| A new BMW for every day of the month
BMW has announced the start of production and prices for a plethora of new models, making September 2006 BMW's largest ever single month for model introductions in the UK. A total of 32 new models will arrive, including the new 3 Series Coupe, the revised X3 Sports Activity Vehicle and, BMW's most expensive model ever, the new BMW M6 Convertible. New engine derivatives for 3 Series Saloon and Touring, and Exclusive Editions for the 7 Series range, also join the BMW line up.
BMW 3 Series Coupe
The third generation of 3 Series Coupe goes on sale in the UK on 23 September 2006. It also marks the introduction of the first ever twin-turbo petrol-powered engine in a production BMW as well as pioneering High Precision Direct Injection technology, in the range-topping 335i Coupe.
Two models will be available at launch, the entry-level 2.5-litre 325i SE Coupe and 3.0-litre 335i SE Coupe (335i denoting the twin-turbo model). The 330i Coupe, and two three-litre diesel variants, the 330d SE and 335d SE Coupes will follow in October. Both diesels displace 2,993cc but the 335d SE uses BMW's Variable Twin Turbocharger technology that, unlike the twin-turbo petrol, uses different sized turbochargers to generate 286hp and 580Nm of torque. The 330d's single turbocharged engine delivers 231hp and 500Nm.
From the front, side and rear, the car is clearly related to other 3 Series models but has its own, classically elongated, shape. Adopting BMW's typical Coupe proportions of long wheelbase, short overhangs, long bonnet, cabin set to the rear and a low, sleek roofline, the new 3 Series Coupe has an elegant profile. It offers close technical ties to the Saloon and Touring, but visually contains only three identical parts, the BMW roundel badge, the side indicators and the door handles.
The new BMW X3
The new BMW X3 will offer buyers the very latest in engine technology. BMW's successful Sports Activity Vehicle now comes powered by a total of five different engines. BMW X3 2.5si and 3.0si models complement three diesel-powered models - the frugal X3 2.0d up to the headline-grabbing Variable Twin Turbo 3.0-litre engine in the X3 3.0sd (as in the 535d and 335d models).
Alongside the introduction of new engines, BMW's designers have subtly altered the car to freshen its appeal and improved the quality of materials and surface finishes. At the front, a larger kidney grille sits above a redesigned front bumper and colour-coded spoiler, with the front fog lights now incorporated into the main section of the bodywork. The X3 3.0sd rides on 18-inch light alloy wheels as standard while larger twin exhaust pipes protrude from under the rear valance.
The side profile remains true to the original X3, but the rear new light clusters feature LED light rods. The styling of the rear bodywork has also changed with colour-coded panels now extending lower into the bumper.
BMW M6 Convertible
The BMW M6 Convertible - the highlight of BMW's stand at the British International Motorshow - goes on sale in September, priced at UK Pounds Sterling 86,400. Powered by the 5.0-litre V10 International Engine of the Year and using a host of F1-derived technology, the BMW M6 Convertible combines all the performance of the M6 Coupe but with the added luxury of open-air motoring.
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