2011 is proving to be an exciting year for BMW. The Bavarian company has already had one big international launch with its all-new 6 Series Convertible. It won’t stop there, however. In the coming months, a number of new models will make their début.
First up is the new 6 Series Coupé. Set for launch in September, its expected to feature the same 4,4-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 engine as found in the 650i Convertible (see April CAR for a full road test). This engine is mated with a smooth-shifting eight-speed transmission that offers driver-controlled shifts via steering wheel mounted paddles.
The new 1 Series will receive a radical change in November when brand-new 116i, 118i and 120d hatchback variants are launched. Before then, July sees the introduction of a facelifted 1 Series Coupé boasting a new-look rear-end, front spoiler and a range of new colours for both the hard-top and drop-top models. There will also be some notable interior changes. Alongside these upgrades is something juicy for enthusiasts – the 1 Series M Coupé. Its twin-turbo 3,0-litre straight six, mated with a six-speed manual transmission, punches out 250 kW at 5 900 r/min and 450 N.m of torque between 1 500 and 4 500 r/min. Thanks to an electronically managed overboost function, torque can temporarily increase to 500 N.m, helping the coupé hit 100 km/h from standstill in a claimed 4,9 seconds on the way to an electronically-governed 250 km/h top speed. Can’t wait!
The X3 xDrive30d will arrive in SA in July, while the eagerly anticipated M5 waits backstage for its November curtain call. As we previously reported, the engine earmarked for this model is a re-packaged version of the 4,4-litre twin-turbo V8 from the X5 M and X6 M. It will reportedly develop in excess of 414 kW (read the May 2011 issue for a driving impression of the prototype M5).
Not quite a BMW, but from the BMW group is the Mini Coupé. No official details are currently available, but the concept model made use of a powerful 1,6-litre twin-scroll turbocharged unit that can be found under the bonnet of the Mini Cooper JCW. This unit develops 155 kW and has a peak torque of 260 N.m (280 N.m with the overboost function in play). Expect the Coupé to hit dealers in November.
Keep your eyes on CARmag.co.za for updates on these models!