World Debut for 330xi With All-Wheel Drive
- High-Performance M3 MakesFirst Appearance in North America
- 2001 7 Series Poised to Hit Showrooms
- A Glimpse At The Future: Z9 Gran Turismo Concept Car
Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, April 19, 2000...Two new BMW production models, the full
range of flagship 7 Series sedans and an exciting new concept car will make either world
or North American debuts at the New York International Auto Show, April 22-30 at the Jacob
K. Javits Convention Center.
Photo: Jeff Orlando
Making it's world debut will be the 330xi, a sporty four-door 3 Series sedan with two
significant highlights - full-time all-wheel drive and a powerful new 3.0-liter,
225-horsepower, inline six-cylinder engine. Appearing for the first time in North America
will be the all-new high-performance M3 coupe, with performance capabilities that elevate
the already high standards for which BMW M is known. The full range of 7 Series sedans
will make their first appearance as 2001 models, set to arrive in showrooms momentarily.
And finally, BMW will offer a glimpse into the future with the first North American
appearance of the Z9 gran turismo concept car.
- BMW 330xi: More Grip In Bad Weather, More Power All The Time
The new 330xi, making it's world debut at New York, looks like a typical BMW 3 Series
sedan, but incorporates two significant features - a new 3.0-liter, 225-horsepower inline
six-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive technology. All- wheel drive technology was last
available on a BMW 3 Series sedan in 1991, as the 325iX.
BMW 3 Series sedans have been praised for their all-around driving performance, as well
as the driving "feel" they impart to the driver. BMW's commitment to rear wheel
drive plays an important part in providing the kind of driving exhilaration that a 3
Series delivers. Standard Dynamic Stability Control combined with rear wheel drive and a
near 50/50 weight balance provides the current 3 Series models with traction capabilities
that will handle most any driving situation or weather condition. Yet, for drivers who
want the absolute maximum traction capability in severe winter climates, the addition of
all-wheel drive as an option provides even more capability for extreme weather and road
conditions. The all-wheel drive system of the 330xi, like that of the BMW X5 Sports
Activity Vehicle, is a full-time system, requiring no shifting or switching by the driver
to engage it. The power is delivered 38 percent to the front wheels and 62 percent to the
rear wheels, providing power to all wheels, while retaining the excellent driving feel of
a rear wheel drive car. A special version of BMW's Dynamic Stability Control - DSC-X - is
standard and uses the throttle and brakes to help control vehicle stability when
cornering. The ride height is increased by 0.7-inch versus the standard 3 Series sedan.
The new 3.0-liter engine replaces the former 2.8-liter engine, upping the horsepower
from 193 to 225 and the torque from 206 lb.-ft. to 214 lb.-ft. Acceleration is expected to
be nearly that of the previous M3 model, with expected 0-60 mph times in the low six
second range. The 3.0-liter six made its debut in the 2001 X5 3.0i Sports Activity Vehicle
and is the largest displacement engine yet available in a standard 3 Series model. In
addition to the 330xi, the new 3.0-liter engine will also be available in the 330i sedan,
the 330Ci coupe and the 330Ci convertible. |
