BMW
BMW 3 series 2012
Barcelona, Spain. BMW no longer, when it seemed it was not possible to fix the main sport sedan, which means the iconic 3 Series, happy surprises us again with a separation was achieved primarily in relation to a direct competitor, the C-Class Mercedes – Benz and Audi A4 and become more man to beat.
Series 3 is arguably the most important vehicles for BMW, responsible for the reputation of Bavarian manufacturer and model of the most important in terms of volume, accounting for more than a third of total sales. Since its debut in 1975 and during the five previous generations, it has moved 12.5 million units, making it clear that it is the largest premium car industry.
For the sixth generation to be sold from February 11, 2012 in almost all markets (132 countries), BMW is not only concerned to defend the values that make the Series 3 of the best in its class, but also has focused on making more efficient, comfortable and technologically advanced than before.
The new crown jewel, a new 4-cylinder Turbo
While retaining those aspects as the rear or the weight distribution of 50% on each axis, the BMW 3 Series 2012 to take advantage of all available weapons technology at home in Munich, leaving the traditional six-cylinder naturally aspirated engine to a brand new entry-level version outstanding (called 328), this mechanical Power Twin Turbo 4-cylinder and 2.0 liters displacement generate numbers that are not less than 245hp and 221 lb-ft of torque available from 1.250 turns and can be coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission with manual mode efficient catapult you from 0 – 100 km / h in just 5.9 seconds (335 in 5.5 seconds). This is thanks though slightly larger than its predecessor, up to 40 pounds lighter thanks to the use of high strength aluminum and steel.
The range-topping 335 will remain six-cylinder engine with a remarkable 3.0-liter twin-turbo, with 306hp.
Cutting edge technology
Technological leap recorded for the entry of various systems such as Control Driving Experience allows the driver to choose between four driving programs: Sport +, Sport, Leisure and ECO PRO. While each program to modify the response: the gas pedal, the speed of transmission shifting, engine management, the direction of rigid and even the level of intrusion by the help of electronics to sports mode + PRO ECO mode, which is a complete novelty, and the fact that in addition to the above approach to achieve maximum efficiency, it also modifies the way to operate the air conditioner or energy demand from a variety of devices to achieve the overall level of consumption and lower emissions. Also present standard systems such as energy recovery from braking or Stars & Stop.
On the other hand, all of the innovative safety systems that are present in between track change notifications, automatic cruise control proximity warning, attendance in the blind spot, side view Side and Rear View camera together to produce top Display, Parking Assistant, adaptive light and so on.
Inside, the most notable development is the Head Up display that displays full color not only information on the current speed or instructions the browser, but also warns the driver about the speed limit or if possible whether or not to pass. While high-resolution screen that somehow resembles an LED TV or Smartphone art where you can see all the functions associated with vehicles such as audio, browser, vehicle settings, etc..
Some Personality
BMW offers three lines of equipment that allows customers to choose three different personality types:
Sports: This is a variant of the most athletic and youthful appearance, the exterior is marked with 18-inch double five-spoke, sporty fascias, grille and mirrors in black and fully black interior with red stitching on seats, steering wheel and door panels, brushed insert aluminum with a red line around the board.
Modern: This is a new version, which aims to offer luxury with a sustainable and innovative manner, the interior is dominated by tones, including the dashboard, console and instrument cluster, wood inserts also have a touch matte finish and resembles coarse pores open varnished wood . Outside view more controlled with less aggressive fascias, turbine-shaped wheels and grill in metallic tones.
Luxury: This is the most luxurious and traditionally known classic BMW, with exterior details in chrome, wheels, thin arms and wood interior inserts in glossy, black dashboard and steering wheel with contrasting tones of clothes.
Management
to verify the dynamic capabilities of the new 3 Series, 2012, through the secondary winding road on the outskirts of Barcelona, where they showed composure, feedback and agility of the vehicle. Series 3 is the epitome of a sports sedan, with superb handling and evidence of perfection that has made the brand to move innovative technologies that have been presented in more expensive models such as the Series 7 or Series 6 for vehicles “that are relatively accessible”. But without ever losing focus that goes all the electronics behind when it comes to good management, because in this matter weight distribution, rear, communicative steering, suspension tuning and basic structural stiffness values of each vehicle that aims to provide useful management.
To bring the end of the sixth generation Series 3, the Circuit de Cataluña opened for us, this F1 track has several fast corners that are very technical because of the change in height is a perfect place to find the greatest virtue of the BMW. The four-cylinder Iturbi has resulted as expected in the Bavarian motor, a real miracle, no need to even make the 3.0-liter inline-six.
Virtually no delays in providing turbo charger and the elasticity is incredible torque is always available and even better is that the transmission of eight rapid changes and well sorted, so it makes a perfect combination to harness the full power and placed on the rear wheels so invincible.
At the end of the test on a new 2012 328i can say that:
- BMW has made a new high benchmark for sports sedans that aspire to the scepter of Series 3.
- This is one of the best four-cylinder engines in the world, so much so that questions need to invest more dollars to six-cylinder engine which incidentally is the most awarded engine last time.
- Almost no single gadget that these vehicles offer.
- If the entry model is so agile, fast and fun, the next M3 will tell you a story worthy.
- There will soon be offering ActiveHybrid3 340HP.