BMW 2007 - Modernization of Tradition
BMW, or Bavarian Motor Work (named in 1917), was
started in 1913, producing aircraft engines. In the pre-war years, BMW only
produced aircraft engines and motor cycles. It first ventured into
manufacturing cars with the Dixi, a small and cheap model. The company
gained its reputation with the 2 liter sports car, 328, in 1936.
After WWII, BMW started its own mass production car. The BMW model 501
was released in 1951, followed by the BMW 507. But it was the 1500,
released in 1962 which was BMW’s first real success in cars, leading to the
more successful 02 series. With the powerful 2002 and 2002 turbo, BMW
emerged as an expert of sports sedans. The M cars were started in 1972, the
same year that the 5 Series was released.
Even with the 3 Series, launched by BMW in 1975, others did not
realize the potential of the sports sedan in the automobile market. When
Mercedes finally entered the market with their 190E in 1985, the 3 Series
was already in its second generation, and the third generation was even more
successful.
BMW continued churning out successes, one after the other, including the 7
Series introduced in the early 80s. However, not all their decisions were
successful. The replacement of the 6 Series by the big and expensive but
cramped 8 Series was a failure. The Z3 roadster also received much
criticism about its handling and styling. Of course, BMW did not make such
mistakes in its main stream sedan models.
Let’s take a look at what BMW has in store for the 2007 model year:
BMW, after much consideration, has decided to bring its 1 series to the
American market with the 1 Series Compact Sedan. It will be built
along the same lines as the current 1 series hatchback. The US version of
the vehicle is expected to be powered by a 3 liter inline six, producing
approximately 218 horsepower. With a long wheelbase for maximum passenger
room, this sedan will also be offered with an optional all wheel drive,
which will not be available as a standard feature.
Also in line is the BMW 3 Series Midsize Coupe and Convertible. The
big news for the 2007 BMW 330Ci convertible is a new three piece retractable
hard top. The convertible is expected to use the same pair of 3 liter
engines that are found in the current 3 series, the Z4 and X5 lineups. The
two straight sixes, delivering 215 hp or 225 hp, depending on their level of
tune, have enough power to satisfy most convertible fans. And if you are
looking for more excitement, the 335Ci is the car for you. It will be the
first application of BMW’s new twin turbo, straight six engine, delivering
300 hp and 295 lb ft of torque.
BMW will finally give enthusiasts of its 7 Series flagship something new to
consider with the debut of the B7 – a 7 Series Large Sedan, modified
by longtime BMW tuner Alpina. It is powered by a 4.4 liter V8 that produces
500 hp and 516 lb ft of torque. The sport suspension includes BMW’s Active
Roll Stabilization and rides on 21” Alpina wheels wrapped in Z rated tires.
The M6 Midsize Convertible will share the hardtop’s DOHC 5 liter V10,
which makes 500 hp and 383 lb ft of torque and is mated to a seven speed
sequential manual gearbox. The convertible will weigh about 400 lbs more
than the coupe, but performance is in no way affected. Features on the M6
convertible include a variable M differential lock for super traction, an M
Power button, electronic damper control, a head up display and a new
generation dynamic stability control.
The BMW X3 Midsize SUV isn’t scheduled for a full redesign until mid
2009, but the compact crossover will get a mid cycle freshening for the 2007
model year. A significant change is the new engine, a DOHC 3 liter inline
six cylinder that gives 260 hp and 225 lb ft of torque. In the 2007 X3
3.0si, the engine is connected to a standard six speed manual gearbox, with
a new six speed Steptronic automatic offered as a no cost option instead of
the current five speed automatic. The exterior makeover has restyled front
and rear bumpers, grill, head and tail lamps and wheels. The cabin is also
upgraded with new materials and wood trim. Options include adaptive head
lamps, adaptive break lights, 18 and 19 inch alloy wheels and heated rear
seats.
The 2007 BMW X5 Midsize SUV retains the basic appearance of its seven
year old predecessor in a larger body shell supported by an all new platform
with the most advanced underpinnings the four wheel drive class has to
offer. However, underneath the familiar sheet metal the luxury SUV has
several changes. The suspension is BMW’s usual combination of McPherson
struts and multilinks, with up market models getting air springs to smooth
out the ride. Among the options are the company’s Adaptive Drive and Active
Steering systems, all networked with a newly developed electronics system
named “Flex Ray”. The engine choices at launch include a pair of 3 liter
inline six cylinder units delivering 272 hp in gasoline guise and 231 hp in
common rail diesel form. The exterior styling draws heavily on the first
generation model, with subtly altered detailing. It is 7.5 inches longer and
2.4 inches wider. The added length gives space for an optional third row of
seats, extending the X5’s seat count to seven.
BMW has, over the years, raised its standards and the quality of their
lines, meeting our expectations every time. Obviously, the 2007 line of cars
are also to be looked forward to with much anticipation. |
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