BMW Makes Four World Debuts

The all-new 3 Series, the new M6, the revised 2006 7 Series and the 130i make their world debuts at the 75^th Geneva Auto Show on March 1st.

BMW 3 Series Saloon
The fifth generation of the world’s most successful compact sports saloon offers even more driving dynamics, motoring comfort, and generous space inside. Even more powerful and fuel-efficient engines with both four and six cylinders, innovative assistance systems, a wide range of safety features, as well as a superior standard of equipment round off this concept for success. All models in the 3 Series come as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox. Six-speed automatic, in turn, is available as an option.

BMW M6
The M6 is the most sophisticated and powerful BMW 6 Series Coupé there has ever been: Beneath the elegant lightweight body of this luxurious 2+2-seater lurks a thoroughbred super sports car boasting a V10 power unit, 507 hp maximum output, 520 Nm/383 lb-ft maximum torque, seven-speed SMG, and a superior chassis and suspension.

Updated BMW 7 Series
Having reached the middle of its lifecycle, BMW’s most successful luxury saloon is being updated by discreet refinement in design, even more powerful and economical engines with both six and eight cylinders, as well as an even wider range of standard features.

BMW 130i
Developing maximum output of 190 kW/258 hp, the new top-of- the-range model in BMW’s compact class is certainly the ultimate driving machine in its segment. The new straight-six power unit develops maximum torque of 300 Nm/221 lb-ft, accelerating the 130i from a standstill to 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds. Top speed is limited electronically to 250 km/h or 155 mph.

Entering the market, the new BMW 3 Series is setting out from the start with three petrol engines and one diesel power unit. All four of these engines offer a significant increase in power and performance, motoring refinement, and all-round economy. Indeed, each of these new power units is a highlight for itself in its own right. Six-cylinder with crankcase made of extra-light magnesium. Developing 190 kW/258 hp, the straight-six in the top-of-the-range BMW 330i outperforms its predecessors by 20 kW or 27 hp. Maximum torque of 300 Nm or 221 lb-ft is maintained consistently between 2,500 and 4,000 rpm, making this the most powerful and lightest six-cylinder in its segment.To reduce weight to a minimum, BMW is for the first time using magnesium in large-volume production, that is a material 30 per cent lighter than aluminium. This very special and efficient material is used specifically on the crankcase and the crankshaft bearings as well as on the cylinder head cover.

A further new feature in the six-cylinder is Valvetronic engine management masterminding the engine opening period and intake valve lift infinitely as a function of the gas pedal position. This allows even more efficient use of the fuel supply and makes the engine even more responsive. These qualities are further enhanced by double-VANOS variable camshaft management on both the intake and the outlet valves. The BMW 330i accelerates from 0–100 km/h in 6.3 seconds.

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