadillac, Luxury

Although many cars have tried, few have come even close to the capabilities exhibited by the BMW 3 Series. But the Caddilac ATS is a promising small sedan that could very well play spoiler to the most successful sports sedan on the globe. We've sampled both the ATS and the newest 3 Series, but Motor Trend had the chance to get both sport sedans together to test them out in its latest "Head 2 Head" video.

Right off the bat, M/T points out just how close these cars are in just about every category from size to weight to performance when comparing the 328i and ATS 2.0T variants. All of the dimensions are within just inches of each other and Cadillac's weight-conscious construction of the ATS makes it just 24 pounds heavier than the 328i. Both cars use turbocharged 2.0-liter I4 engine, and while on paper the ATS delivers more horsepower and torque, M/T points out that BMW is known for underrating its engines and estimates true output to be somewhere in the neighborhood of 270+ horsepower.

On the track, the BMW barely edges out the Cadillac in 0-60 and 1/4-mile times, but for a true comparison of how the ATS stacks up, M/T's Jonny Lieberman puts both cars through their paces along some of California's best back roads. Surprisingly, with "sharper and crisper" steering and Magnetic Ride Control, the ATS seemed to be more impressive along the twisty roads than the BMW, but both cars' biggest downfall was their manual transmissions. The shifter of the ATS exhibited a couple of issues that could seriously hamper performance, including a "ghost detent" when shifting into second gear and the need to double shift into gears, and Jonny really had nothing nice to say about the BMW's shifter or throttle response, either.

We're not going to play spoiler here, because regardless of which car is victorious in this head-to-head comparison, it's clear that driving enthusiasts are the true winners. No spoiler here, folks. Check out the video below to see if BMW retains its dominance in this segment or if Cadillac has managed to dethrone the king.

Continue reading Motor Trend declares victor in epic BMW 3 Series versus Cadillac ATS battle

Motor Trend declares victor in epic BMW 3 Series versus Cadillac ATS battle originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Sep 2012 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW forced to lower 2012 3 Series automatic fuel economy to 33 mpg

Jeff Sabatini — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 19:25:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Government/Legal, BMW, Luxury

Remember that new 36-mpg 2012 BMW 3 Series we were so excited about, the 328i that got better fuel economy in EPA testing than even the old 335d diesel model? Well, those early estimates haven't held up.

BMW has confirmed to Autoblog that the EPA has issued revised numbers for the eight-speed automatic-equipped F30 328i, with highway fuel economy taking a 3-mile-per-gallon hit to 33 mpg and the city number dropping by a single digit to 23 mpg. BMW is investigating the discrepancy but says the 2012 figure will stay at 33. Spokesman Tom Plucinsky: "Unfortunately, there is no provision in the EPA rules for a re-test this year. Therefore regardless of the results of our investigation, the new rating will stand for this model year."

Though BMW says its testing showed the car capable of 36 mpg on the highway, the EPA decided to validate BMW's numbers and came away with different results. As we type this, the government's fueleconomy.gov website has not yet been updated, though BMW's consumer website reflects the new numbers. According to Plucinsky, buyers of the six-speed manual 328i can expect to see a 34 mpg highway figure on their window sticker, which fueleconomy.gov corroborates at 23/34.

What's surprising about this situation is that when we test drove the new 3 Series last fall, BMW told our Matt Davis it was estimating only 32 mpg highway. Plucinsky suggests that perhaps the 32-mpg figure was an "early estimate was based on the previous version of the 328i."

While the efficiency hit is disappointing, even with the downgrade to 33-to-34 miles per gallon, the 3 Series' fuel economy figures are still class-leading, besting competitors including the Acura TL and TSX, Audi A4, Cadillac CTS, Infiniti G, Lexus IS and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

With all of that said, we can't help but wonder if this development will add fuel to the fire of those who have been clamoring for the EPA to "retest" the fuel economy of vehicles in the wake of owner complaints?

Click past the jump to read BMW's email explanation to us in full.

Continue reading BMW forced to lower 2012 3 Series automatic fuel economy to 33 mpg

BMW forced to lower 2012 3 Series automatic fuel economy to 33 mpg originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 BMW 328i dyno run suggests it's underrated

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Videos, BMW, Luxury

BMW is earning quite the reputation of underrating its turbocharged engines. From the early days of the N54 twin-turbo inline six, through the later N55 single-turbo iteration and straight on to the 2012 M5's turbocharged V8, the crafty Bavarians have always erred on the low side with their factory-quoted power figures.

According to the dyno run that you'll see after the break, the tradition continues with BMW's new twin-scroll turbocharged four-cylinder inline N20 engine that sees duty in the 2012 328i. The mill is rated at 240 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque, and on at least one Dynojet dyno, a stock 328i put down 226 horses and 230 lb-ft.

Assuming that around 15 percent of power is lost to the various friction forces of the drivetrain, these results indicate that the engine is really spinning out 265 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. Those are mighty impressive figures, and equal about 25 more horses than stock and at least 15 more lb-ft of torque. Suffice it to say, this engine is an extremely tempting proposition for future 3 Series owners.

Continue reading 2012 BMW 328i dyno run suggests it's underrated

2012 BMW 328i dyno run suggests it's underrated originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Feb 2012 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New BMW 328i actually more fuel efficient than old 335d diesel

Zach Bowman — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Technology, BMW, Diesel, Luxury

Saying automotive journalists like diesel sedans is like arguing the color pink is going to do well with the 5-year-old-girl demographic this quarter. You're not going to find too many dissenting voices. So, it should be no surprise that we love ourselves some BMW 335d. With plenty of power and impressive fuel economy, the outgoing diesel is a mechanical wonder child. And yet, thanks to the new F30-generation BMW 328i, with its 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produces 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, there's some competition for the title of most fuel efficient 3 Series.

Admittedly, the 328i's numbers are a far cry from the 265 ponies and 425 lb-ft of torque cranked out by the diesel-fueled 3.0-liter inline six in the 335d. Even so, the 2012 328i is considerably lighter and more aerodynamic. It also boasts a next-generation transmission, which helps the car get to 60 mph one tenth of a second quicker than the old 335d. That's surprising, but not nearly as surprising as the fact that the 328i manages 1 mpg better than the diesel in the combined cycle. According to the EPA's just-released figures, the 328i nets 24 miles per gallon in the city and an impressive 36 mpg on the highway. The 335i? 23 mpg city and 36 highway.

We'll give you a moment to pick up your jaw from the floor. Now all BMW needs to do, as Automobile points out, is drop a diesel four-cylinder behind the headlights of the 3 Series to go after even bigger green credentials. Fingers crossed.

New BMW 328i actually more fuel efficient than old 335d diesel originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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