giovedì 6 maggio 2010

BMW 335i Sedal

3.0-liter, inline 6-cylinder engine with TwinPower Turbo technology
300 horsepower
Rear-wheel drive
28 mpg hwy*
3.0-liter, turbocharged 6-cylinder engine, 300 hp
Generating 300 hp and 300 lb.-ft. of torque at 1400-1500 rpms, this advanced inline six is our first turbocharged engine offered in the U.S. in decades. Turbo lag has been virtually eliminated, thanks to Double-VANOS "steplessly" variable valve timing, direct fuel injection, and BMW's inspired use of the latest TwinPower Turbo technology. By using direct fuel injection - a high precision fuel injection system - we have overcome the traditionally poor gas mileage of turbocharging. The engine's innovative design includes an all-aluminum engine block with cast iron sleeves for durability, and a direct fuel injection system that also cools the engine. A cooler engine allows for a higher compression ratio (10.2:1 vs. 6:1 and 7:1 in other turbos), which translates into superior emission control, greater fuel efficiency and, most importantly, a thrilling performance.
Active Cruise Control
Active Cruise Control is an advanced version of conventional cruise control systems. After setting the chosen speed and pre-set distance, radar measurements allow you to maintain a pre-set distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead in highway driving. As soon as sensors determine you are closing in on a vehicle ahead, the system automatically slows down to retain your pre-set distance. Once the distance has increased back to the chosen limit, the system automatically accelerates to return your vehicle to its pre-set speed.

*Active Cruise Control is not a substitute for the driver's own responsibility in adjusting speed and otherwise controlling the vehicle. Due to the road, traffic and visibility conditions, the driver decides whether and how the system is used.
Source by bmwusa

BMW 328i xDrive Sedan



3.0-liter, inline 6-cylinder engine
230 horsepower
xDrive, intelligent all-wheel-drive
26 mpg hwy*



xDrive, intelligent all-wheel-drive system
Unlike other all-wheel-drive systems, we've built ours with rear wheel bias for surefooted grip on slick roads, without sacrificing the feel of rear wheel drive. It smartly sends power to the wheel or wheels with the surest footing - and it does so in milliseconds. That means under normal conditions, drive forces are spread out with a rear-wheel bias. But the moment the system senses excessive wheel slip, it subtly shifts torque to meet the changing conditions, offering maximum available traction and superior handling on all surfaces.
 Comfort Access system offers an even greater degree of convenience: keyless access to your car. Simply carrying the remote key in a pocket allows you to unlock the doors by touching the door handle. You can also turn the engine on or off by pressing the Start/Stop button* without first inserting the remote key.

*Foot must be on brake or, with manual transmission, must also depress the clutch in order to start.


It's a sound experience as remarkable as the BMW driving experience. Unlike traditional stereo systems, Logic7 routes two-channel (stereo) sound through a seven-channel playback matrix to create 360-degree Surround Sound. The anti-theft AM/FM stereo CD/MP3 player audio system includes 13 upgraded speakers (including 2 subwoofers), Digital Sound Processing (DSP), Radio Data System (RDS), Auto-Store and 3-channel FM diversity antenna, and it displays MP3 song title and artist.






Source by bmwusa

BMW 328i Sedan








3.0-liter, inline 6-cylinder engine
230 horsepower
Rear-wheel drive



It's a sound experience as remarkable as the BMW driving experience. Unlike traditional stereo systems, Logic7 routes two-channel (stereo) sound through a seven-channel playback matrix to create 360-degree Surround Sound. The anti-theft AM/FM stereo CD/MP3 player audio system includes 13 upgraded speakers (including 2 subwoofers), Digital Sound Processing (DSP), Radio Data System (RDS), Auto-Store and 3-channel FM diversity antenna, and it displays MP3 song title and artist.

Can a vehicle be too responsive? Not if you're looking for a dynamic performance that actually adapts to the way you drive. Our 6-speed STEPTRONIC automatic transmission adapts to every driver differently, resulting in improved gear shifting, a more responsive performance, and reduced fuel consumption.

It operates in three modes: sport, which features higher shift points for more lively response; drive, which incorporates BMW's Adaptive Transmission Control; and manual, which allows the driver to assume control of gear selection.

In short, 6-speed automatic transmission provides faster, smoother shifting and enhanced fuel-economy. And if equipped with our Formula 1 inspired steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, you can upshift and downshift quickly without using a clutch.

 These self-supporting tires with integrated reinforcements allow tires that have experienced a loss of air pressure to maintain their shape and full use. In fact, you can drive on a flat for up to 150 miles at reduced speeds, so you don't have to stop in an unsafe area to change a tire or wait for roadside assistance.*

* Cars with run-flat tires do not come equipped with a spare tire. Due to low profile tires, please note that wheels, tires and suspension parts are more susceptible to road hazard and consequential damages.


Source by bmwusa

BMW 128i Coupe





128i Coupe
40 years in the making.
Starting at $29,150 MSRP
3.0-liter, inline 6-cylinder engine
230 horsepower
Rear-wheel drive
28 mpg hwy*
What makes a BMW a BMW
What sets the 1 Series apart is what sets BMW apart—an unyielding dedication to the joy of driving. The BMW formula is succinct: Power. Performance. Premium design. Executed with innovation and efficiency.


More specifically—and unlike our competition—BMW maintains an unwavering belief in rear-wheel drive for superior handling. Near-perfect 50:50 weight balance for maximum agility, traction, and control. And a lightweight chassis and finely-tuned suspension for a sporty, yet comfortable ride.

All driven by independent thinking and an uncompromising culture of ideas. It’s how all BMWs become Ultimate Driving Machines.
Trust BMW Assist to help you with your busy life through the optional Convenience Plan, available to all Safety Plan subscribers. When you're on the road, the Convenience Plan offers a helping hand 24/7.
Whenever you need it, receive personalized Directions, Traffic and Weather reports, BMW Search and Concierge services to not only recommend restaurants and hotels, but then send the destination address and phone number right to your BMW. You can make up to four operator-assisted calls per year with Critical Calling if your cell phone is not available or its battery is discharged.







Source by bmwusa

mercoledì 5 maggio 2010

Le Futur: Audi R8 E-tron Makes an Appearance at Le Mans EV Demonstration

Before the roaring race cars took to the Circuit de la Sarthe for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, only the squeal of protesting tires could be heard as Audi’s E-tron, clothed in an R8 skin, took to the track.

Audi gave fans a demonstration of its electric sports car before the endurance race began as part of “Le Mans vers le futur.” Vers le futur was a demonstration run specifically for electric vehicles to showcase the future of sports cars. Five-time Le Mans winner Frank Biela was behind the wheel to put the R8 E-tron through its paces.


Audi has shown no less than two E-tron sports car concepts, a larger one at the Frankfurt auto show last year, and a second, smaller one in Detroit this year. Both concept models were based on the R8 platform. The E-tron that took to the track was based on Frankfurt’s larger, more powerful E-tron, sans fancy concept exterior.

R8 E-tron used the same powertrain setup as the E-tron shown at Frankfurt, with electric motors driving each wheel to give it Audi’s signature Quattro all-wheel-drive. In total, the motors put out 313 horsepower and 3319 pound-feet of torque, according to Audi, but we’ve shown that to be more like 252 pound-feet of torque at the crankshaft. However you look at the torque, it’s enough to propel the car to 62 mph in 4.8 seconds.

The car continues with the R8’s handling balance as the batteries are placed behind the driver where the gasoline engine would sit in a conventional R8. This gives the car a 42:58 front/rear weight balance, but the car exhibits extremely neutral handling coupled with Audi’s centrally controlled electric Quattro all-wheel-drive. Also featured was active torque vectoring, seen on the new S4’s optional rear differential, but because of the nature of the centrally controlled electric motors, it can be implemented only by using electronics on the E-tron.

We know Audi is planning a production E-tron to compete with Mercedes-Benz’s upcoming electric SLS AMG. Audi has also made no secret about turning E-tron into a corporate sub-brand similar to TDI or Quattro. The first of the E-trons is slated to go into production alongside the R8 and Lamborghini Gallardo next year.

Was the R8 E-tron taken around the Circuit de la Sarthe our first look at the production car?

Source: Audi