BMW has lined up its new 3 and 7 Series models, as well as the BMW Concept X6 Active Hybrid for display at the Johannesburg Motor Show currently underway. All these vehicles boast BMW’s new EfficientDynamics technology.
By Kelly Lodewyks
The new EfficientDynamics technology was the draw card for BMW, and according to BMW South Africa, “the programme not only optimises the fuel consumption and carbon emission of BMW’s combustion engines, but also the performance”.
The exterior of the new 3 Series saloon has a revised front end with double circular headlights that is underscored by means of chrome tubes. The corona rings can now also be used in the BMW 3 Series with optional bi-xenon headlamps as daytime running lights. Other new styling cues include two character lines on the exterior mirrors, a new bonnet with distinctive creases running from the BMW roundel, and revised brake lamp clusters.
The line-up for the new 3 Series will see the addition of a new in-line 6-cylinder turbo diesel unit to the range. Powering the BMW 330d, this powerplant has a claimed output of 180 kW and 520 N.m torque.
At the international launch earlier in the year, the line-up comprised five petrol and five diesel units. Outputs range form 105 kW in the BMW 318i and BMW 318d to 225 kW in the BMW 335i. Engine types with BMW EfficientDynamics measures make use of Brake Energy Regeneration, Auto Start/Stop Function, Shift Point Display, needs-related control of auxiliary units and active aerodynamics with Automatic Air Intake Flaps. Engines are mated with a six-speed automatic transmission, while the seven-speed automatic transmission with double clutch transmission will be available in the 335i Coupe and Convertible.
The new 3 Series also features a nee generation iDrive that is similar to the unit featured in the new BMW 7 Series. For infotainment and entertainment, there is a satellite navigation system with an 80 GB hard drive that can be used for navigation as well as storage for a music collection.
BMW’s new 7 Series boasts a newly developed six-cylinder diesel engine that features aluminium crankcase and third-generation common rail direct injection. This unit has a maximum power output of180 kW and maximum torque of540 N.m. BMW claims that it can reach 100 km/h for standstill in 7,2 seconds and can carry on until It reaches a top speed of 245 km/h. According to BMW, the average fuel consumption is a respectable 7, 2 litres/ 100.
The new 7 Series is host to a front side-view mirror. As with the 3 Series, the 7 Series has a revised iDrive and 80 GB hard drive-based Navigation system.
BMW claims that there are various elements that set its hybrid technology, found in its, Concept X6 Active Hybrid, apart from other hybrids. The German marque claims that by combining a high-efficiency and high-performance combustion engine with two high-performance electric motors, it allows for the use of hybrid efficiency’s advantage across a much wider speed range.
BMW has also extended its hybrid technology to four-cylinder turbo-charged powerplants, as well as to the 7 Series models.
BMW ActiveHybrid models will goon sale in Europe sometime during 2009. A local release date is still to be confirmed.
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