Press Release: The all-new BMW X3 Sports Activity Vehicle and BMW Concept 6 Series Coupe will make their North American debuts at the Los Angeles Auto Show November 19-28. The all-new BMW X3 boasts enhanced dynamics, ride comfort, interior space and versatility. The BMW Concept 6 Series Coupe is a design study for a premium-class 2+2-seater and is the embodiment of a passion for aesthetics and dynamics. Also previewed will be BMW ConnectedDrive, which offers new innovations and functions that connect the driver and vehicle with the wider world.
The All-New BMW X3 Sports Activity Vehicle.
In 2004, BMW introduced a new concept to the market: the small, premium Sports Activity Vehicle with all-road capability and unparalleled driving dynamics. This first generation BMW X3 became a best seller in the BMW line…both in the United States and in Europe. The new second generation BMW X3 builds on the success of the original by developing its core competencies while adding new technology to establish new benchmarks for agility, efficiency and comfort. The new BMW X3 will be produced in an expansion of the BMW Spartanburg, South Carolina plant and is expected to arrive in US BMW Centers by the end of 2010.
Exterior design.
The design of the new BMW X3 conveys elegance, agility and ruggedness. Up front, the forward-slanting BMW kidney grille and large headlight assembly combine with a powerful-looking front apron and hood boasting six contour lines sweeping down to meet at the kidney grill, giving the X3 a bold presence. The twin round headlights combined with the round fog lamps form the triangular light pattern that is characteristic of BMW SAV design.
The profile of the new BMW X3 is also characterized by a unique interpretation of typical BMW X design features. Powerfully flared wheel arches and the short front and rear overhangs emphasize the robust character of a BMW Sports Activity Vehicle. The rear is characterized by horizontal lines, underlining the new BMW X3’s robust character. Precise lines and expressively modeled surfaces create attractive light and shadow effects.
Interior: First-class ambience, intelligent functionality.
A generous and versatile spatial concept, high-grade materials and a characteristic three-dimensional surface design provide the interior of the new BMW X3 with a modern, premium ambience and intelligent functionality. The horizontal lines of the instrument panel accentuate the width of the interior. The driver orientated cockpit, a hallmark of BMW design, is emphasized by the asymmetrically designed center console.
The X3 xDrive28i: 6-cylinder power for the entry model.
For the US, the entry-level X3 xDrive28i will feature BMW’s award-winning magnesium/aluminum 3.0-liter inline-6. Its magnesium/aluminum construction, Valvetronic variable valve lift and Double-VANOS are features found only on BMW engines, and it is currently the lightest six cylinder engine for its size class in the world. The N52 in the X3 is rated at 240 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 230 lb-ft of torque between 2,600 and 3,000 rpm. That’s good enough to accelerate from 0 – 60 mph in 6.7 seconds. That’s nearly a half-second quicker than the previous X3 xDrive30i equipped with an automatic transmission.
The X3 xDrive35i: Class leading performance and efficiency.
The new top model BMW X3 xDrive35i features BMW’s newest turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 “N55” engine combining direct fuel injection, twin-scroll turbo technology and Valvetronic. The N55 engine develops a maximum output of 300 hp at 5,800 rpm, with peak torque of 300 lb-ft available all the way from 1,200–5,000 rpm. Redline is 7,000 rpm. This engine enables the X3 xDrive35i to sprint from 0 to 60mph in just 5.5 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 150 mph when fitted with the optional Sport Package.
Both the BMW X3 xDrive28i and the X3 xDrive35i will offer not only the most dynamic driving characteristics in their categories, but also by far the most favorable fuel consumption and emission levels within their class. EPA fuel efficiency estimates will be provided closer to the on-sale date in the United States.
Fascinating vision: BMW Concept 6 Series Coupe.
The BMW Concept 6 Series Coupe is a fascinating vision that blends traditional values with innovative design language. This concept model showcases the experience the brand has acquired in more than 70 years of building sporty and elegant Coupes. It also paves the way for a new, aesthetically powerful and dynamic interpretation of this breed of vehicle. With the BMW Concept 6 Series Coupe, the German premium carmaker is presenting a new definition of luxury-class 2+2-seater driving enjoyment and exclusiveness.
The powerful proportions and sporty yet elegant lines of the BMW Concept 6 Series Coupe provide the perfect packaging for its dynamic performance and personality. All the classic hallmarks of a BMW Coupe are present, including the stretched hood, the short front overhang, a passenger compartment set well to the rear, and a low silhouette incorporating a dynamically flowing roofline. The principal bodywork lines run the full length of the concept model, and there is a strong sense of stylistic unity between all the different parts of the vehicle.
Eye-catching features of the concept model include the new LED headlights, which combine the typical BMW twin round headlight format with innovative lighting technology. The all-LED design, featured for the first time on a BMW, produces a strikingly bright white light with very sharp and intensive road illumination. The functionality includes Adaptive Headlights, i.e. the headlight beam follows the road at all times. The LED rings for the daytime driving lights accentuate the characteristic, unmistakable BMW front-end styling.
The interior of the BMW Concept 6 Series Coupe conveys functionality, elegance and exclusiveness. The fluent lines and smooth transitions in the cockpit area produce an ambience that extends to the whole interior, embracing both the front- and the rear-seat occupants. The driver-centric interior design is typical of BMW and a hallmark of a sports Coupe. Keynotes are the exceptionally stylish design in the centre console area and, providing a further innovative touch, the freestanding 10.2-inch iDrive Control Display in the centre of the instrument panel. The concept model is also equipped with the Head-Up Display system that offers world-beating functionality and display quality. For maximum listening quality, the hi-fi system was designed especially for the BMW Concept 6 Series Coupe using high-quality components from Danish audio systems specialists Bang & Olufsen.
Classic Coupe proportions in a distinctly sporty format.
A BMW Coupe’s design is a stylish and authentic expression of superior sports performance rooted in the company’s unique experience in engine and chassis development. The proportions, the aesthetically powerful design language and the flowing lines epitomize the characteristic blend of dynamism and unassailable elegance – a design principle that underpins the BMW Concept 6 Series Coupe as well, though in a modern and innovative interpretation. The concept model is an extremely sporty premium luxury-class 2+2-seater.
Innovations: BMW ConnectedDrive with new functions.
BMW ConnectedDrive comprises all offers and technologies which connect BMW vehicles, drivers and passengers, and the outside world. ConnectedDrive is comprised of three main pillars: Convenience, Infotainment, and Safety. At the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show, BMW will showcase a globally unique technology for integrating BlackBerry smartphones in the car, which among other things permits the display of emails including the text-to-speech function. BMW also presents the new Bluetooth interface technology that was created for the Apple iOS 4 operating system and allows the new Apple iPhone 4 to be integrated, among other devices. Also on show is the iPod Out function, which optimizes the operation of various Apple music players in the vehicle. Many of these new features are expected to reach the US market in calendar year 2011.
Convenience.
TeleService advises the driver and preferred BMW Center when maintenance is required. The available USB interface allows a user to upload unique settings such as seat position, favorite radio channels, stored MP3 files, contacts, etc. Up to 160 different settings are available to customize. Comfort Access allows the driver to open a locked door by simply touching it when the key is nearby. With BMW Remote Services, one can never be locked out of the car again. BMW Tracking finds your vehicle should it be stolen.
Real Time Traffic Navigation calculates and redirects the driver with traffic information updated sooner than radio reports. The Concierge with Destination Download option puts a personal assistant at your beckon 24/7. With MyInfo, anyone can send short messages and destinations to a BMW right from maps.google.com. The Send to Mail feature allows the user to send the current location and final destination of the vehicle to any email address for view on a computer or smartphone. Google Business Search enables the user to find local and relevant business with a single keyword. The Fuel Prices application finds fuel stations close to your destination with today’s fuel price listed. Select the desired station and navigation will automatically direct the driver there. BMW’s unique Parking Assistant feature (5 Series Sedan) allows the driver to completely release the controls while it automatically parallel parks the vehicle. This system, in combination with the Surround View and Rearview cameras makes it easy to navigate in tight areas.
Infotainment.
With vCard photo support, images of contacts in your phonebook are downloaded and shown on the vehicle display. The External Call List feature provides a seamless experience by downloading the “redial” and “received calls list” at every reconnect of the mobile device. To keep the driver focused on the road, iDrive can convert text to speech for notes, short messages, calendar entries, weather, and news. SiriusXM radio is also available in new BMW models, including a one-year paid subscription to the Best of Sirius. HD Radio is also standard on all new BMWs. Bluetooth music streaming offers wireless audio streaming from the mobile device to the vehicle.
Safety.
BMW’s Enhanced Automatic Collision Notification automatically detects a collision and notifies local authorities of the event. Night Vision with Pedestrian Detection detects the heat signatures of pedestrians and alerts the driver before they are illuminated by the headlights. The Heads Up Display shows current speed and navigation directions. Finally, BMW’s Automatic High Beams keep the high beams on for the longest possible time—without bothering other motorists. When activated, it detects oncoming headlights up to ½ mile away, and taillights up to ¼ mile away, automatically managing the high beams in traffic.
Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go allows the driver complete peace of mind by utilizing radar to sense distances to the cars ahead and follow safely. If the BMW detects the vehicle ahead is slowing, it will slow to maintain the safe distance, all the way down to a complete stop. BMW’s Blind Spot Detection keeps drivers safe in heavy traffic as well by utilizing radar built into the sides of the vehicle. The BMW will alert its driver if there is a vehicle in the blind spot. Lane Departure Warning will alert the driver if they begin to veer out of a lane or off the road by vibrating the steering wheel.
[Source: BMW ]
