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 Pics of BMW's upcoming 2011 3 Series Coupe and Convertible hit the web last week, which has been revamp with some new styling details and a new engine.
So far, the changes will effect the 2011 328i and 335i, with a look at the new sedan coming soon. The new models will go on sale later this spring, however, pricing for the upcoming models have not been revealed.
According to the Auto Blog:
The most immediately noticeable change are headlamp clusters that get a subtle reshaping to go along with a wider grille and reworked lower front fascia. At the rear, the taillamps retain the same shape, but the reflectors are redesigned with some of the light-pipe styling found in other recent Bimmers.
The 3 Series coupe will now be offered with xDrive all-wheel drive, while the 3 Series convertible gets a new solar reflective leather upholstery that BMW claims helps keep seat temperatures down when the lid is open.
The most significant updates come underhood, where the much lauded twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six is being replaced by a new single turbo version. The revised engine, dubbed N55, has recently been launched in the 740i and the 535i Gran Turismo. The twin scroll turbo has dual exhaust inlets that allow the engineers to better balance the pulses coming in to spin up the turbine faster. This is expected to reduce the turbo lag that some drivers complained about with the outgoing twin turbo setup.
BMW also claims it has reduced cold-start emissions by routing all the exhaust gases through a single, larger catalytic converter that heats up faster. On the intake side, the throttle is eliminated thanks to the addition of BMW's Valvetronic variable valve control system. The N55 also gets direct fuel injection. The end result is the same 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque as before, but with a fatter torque curve that maintains its peak from 1,200 - 5,000 rpm.
The new engine will be "quicker, more fuel efficient, and cleaner-running," said USA Today. And, offers an optional six-speed Steptronic automatic and still has "pull-style" shift paddles on the steering wheel.
Current 3 Series models start at $37,075 for the 328i Coupe, $42,535 for the 335i Coupe, $45,875 for the 328i Convertible and $52,075 for the 335i Convertible.
Head over to BMW.com for more info.
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