Friday, January 4, 2008

BMW at the 2008 NAIAS Show: Diesel Powered Models Coming To The US

The Bavarian carmaker’s stand at the Detroit Show will host the public debut of the X6 crossover and the 1 Series Convertible models along with a series of other cars such as the X6 Hybrid concept and 1 Series Coupe that where first seen in Frankfurt last fall and the M3 Sedan & Convertible and the Hydrogen 7 Series.

However, what’s really important is that BMW will introduce two new diesel models in the American market, the X5 3.0sd and the 335d both of which are equipped with a 265 HP 3.0-litre straight six diesel engine that features Variable Twin Turbo Technology. According to BMW, the new engine has everything required for nationwide introduction in the US market as a so-called 50-state model. Both models will go on sale in the States in 2008. -Details after the jump

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PRESS RELEASE

Entering the year 2008, BMW is thrilling the public at the North American In-ternational Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit with no less than two spectacular world debuts: For the first time the German premium car maker is presenting both the BMW X6 and the BMW 1 Series Convertible to the public at a motor show from 19-27 January 2008, clearly demonstrating the ability of the BMW Group to develop new vehicle segments, implement new concepts, and conquer new markets.

The BMW X6 is the world's first Sports Activity Coupé, a sporting and elegant four-door offering a unique combination of the outstanding driving dynamics of a BMW Coupé and the superior characteristics of a BMW X model.

The BMW 1 Series Convertible also opens up new perspectives in the literal sense of the word: This is the first car to offer the incomparable, direct experience of the sun shining in and the wind rushing by, that is the unique open-air feeling so typical of a BMW Convertible, in the compact segment. A further highlight at the BMW stand in Detroit 2008 is the presentation of the latest innovations and future-oriented concepts in drivetrain technology: In Detroit the leading German premium carmaker will be confirming the intro-duction of BMW's first diesel engine in the USA and Canada with the BMW AdvancedDiesel featuring BluePerformance becoming available in 2008 in no less than two models - the BMW X5 3.0sd and the BMW 335d, both of which are to be admired at the 2008 NAIAS.

Displacing 3.0 litres and developing 265 hp, the straight-six power unit in these two avantgarde models featuring Variable Twin Turbo Technology as a new concept unique the world over is the most sporting diesel in the world. And boasting an oxidation catalyst, a diesel particulates filter, as well as an SCR system for reducing nitric oxides, the new engine has everything required for nationwide introduction in the US market as a so-called 50-state model.

BMW plays a leading role in the reduction of CO2 emissions.
The introduction of BMW AdvancedDiesel with BluePerformance is part of the BMW EfficientDynamics development strategy seeking to offer customers the world over exactly the right models setting new benchmarks in both driving dynamics and efficiency. The leading position BMW holds also in the USA thanks to this strategy the Company has been pursuing for years, was confirmed once again just recently in the Environmental Defense Report. This independent, non-partisan study arrives at the result that BMW, in reducing the CO2 emissions of its car fleet, has made by far the greatest pro-gress of all automobile manufacturers represented in the USA between 1990 and 2005. Accordingly, no other manufacturer is better prepared for the changing demands of the US car market in terms of both economy and minimum emissions than BMW. New technological developments in the con-text of BMW EfficientDynamics will enable BMW not only to maintain, but rather further expand its leadership in this area in future.

A further important module within this strategy is the drivetrain technology BMW is also presenting at the 2008 NAIAS in Detroit in the BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid (see separate media information). This concept version of a BMW X6 with full hybrid technology opens up brand-new perspectives in combining a combustion engine with electric drive. For unlike conventional vehicles of this type, the first BMW in the hybrid segment is in a position to ensure the sporting performance so typical of the brand and the greater efficiency of electric drive not only in city traffic, but also at higher speeds on the motorway and cross-country roads.

BMW Hydrogen 7 also presented in Detroit goes yet a step further, this
hydrogen-powered luxury performance saloon offering technology for the future which already proves its value today in everyday traffic also in the USA.

The BMW X6: a new kind of vehicle, a new driving experience.
The world debut of the BMW X6 at the 2008 NAIAS in Detroit likewise marks the starting point for a brand-new category of vehicles: This is indeed the first Coupé to offer the driving characteristics so typical of every BMW with the robustness and uncompromising supremacy of a BMW X model. The BMW X6 presented in Detroit is powered by a newly developed V8 featuring Twin Turbo Technology and is the world's first car with highly innovative Dy-namic Performance Control. As a result, both the engine and suspension technology once again prove BMW's outstanding competence in develop-ment also in the area of drive systems.

The very concept of the BMW X6 built like the BMW X5 at BMW's US plant in Spartanburg sets new standards in sporting performance in terms of both looks and technology. The design of the new vehicle is characterised by its stretched and sleek look combined with the low roofline so typical of a Coupé and blending perfectly in this case with the striking design language of a BMW X model.

The BMW X6 offers an ambience characterised by generous and progressive luxury on four full-size seats. In its driving behaviour the world's first Sports Activity Coupé also goes beyond conventional standards, the superior power of a BMW X model being further enhanced by a brand-new eight-cylinder power unit with Twin Turbo Technology: The BMW X6 features the first V8 in the world with its turbochargers fitted within the V-section between the two rows of cylinders.

In the process of converting this superior power into equally superior driving dynamics, BMW's intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive system is combined with another decisive technology now available for the first time in the world: BMW Dynamic Performance Control. This cutting-edge technology ensures not only variable power distribution between the front and rear axle, but also variation of torque and drive power between the right and left rear wheel in the interest of enhanced traction and driving dynamics.

As a result, Dynamic Performance Control offers exceptional driving stability not only under power, but also when the driver takes his foot off the gas pedal. The result is supreme precision in dynamic bends and optimum stability also on challenging roads and other surfaces.

World debut in Detroit: the BMW 1 Series Convertible.
The new BMW 1 Series Convertible is likewise making its world debut at the 2008 NAIAS in Detroit. A genuine four-seater, the new Convertible comes with an electrohydraulically operated soft roof opening or closing within just 22 seconds. A further advantage is that the driver is able to activate the roof opening/closing mechanism also while driving at a speed of up to 25 mph.

The BMW 1 Series Convertible also stands out through its unique sporting and elegant lines quite unprecedented in the compact segment, giving the car the typical look of a genuine BMW Convertible with the roof both open and closed. Yet a further characteristic feature is the driving pleasure offered by the BMW 1 Series Convertible, its superior six-cylinder power units teaming up just perfectly with the equally superior drivetrain technology of the BMW 1 Series.

The BMW 1 Series Convertible is entering the US market in the guise of the BMW 135i Convertible and the BMW 128i Convertible. Particularly the top model featuring a Twin Turbo straight-six power unit and High Precision injection direct fuel injection for maximum output of 300 hp enters new dimension in driving dynamics, with acceleration to 62 mph in just 5.6 seconds.

BMW 1 Series Coupé: fascinating driving pleasure in the compact class.

Just how appealing it is to combine individual style with premium quality and outstanding driving dynamics in a compact car is clearly borne out and proven by the BMW 1 Series Coupé now also available in the USA.

The BMW 135i Coupé and the BMW 128i Coupé are the first versions of
the BMW 1 Series to enter the US car market, these exceptionally agile and powerful two-door models taking up the tradition of the legendary BMW 2002 which hit the headlines also on the American continent almost forty years ago, offering a unique combination of sports car agility with generous spaciousness and impressive efficiency.

Both the BMW 135i Coupé and the BMW 128i Coupé are making their
US premiere at the 2008 NAIAS in Detroit. Both models are powered by a straight-six engine featuring the most advanced technology in the interest of temperamental performance and superior economy all in one. The 300-hp Twin Turbo in the BMW 135i Coupé owes its superior fuel economy inter alia to direct fuel injection with piezo-injectors. The 230-hp power unit featured in the BMW 128i Coupé, in turn, is the latest version of BMW's six-cylinder with VALVETRONIC and a composite magnesium/aluminium crankcase optimised once again for an even higher standard of all-round efficiency.

Top performance in two variants:
the BMW M3 Coupé and BMW M3 Saloon.
The new BMW M3 places even greater emphasis on top performance.
As the fourth edition of BMW's high-performance sports car based on the
3 Series, the new model is making its appearance at the 2008 NAIAS in two body versions: The BMW M3 Coupé combines its superior drivetrain and suspension technology with the sporting and elegant body of a two-door, carrying over the fascination of motorsport to everyday traffic.

The BMW M3 Saloon, in turn, comes with two additional doors and three full-sized seats at the rear for even greater qualities in practice. Regardless of the model chosen, the BMW M3 leaves nothing to be desired in its sporting potential, at the same time offering the genuine enthusiast not only the choice of either a Coupé or a Saloon, but also a wide range of other individual features.

Both versions of the BMW M3 are powered by a brand-new V8 for supreme performance of the highest calibre: Displacing 3,999 cc, this unique eight-cylinder develops maximum output of no less than 414 hp. At the same time the high-speed engine concept so characteristic of a BMW M power unit ensures supreme thrust and dynamism at all times, with maximum engine speed of 8,400 rpm.

An equally impressive factor is the engine's maximum torque of 295 lb-ft accelerating the BMW M3 Coupé to 62 mph in just 4.7 and the Saloon in an equally dynamic 4.8 seconds.