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Thursday, September 15, 2011

Volkswagen CrossPolo, 2011

 
 
 VW CrossPolo, 2011

The next generation of the Volkswagen CrossPolo is ready for new adventures. The clever compact in rugged all-terrain look is celebrating its world premiere at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. After the Volkswagen Polo base version presented in 2009 and the Polo BlueMotion (debut in 2010) with its superior and possibly record-breaking fuel efficiency, as well as the VW Polo GTI also debuting in Geneva, the Volkswagen CrossPolo completes the series as a fourth model. With its refreshingly cheeky design, unique world of colours and features, and a higher ride height (15 millimetre gain), the five-door is very appealing as one of the most unconventional vehicles in its class.

The powered by extremely fuel-efficient engines with a power range from 51 kW / 70 PS to 77 kW / 105 PS. Buyers can choose from three petrol and three common rail TDI engines. Three of the six engines can be ordered with a 7-speed DSG, like the one used on vehicles such as the Polo GTI.

Fun and Cross: From special edition to production model

The new Volkswagen CrossPolo continues in the tradition of its successful predecessors: the Polo Fun and the first generation VW CrossPolo derived from it. Originally, a production run of only 5,000 units was planned for the special edition Polo Fun, but great demand exploded all forecasts. The consequence: the step was taken from special edition to production model and to the Cross version.
Volkswagen CrossPolo

Exterior: Tough qualities and lifestyle character

The rugged-sporty character of the Volkswagen CrossPolo - always produced as a five-door - are reflected in many of its details. Especially striking: the individually styled front apron - in anthracite colour - with integrated front fog lights and large air inlet at the centre. It gets a black honeycomb insert bordered by fine chrome trim. Towards its lower edge, the bumper finishes with a section in light silver with the visual appearance of underbody protection. Taken from classic Polo styling are the upper radiator grille with its chrome inlay and the VW logo integrated here; the same applies to the dual headlights with standard daytime running lights.

The side profile of the Volkswagen CrossPolo also shows very tough qualities. Here sporty black wheelarch extensions and coordinated body sills set the styling. The latter continue visually into the lower door area. In off-road driving and in the jungle of metropolitan parking spaces, these rugged plastic guards protect the car from damage. Fitting the character of the VW CrossPolo are the 17-inch alloy wheels ("Budapest" style) in 5-spoke design with size 215/40 tyres.

Another unmistakable characteristic of the Volkswagen CrossPolo: the silver anodized roof rails. They are a traditional feature on this model, and are certainly not just decorative. They can be used to mount roof boxes and carrier systems with a weight of up to 75 kilograms. Colour coordinated with the roof railing, like on the previous model: the door mirrors that are always painted in silver. At the rear, the Volkswagen CrossPolo continues the rugged all-terrain look in the bumper, whose lower section is also designed in a black, rugged plastic. At its centre, a separate section painted in silver catches the eye that is styled to look like a diffuser.

6 exterior colours accentuate the powerful style of the VW CrossPolo; offered exclusively on the new Volkswagen are the colours "Magma Orange" and "Terra Beige Metallic". Across the board, the upper areas of the bumpers and handles (door, tailgate) are painted in body colour, while the cover trim of the B and C pillars and the window frames are treated in a high-gloss black.


Interior: Exciting and versatile
The high-end interior of the Volkswagen CrossPolo is a fitting match for the all-terrain look of the exterior. Here it is primarily the two-tone fabrics of the sport seats, the rear bench and the door trim that create a friendly and youthful ambiance. Up to four different colour trims are available, depending on the exterior colour. While the outer areas of the seats are always in anthracite, customers can choose from the colours "Hot Orange", "Orange", "Latte Macchiato" and "Grey" for the inner seat panels and middle sections of the door trim panels. On seat contact surfaces for the back and legs the fabrics ("Dimension" pattern) all have a black webbed structure, making them more durable. The "CrossPolo" signature is embroidered into the backrests of the front seats.

Throughout the cockpit materials are friendly to the touch. Take the steering wheel: It has a fine perforated leather cover; the steering wheel spokes are produced from a brushed chrome application. The seams of the steering wheel cover and the leather-trimmed parking brake handle are given the colour of the interior trim. The VW CrossPolo's high level of quality is highlighted by the instrument panel, finished in "Slush" technology with its soft surface texture that is pleasant to the touch.

The Volkswagen CrossPolo has an ample array of standard equipment. In the interior, specific standard features include height-adjustable sport seats, an asymmetrically split rear bench and backrest, pockets on the backs of the front seats and sliding drawers under them, leather-trimmed steering wheel, centre armrest in front (with storage compartment), pedal caps in aluminium look and chrome on various switches and components. The latter include the door handles, surrounds for the window lift switches and air vents. Also standard: electric adjustable and heated door mirrors, electric window lifts all around, illuminated make-up mirrors in the sun visors, multi-function display (MFA) including tyre pressure monitoring (tyre pressure monitoring system, TPMS) and central locking with RF remote control.


Estate car qualities: Cargo space increases up to 952 litres
The new CrossPolo also shows off its versatile talents when it comes to space and efficient space utilisation. As mentioned, the rear bench can be folded with a standard 60:40 split. When it is completely folded, the car's cargo capacity increases from 280 to 952 litres. The dual cargo floor - adjustable to two height levels - creates a continuously level loading surface. Four tie-down eyes simplify secure fastening of the cargo to be transported, while two hooks in the side trim panels keep bags from tipping over.


Engine variety: Three petrol, three diesel and one 7-speed DSG
The six engines of the Volkswagen CrossPolo have power levels between 51 kW / 70 PS and 77 kW / 105 PS. The entry level among the petrol engines is represented by the 70-PS version with a 1.2 litre displacement. Following at the next level is a 1.4-litre engine with 63 kW / 85 PS. The top petrol engine is the new 1.2 TSI with the mentioned 105 PS. This turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine accelerates the Volkswagen CrossPolo to 100 km/h in 9.9 seconds, reaches a respectable top speed of 188 km/h, yet has a combined fuel consumption of just 5.5 litres of fuel (equivalent to 128 g/km CO2). The highlight here: The Volkswagen not only attains these values in conjunction with the standard 6-speed gearbox, but also with the optional 7-speed DSG, an automatic. Also deliverable as an optional DSG version is the VW CrossPolo with 85 PS.

Among the quietest engines of their kind are the three common rail, direct-injection turbodiesels (TDI) fitted with a particulate filter. All engines have 1.6 litre displacement and are available at the power levels 55 kW / 75 PS, 66 kW / 90 PS and 77 kW / 105 PS. All three variants need just 4.3 litres of diesel per 100 km in combined mode and emit just 113 grams CO2 per kilometre. The 90-PS version can also be combined with the direct shift gearbox as an option; in this case, combined fuel consumption is 4.6 l/100 km. All Volkswagen CrossPolo engines meet the limits of the Euro-5 emissions standard.

Bugatti

Bugatti, 2011
= Bugatti Veyron Super Sport

Honda CR-V US-Version, 2010

 
 Honda CR-V US-Version, 2010

The exterior styling enhancements include a freshened front fascia with a new grille and bumper design, a re-sculpted hood, and a new rear bumper shape. A 10-spoke alloy wheel design, standard on Honda CR-V EX and EX-L, replaces the previous 7-spoke alloy wheel design. Interior improvements focus on new features and functionality. 

Upgrades to the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine improve power output to 180 horsepower (hp), a 14 hp increase. City/highway EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings increase to 21/28 miles per gallon (mpg) on 2WD models and 21/27 mpg on models equipped with Real Time 4WD - an increase of 1 mpg in both city and highway driving on all models.
While compact on the outside with a 103.1-inch wheelbase and a convenient-to-park length of less than 15 feet, the interior provides 103.8 cu-ft. of passenger volume (CR-V LX) for up to five passengers. Add in a cargo volume of 35.7 cu-ft. behind the rear seats and the Honda CR-V creates a total interior volume that, from a space efficiency perspective, exceeds the U.S. EPA's size definition for a large sedan of 120 cu-ft.

The wide range of interior updates for 2010 include modifications to the radio functionality and control layout, the introduction of new seat fabric textures and an upgraded interior door handle design with a rubberized grip handle. Revised trim panel sections for the steering wheel, gear selector, upper glove box and center console (navigation-equipped models only) serve to brighten the overall interior color theme. Models equipped with an ivory interior now feature a more passenger-friendly darker brown carpet instead of light brown.

The AM/FM/CD audio system integrates a dual tone gray/black color scheme with blue backlighting, replacing black. The Honda CR-V EX-L (navigation and non-navigation models) receives a USB Audio Interface for direct access to music files on compatible devices using the vehicle's existing controls.

For comfort, the driver's and front passenger's center folding armrests are each wider by 1 inch compared to the previous model. The front row storage zones continue to offer the same functionality with areas designed to accommodate items as large as a handbag between the seats to items as small as a mobile phones and music players on the retractable center tray table. A center console replaces the retractable center tray table on the Honda CR-V EX-L with navigation.

A sliding 60/40 split second row seat with a 40/20/40 folding seatback offers cargo versatility by sliding forward to increase cargo space, folding forward to accommodate long objects, or folding and tumbling forward to create a large, flat cargo area. Maximum possible cargo volume measures 72.9 cu-ft. with approximate floor dimensions of 51 inches long by 39 inches wide (at wheel wells). Storage potential behind the rear seat is enhanced by a dual-deck cargo shelf (CR-V EX and EX-L) that can strategically accommodate items like a folded baby stroller on the lower level and groceries bags on the upper level. The second row seat includes a Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) child seat mounting system for all rear seat positions, allowing two outboard child seats to be installed or one center child seat.

The standard safety equipment includes: the Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure; Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), commonly referred to as electronic stability control; and a pedestrian safety design in the front of the vehicle. Additional standard equipment includes side-curtain airbags with a rollover sensor; front side airbags with a passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); active front seat head restraints; an anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist; and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

The lower portion of the grille receives a honeycomb design that replaces the previous three-bar horizontal cross design. A chrome-colored trim piece has been added at the junction where the lower grille section intersects the top of the bumper (on EX and EX-L only). The circular port for Honda Genuine Accessory fog lights is encompassed within the re-sculpted front bumper's painted surface area, which extends lower on the vehicle, instead of within the lower black body cladding. Correspondingly, the re-shaped rear bumper's painted surface area now encompasses the red rear reflectors, also previously located within the black cladding.

The suspension is comprised of a front MacPherson strut layout and a rear multi-link suspension. The high-rigidity body and independent suspension offer a comfortable and engaging driving experience for a crossover SUV. State-of-the art noise absorption materials help to reduce engine and road noise for a quieter cabin.

The all-aluminum,16-valve, Dual Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) i-VTEC engine integrates an "intelligent" version of Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control along with Variable Timing Control (VTC), which are sophisticated Honda valvetrain technologies designed to enhance fuel economy and power output while reducing exhaust emissions. The VTEC portion of the system hydraulically adjusts the intake valves' rocker arms for lift and duration to help optimize engine efficiency for low- and high-RPM ranges. The Variable Timing Control (VTC) aspect of i-VTEC allows for continuously variable phasing of the intake camshaft, which helps improve engine torque, promote a smooth engine idle, and create an internal exhaust gas recirculation effect for reduced smog-forming emissions (NOx).

The Honda CR-V comes standard with an electronically controlled 5-speed automatic transmission that uses an active lockup torque converter. Wide overall ratios help maximize acceleration in gears one through four and optimize fuel economy in its overdrive fifth gear.

Grade Logic Control helps to reduce gear "hunting" on hilly roads. The Real Time 4WD system - ideal for enhanced traction on snow, rain, dirt roads and sandy conditions - sends power to the rear wheels when needed. Real Time 4WD's always-ready and fully automatic dual pump system hydraulically proportions rear wheel torque via multi-plate clutches. The Maintenance Minder system will indicate that the dual-pump fluid should be changed at about 60,000 miles.

The Honda CR-V EX-L adds leather-trimmed seats and armrests, heated front seats, body-colored side mirrors and door handles, XM Radio, a USB Audio Interface (new), and auto on/off headlights (new). Available on the Honda CR-V EX-L is the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with Voice Recognition and rearview camera, which also adds premium audio system with 7-speakers including subwoofer and Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, center console storage unit (replaces retractable center tray), and a 6-disc CD changer in the center console (replaces in-dash changer).

Specifications
    = Engine: 2.4-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder
    = Horsepower: 180-hp @ 6,800 rpm
    = Torque: 161 lb-ft. @ 4,400 rpm
    = EPA-estimated Fuel Economy (City/Hwy/Comb)
    = 2WD: 21/28/24 mpg
    = 4WD: 21/27/23 mpg
    = Seating Capacity: 5
    = Passenger Volume: 103.8 cu-ft.
    = Cargo Volume: 34.7 cu-ft.
    = Standard Airbags: Driver's and Front-Passenger's Front Dual-stage, Multiple-Threshold Front Airbags; Front-side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); and Side-curtain Airbags with Rollover Sensor.
    = Standard Electronic Stability Control: Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)
    = Standard Anti-lock Braking System: 4-channel with Brake Assist

Honda Accord Crosstour, 2010

 
Honda Accord Crosstour, 2010

The all-new 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour evolves the Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV) concept by integrating a sleek and aerodynamic shape that blends sporty, low-profile contours with versatile CUV functionality.

The concept is to broaden the appeal of the Honda Accord line-up by leveraging traditional Accord strengths of fun-to-drive performance and handling while also adapting to dramatic shifts in the light truck. The Honda Accord Crosstour accomplishes that by offering a modern interpretation of a CUV while integrating the refinement and efficiency of a premium sedan."

Derived from the Accord Sedan, the Honda Accord Crosstour maximizes car-like ride and refinement, yet maintains capabilities consistent with a CUV's increased ride height and all-weather potential. The Honda Accord Crosstour's styling builds on the Accord's familiar character lines and adds a bolder front grille complemented by a durable lower-body appearance, wedge-shaped C-pillars and an aggressive rear stance. The flowing roofline narrows smoothly into the rear of the vehicle to create an aggressive-looking design, which conceals a unique cargo area that can adapt to large objects that exceed the capacity of a sedan.

Isuzu Ascender, 2007

 Isuzu Ascender, 2007

IntelliChoice named the 2006 Ascender 5-Passenger a "Top Winner" in its class for both lowest fuel cost and lowest operating cost, and a "Smart Choice" in eight other categories. Isuzu's flagship SUV returns for 2007, sized "just right" to offer plenty of room for five passengers, and with the multiple award-winning 4.2-liter inline six- cylinder engine under its hood.
 
The Changes:

    * Tire Pressure Monitoring System added as standard equipment on all models
    * Bering Blue Metallic replaces Adriatic Blue Metallic
    * Storm Gray Metallic replaces Graphite Gray Metallic
    * Six-spoke machined-finish alloy wheels replace painted wheels as standard equipment
    * OnStar communication system discontinued as an available option
    * 7-Passenger model discontinued
   * Trim levels are unchanged. Both 2WD and 4WD models are available in base S trim and offer optional Preferred Equipment, LS, Leather and Luxury packages.

Prices are unchanged as well. The Ascender 2WD begins at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $25,959, and the Ascender 4WD has a base M.S.R.P. of $27,959.

Isuzu Pickup, 2008

 
 
 
Isuzu Pickup, 2008

The Isuzu Pickups made their debut in 2006, and the crew cab model was quickly nominated as "Truck of the Year" by two different magazines, "Truck of Texas" and "Four Wheeler of the Year." IntelliChoice named the 2006 models a "Smart Choice" in ten different ownership-cost categories, and singled out the 2006 i-280 Extended Cab S as the "Top Winner" in its class for lowest repair costs.

For 2007, the i-280 Extended Cab 4x2 becomes the i-290, and the i-350 Crew Cab 4x4 is renamed the i-370. Trim levels remain unchanged: the i-290 is available in base S trim, with Preferred Equipment, LS and Luxury packages optional, and the i-370 is available in LS or optional Limited trim. Both vehicles get larger, more powerful engines. 
 
The changes for the 2007 model year:
    * 2.9-liter inline four-cylinder engine replaces 2.8-liter, increasing horsepower to 185 hp (vs. 175) and torque to 190 ft.-lbs. (vs. 185)
    * 3.7-liter inline five-cylinder engine replaces 3.5-liter, increasing horsepower to 242 hp (from 220) and torque to 242 ft.-lbs. (vs. 225)
    * Base i-290 S available with automatic transmission as well as manual transmission
    * Tire Pressure Monitoring System added as standard equipment on all models
    * 3.73 rear axle ratio added on manual transmission models (replaces 3.42 rear axle ratio)
    * Towing capacity of manual transmission models increases from 1,700 to 2,100 lbs.
    * Pacific Blue exterior color added
    * Deep Crimson Metallic replaces Red Rock Metallic exterior color
    * Bering Blue Metallic replaces Adriatic Blue Metallic exterior color
    * Ebony interior trim replaces Very Dark Pewter (LS, Luxury and Limited)
    * Chrome accents added to HVAC lever, gauges, and speaker surrounds (LS, Luxury and Limited)
    * Chrome accents to be added mid-year to interior door handles and locks (LS, Luxury and Limited
    * Map lights deleted from inside rear view mirror

Pricing is unchanged from 2006. The i-290 Extended Cab 4x2 S begins at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $16,989, while the i-370 Crew Cab 4x4 LS starts at an M.S.R.P. of $27,358.

BMW 3-Series Convertible, 2011

 
 BMW 3-Series Convertible, 2011

BMW has announced substantial enhancements to the 2011 BMW 3-Series Convertible and Coupe, including outstanding style updates for 328i and 335i models and a new engine for 335i models. The 2011 BMW 3-Series Convertible and Coupe models will go on sale in Spring 2010, and pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date.

All-new is the engine for the 335i model. Internally designated the "N55," this turbocharged, all-aluminum engine features essentially the same "short block" and 3.0-liter displacement of its predecessor, but benefits from five additional years worth of development and refinement. The result is an engine that is more responsive, more fuel efficient, and cleaner-running than its outstanding predecessor, but preserves the previous engine's output and soul: 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque, and a 7,000 rpm redline. The 6-speed manual gearbox - beloved by North American enthusiast drivers - remains standard, and the well-known 6-speed Steptronic automatic is optional, now featuring "pull-style" shift paddles on the multifunction steering wheel.

Design. Reflecting the legendary distinction of BMW Coupes and Convertibles

The profile of the BMW 3-Series Convertible and Coupe is instantly recognizable at first glance. Beyond the basic shape of the car and its classic lines, the new design of the headlights, the enhanced depth and detail of the taillights, the interior, and even the exterior mirrors were specifically created for the Convertible and Coupe. These unique design elements reflect the sporty character of the car. The driver who chooses a two-door vehicle desires a car with dynamic looks as well as driving performance. With this in mind, BMW engineers and designers set out to create a unique, unmistakable blend of design features and most importantly, driving pleasure.

It all begins with proportions. The new, long hood powerfully symbolizes BMW's loyalty to the inherently balanced inline-6 engine. The long wheelbase, short overhangs, the passenger compartment set aft and the low, sleek roofline which seamlessly slopes into the trunk are all characteristics of the BMW Coupe and BMW retractable hardtop Convertible.

In addition to the classic proportions, three design lines—the shoulder, character and lower sill lines— enhance the sleek appearance. Both the shoulder line and character line stretch uninterrupted to the back of the car, allowing one's eye to move quickly and smoothly from front to rear along the entire length of the car. The sill line of the lower edge of the door flows into the front and rear air dams, reinforcing the dynamic nature of newest BMW 3-Series Convertible and Coupe.

The combination of lines flowing into one another elegantly emphasizes the vehicles' performance potential. While the shoulder line rises slightly but consistently from front to rear, the character line flows in a long, stretched arch all the way from the front fender to the new taillights. As the sill line, by contrast, moves up slightly to the rear in a slow and gentle curve, the distance between the character and sill lines becomes smaller near the rear wheel arches. The fender flare around each rear wheel also serves to give the character line extra tension in both an upward and outward direction.

The new, widened kidney grille, a signature feature of every BMW, suits the broad new hood and stands out from the surfaces around it. Interaction with the three-dimensional kidney frame creates a look of power and unique style. The frame around the kidney grille now features a chrome band precisely twisted within itself.

The BMW 3-Series Convertible and Coupe come standard in the U.S. with Xenon Adaptive Headlights, accented by BMW's signature corona light rings. At the top, the new headlights merge into a trim bar cutting off the light beam to create that concentrated, focused look typical of a genuine BMW. The corona rings, now powered by super-bright LED light sources, can serve as daytime running lights (if that feature is activated), and also as evening city lights, making the Convertible and Coupe instantly recognizable as a BMW, day or night. The upper edge of each headlight fixture is also illuminated by an LED light source.

The new design of the taillights is unique to the BMW 3-Series Convertible and Coupe. The rear light cluster feature two-piece L-shapes and are further accentuated by a new color scheme. With two rows of light tubes that illuminate simultaneously, they create a night design with depth and dimension. Integrated flush into the body of the car, the lights are split into two sections and extend up the trunk lid, blending with the character lines from the side profile. Horizontal LED tube taillights give the car an unmistakable look at night. The horizontal flowing lines accentuate the wide track and low stance of the Convertible and Coupe.

An additional horizontal contour line has been added to the rear air dam to further accentuate the width of the Convertible and Coupe. It creates light-and-shade effects to give the entire rear end a flatter and smoother appearance.
The exterior mirrors also receive a new design, adding further innovation to the unique looks of the BMW 3-Series Convertible and Coupe. They blend harmoniously into the side view and silhouette of each new model.

Interior: a truly stylish ambiance
The emphasis on individual style, dynamic performance and exclusivity continues within the interior. Here again, the focus is on the driving experience, as announced by the standard leather multifunction steering wheel. Horizontal lines dominate the surfaces on and around the instrument panel which blend with the lines of the center console door panels to give the interior a light but dynamic feel. In true BMW fashion, all operational and informational elements essential to driving are grouped on and around the steering wheel. Climate controls, as well as those for the audio and navigation systems, are within easy reach of the front passenger.

Because the Convertible and Coupe are four-passenger cars, the rear seat passengers are treated to a center console between their individual rear seats which includes individual storage boxes, additional air outlet vents, and footwell lights.

All-new turbocharged engine with Valvetronic for 335i
BMW 3-Series Convertible and Coupe customers have a choice of two inline-6 engines that are the worlds' finest. The 328i features 230 horsepower while the 335i has 300 horsepower and is the first inline-6 equipped with a single twin-scroll turbocharger, BMW's Valvetronic throttle-less intake technology, High Precision direct fuel injection, and all-aluminum construction.

The 335i's new inline-6 engine displaces 3.0-liters and develops 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 is the same level of performance as the previous 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-6 but with the innovation of twin-scroll technology and the integration of Valvetronic, this new engine is even more fuel efficient.

Historically, BMW engineers were never satisfied with the most often-cited downside to turbocharging: the frustrating "turbo lag" that occurs between the time at which driver presses the accelerator pedal and when the turbocharger develops sufficient rotation to increase power. Turbo lag is usually worse at low engine speeds. Other drawbacks included relatively high fuel consumption and poor emissions output. At the time, turbocharger technology was not a reliable, practical or efficient was to make power. For these and other reasons, BMW put turbocharged gasoline engines on the shelf for more than 20 years.

2 recent developments caused BMW to reconsider turbocharging. While many luxury-performance carmakers began to achieve power gains by building engines of ever-increasing displacement, BMW looked for a more efficient way; smaller engines and turbocharging made sense. Also, the technology transfer from BMW's turbocharged diesel engines could easily be transferred to their gasoline-fired counterparts. Accordingly, BMW articulated its new approach to developing high-performance engines as part of its EfficientDynamics initiative.

The new N55 is the first BMW inline-6 to combine turbocharging, High Precision direct fuel injection, and Valvetronic variable intake technology. It features a single, mid-sized turbocharger with a "twin-scroll" housing to boost performance and minimize the response lag. Thanks to its housing design which maintains proper separation between streams of exhaust gasses, the turbocharger builds up pressure much faster than previous-generation turbochargers, thus eliminating even the slightest tendency for lag.

A further advantage of turbocharging is that this is the most weight-efficient method to boost engine power and performance. The N55 turbocharged inline-6 weighs approximately 150 lbs. less than an equally powerful eight-cylinder engine displacing 4.0 liters. This lower weight means a significant advantage not only in fuel economy, but also in balancing the car's weight distribution.

Using Valvetronic for the first time on a turbocharged inline-6 allows the engine to "inhale" air for combustion with virtually no delay and with reduced pumping losses. As a result, the engine makes power more quickly than ever before, and this is proven by the N55's ability to reach peak torque at 1200rpm, 200rpm earlier than its predecessor.

As a result, the technology in the BMW 335i Convertible and Coupe represents a significant achievement in terms of both performance and fuel efficiency. The advantages over a conventional turbocharged engine are not only clearly measurable, but easy to feel on the road.

Turbocharging typically includes intercooling of the engine's induction air, that is, cooling the compressed air that emerges, very much heated up by the compression process, from the turbocharger(s). Sometimes it's done with coolant; in the case of the N55 engine, it's accomplished with outside air. Intercooling is necessary to reduce the temperature of the incoming air to preclude detonation or "knocking" that can reduce power or, in the extreme, damage the engine. Of course, the N55, like all other current BMW engines, is equipped with knock control as part of the Digital Motor Electronics (DME) engine management system. On the N55 engine, the DME is now mounted directly to the top of the engine for better packaging and weight savings.

The significant loads and cylinder pressures of the N55 300-hp engine required the use of an aluminum engine structure with cast-iron cylinder sleeves. Altogether, the N55 weighs about 427 lbs. The 335i Convertible and Coupe dual exhaust system runs at both sides of the vehicle. At low loads, a flap channels most gas through one side to reduce low-frequency exhaust "rumble." The 335i Convertible and Coupe feature an air-to-oil external oil cooler mounted in one wheel well as opposed to the N52's coolant-to-oil unit.

The peak power of 300 hp at 5800rpm has already been mentioned; this is fully 70 hp up on the 2011 328i models. At least as important is the fact that this engine can deliver its peak torque from 1200 rpm - not far above idling - to 5000 rpm. On the road, this power and torque result in outstanding performance. The 335i Convertible and Coupe can accelerate from 0 - 60 mph in just 5.3 (5.5) seconds and 5.5 (5.7) seconds, respectively, when equipped with the manual (automatic) transmission. The sense of urgency continues all the way to the electronically limited top speed of 130 mph (150 mph when equipped with the optional Sport Package). The 335i xDrive coupe accelerates 0-60 mph in 5.2 (5.3) seconds when equipped with the manual (automatic) transmission.

Finally, the new N55 engine is able to achieve a more favorable emissions signature than its predecessor. The single turbocharger has only one exhaust path and feeds a single catalytic converter in place of the previous engine's two. This means the exhaust gases are concentrated at the catalytic converter for better cold-start emissions performance, making the N55 a more environmentally friendly engine.

The 328i Convertible is powered by BMW's 230 horsepower, 200 lb-ft, 3.0-liter inline-6 engine, known internally as the N52. Its magnesium/aluminum construction and Valvetronic variable valve lift are features found only on BMW engines. The N52 achieves impressive progress on all performance and technology fronts, especially in its remarkably light weight of 357 lbs. An aluminum/magnesium engine block, hollow camshafts, plastic camshaft cover, improved combustion chambers, a further evolved Double VANOS[1], higher fuel injection pressure, sophisticated engine electronics, an electric coolant pump, a variable-volume oil pump and an oil/coolant heat exchanger are the other weight-saving features and improvements of this engine over previous generations.

For the Coupes:  xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive.

The 2011 BMW 335i xDrive Coupe combines intelligent all-wheel drive with the power of BMW's new 300-horsepower, turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 engine. Likewise, the 2011 BMW 328i xDrive Coupe will impress with its 230-hp, 3.0-liter inline-6 engine featuring magnesium-aluminum construction. On smooth, dry roads BMW's xDrive gives a sporty, rear-wheel drive feel. But on a wet or snow-covered road, xDrive automatically sends more torque to the axle with more traction. BMW's xDrive is the most sophisticated and responsive all-wheel drive system on the market today. It has proven its merits, in terms of agility and safety, in the 19 BMW models currently offered with xDrive in the U.S.

For the Convertibles: Sun-Reflective Leather cooler seats
BMW is the first carmaker in the world to use sun-reflective technology to mitigate temperatures on leather seating, armrest surfaces, headrests, and gear shifter. The process uses modified color pigments imbedded in the leather during the production process to reflect the infrared radiation of the sun in wavelengths of more than 720 nanometers.

This leather treatment is able to reduce surface temperatures on dark interior colors by up to 20 Celsius degrees (36 Fahrenheit degrees), and also offers advantages on light-colored upholstery, where the heating effect of sunshine is less severe, reducing the surface temperature by as much as 15 Celsius degrees (27 Fahrenheit degrees). All other qualities of the leather remained unchanged.

BMW


BMW, 2011
= BMW 3-Series Convertible  
= BMW 3-Series Coupe

Isuzu

Isuzu, 2008
= Isuzu Pick-Up

Isuzu, 2007
= Isuzu Ascender

Honda

Honda
Honda, 2012
= Honda Accord Coupe Concept


Honda, 2011
 

Honda, 2010
= Honda Accord Crosstour
= Honda CRV US Version

Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz, 2011
= Mercedes-Benz F125 Concept
= Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG US Version

Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz

Volkswagen

Volkswagen, 2011
= Volkswagen Cross Polo

Pagani

Pagani, 2009
= Pagani Zonda Cinque

Koenigsegg

Koenigsegg
= Koenigsegg Agera R

Lamborghini

Lamborghini, 2008
= Lamborghini Reventon

McLaren

McLaren

McLaren, 2011

= McLaren MP4-12C 
= McLaren MP4-12C GT3

McLaren, 1993
= McLaren F1
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