2008 BMW E92 M3 Coupe
The BMW 335i coupe that goes on
sale in September 2006 may look like nothing more than the latest
chapter in the 3-series coupe book, but there are some radical changes
under the skin. The 335i (the C goes away on this coupe as it did on the
650i for the 2006 model year) will have a 3.0-liter twin-turbo
inline-six with piezoelectric direct injection. It’s the first gasoline
turbocharged BMW in decades. BMW claims the 335i coupe will accelerate
from 0 to 60 in 5.3 seconds — scarcely more than the outgoing E46 M3.
Our acceleration times in BMWs typically are even faster than the
company’s claimed times, so an instrumented test time of five seconds
flat isn’t out of the question. The 335i will be limited to 150 mph when
equipped with an optional sport package.
BMW's overseas press contingent has released the first official shots of
BMW's new 3-Series Cabrio, complete with folding hardtop. Set to be
unveiled at the Detroit auto show in January, the cab is arriving in
spring 2007, initially in 325i and 335i flavors, with more (including
diesels for Europe) variants joining the stable later.
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- 300+ hp
- 7000-rpm redline
- Rear-wheel drive
- Zero to 60 mph in under 5.5
seconds
The 335i’s symmetrical turbos are relatively
small, and each feeds three cylinders. Power output from this 3.0-liter
is up only 45 horsepower over the naturally aspirated 3.0-liter found in
the 330i sedan, but BMW claims that turbo lag is all but avoided and —
more important — peak torque increases 36 percent to 300 pound-feet and
is available from 1400 to 5000 rpm. The 335i’s twin turbochargers
apparently preclude the need for the Valvetronic stepless-variable-lift
valve technology that’s found in the naturally aspirated sixes in other
3-series models. Also absent is the weight-saving magnesium engine
cradle that was so revolutionary just a year ago when it debuted in the
2006. Thomas Weber, Mercedes-Benz’s top engineering and development
officer, confirms that turbocharged smaller-displacement engines are in
Mercedes-Benz’s near-term future as well. Volkswagen and Audi already
offer a direct-injection turbo four in the United States. GM (General
Motors) soon will offer one as well in the Pontiac Solstice GXP and
Saturn Sky Red Line. Direct-injection turbos are here to stay for a very
long time.
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