2012 BMW 3 Series renderings and spyshots (Hybrid coming)
05-18-10, 10:44 PM
#93
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05-19-10, 04:43 AM
#94
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GS 460: 17/24
GS 450h: 22/25
750: 15/22
750 hybrid: 15/22
Yeah the hybrid is rated for 17/19 as opposed to the non hybrid V8 13/18. The RX is the clear winner, but the ML isn't a bad deal either. 16/21 for the 350, 21/24 for the hybrid (which falls in between the V6 and V8 in terms of power ouput), and 13/18 for the 450. So not bad at all for a Merc.
GS 450h: 22/25
750: 15/22
750 hybrid: 15/22
Yeah the hybrid is rated for 17/19 as opposed to the non hybrid V8 13/18. The RX is the clear winner, but the ML isn't a bad deal either. 16/21 for the 350, 21/24 for the hybrid (which falls in between the V6 and V8 in terms of power ouput), and 13/18 for the 450. So not bad at all for a Merc.
05-19-10, 05:03 AM
#95
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If your going to compare hybrid to non-hybrid you have to do it fairly. The GS450h shares it's engine with the 350 not the 460
GS 350: 22mpg combined
GS 450h: 23 mpg combined
Just like the 7 series hybrid it only has 40 extra horsepower and it's price premium is ridiculous
GS 350: 22mpg combined
GS 450h: 23 mpg combined
Just like the 7 series hybrid it only has 40 extra horsepower and it's price premium is ridiculous
05-19-10, 06:16 AM
#96
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Those were different times for Lexus as they concentrated on performance aspect of hybrid technology.Starting with RX450h things changed drastically and hybrid models became fuel savers.
Maybe with new GS they will offer two hybrid models, one fuel efficient and one with performance aspirations, who knows.
05-19-10, 07:30 AM
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I agree but 450h outperforms 350 by a wide margin.
Those were different times for Lexus as they concentrated on performance aspect of hybrid technology.Starting with RX450h things changed drastically and hybrid models became fuel savers.
Maybe with new GS they will offer two hybrid models, one fuel efficient and one with performance aspirations, who knows.
Those were different times for Lexus as they concentrated on performance aspect of hybrid technology.Starting with RX450h things changed drastically and hybrid models became fuel savers.
Maybe with new GS they will offer two hybrid models, one fuel efficient and one with performance aspirations, who knows.
My point is that no should ****** on the 7 series hybrid (or any BMW hybrid) for any reason, when Lexus's GS450h/LS600hL are no better.
05-19-10, 10:02 AM
#98
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GS 450h cost more b/c you got more features standard and it was aimed at V-8 competitors not V-6 ones. Thus it being a 450h as in 4.5 liter V-8.
The 600hL is also loaded to the gills including AWD and is aimed at V-12 competitors.
In comparison the BMW hybrids are there to "assist" with the engine and aimed seemingly at a different market.
That is one thing. Just b/c it is a "Hybrid" does not mean its aimed for/at the same market or people.
The 600hL is also loaded to the gills including AWD and is aimed at V-12 competitors.
In comparison the BMW hybrids are there to "assist" with the engine and aimed seemingly at a different market.
That is one thing. Just b/c it is a "Hybrid" does not mean its aimed for/at the same market or people.
05-19-10, 10:59 AM
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I'm not against any of the luxury performance hybrids, but I do think it's a bit stupid to slam the BMW hybrids for being expensive and not efficient, when the same can be said of our beloved Lexus's performance hybrids for the most part.
But anyway I don't want to derail this 3 series thread with my own opinions, so I'll just leave it at that.
06-24-10, 02:17 PM
#100
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Spy shots of the 2013 BMW 3 series
The current E90 BMW 3-Series has been on the market since 2005, so it's only fitting that details about the next-gen model are beginning to circulate. Most agree that the next model will feature styling lifted, at least in part, from the Concept CS, though also expect to see a healthy dose of the new corporate styling debuted on the latest 7-Series.
These are the latest spy shots of a prototype for the new car, revealing very similar proportions to the current model although the wheelbase is slightly longer. Also, the prototype is in a very early phase so finer design elements and even the overall body shape could easily change before the new 3-Series’ final release date.
Due in 2012, the new car will pay special attention to efficiency and it will achieve that goal through extensive use of BMW's EfficientDynamics technology. Low drag aerodynamics, smaller engines, and high-tech electronics will combine to make the next 3-Series a step above the current car.
Aesthetically, designers will attempt to address criticisms of the current car's awkward styling and lack of interior space. The bonnet will likely sit much higher than on the current model to improve pedestrian safety, while the sides will be marked with a prominent character line and high beltline. Weight will be reduced thanks to the increased use of aluminum and other advanced materials in its construction.
A huge change for the 2012 car could be the addition of three-cylinder engines to the lineup. Though these wouldn't likely be seen in the U.S. during the first half of the next 3-series model life, they could eventually make their way across the pond if fuel efficiency and emissions regulations continue to tighten past 2016. We do know that a four-cylinder model, with turbocharging, will be offered in the U.S. with the arrival of the new car.
With a single turbo and 1.5-liters of displacement--effectively half of the current twin-turbo inline six-cylinder engine--the future three-cylinder models, meanwhile, would be good for anywhere from 150-170 horsepower and 150-220 pound-feet of torque, with the gasoline models weighing in lower on the torque scale than the diesel models. Paired with an ultra-efficient 8-speed transmission and more efficient auxiliary systems such as heating and cooling, the next-gen 3-Series is expected to deliver some seriously impressive economy.
One of the new advanced EfficientDynamics technologies to make its way into the next 3-Series will be a so-called 'air curtain'. Using a special series of ducts and vents, the system directs air in a manner such that it slips neatly over the wheels, which are normally an area of high turbulence, and therefore energy-sapping drag.
In addition to making the car more efficient overall, BMW is looking to make the next 3-Series less expensive to build and therefore to buy as it aims for larger volumes. Whether that will mean compromises in terms of total feature set or simply a lower-end range of models to entice entry-level luxury buyers is not clear, but pushing the 3-Series so far down-market could step on the toes of the 1-Series range and any future city cars coming from the Project i initiative.
Finally, as yet another measure to enhance efficiency while still delivering a BMW driving experience, expect to see the hybrid technology debuting on the X6 ActiveHybrid and ActiveHybrid 7 to eventually make its way to the 3-Series, albeit in somewhat reduced form. This technology will likely be especially targeted at U.S. buyers, since even by the car's mid-cycle revamp in 2016, there isn't likely to be widespread adoption of diesel-engined cars.
Of course, all of these details are still speculative at this point, but it's clear that BMW is pushing its mainstream offerings in a more efficient direction while still trying to maintain their engaging, driver-focused character. It is a difficult balancing act, but one that enthusiasts will enjoy seeing played out over the years to come.
These are the latest spy shots of a prototype for the new car, revealing very similar proportions to the current model although the wheelbase is slightly longer. Also, the prototype is in a very early phase so finer design elements and even the overall body shape could easily change before the new 3-Series’ final release date.
Due in 2012, the new car will pay special attention to efficiency and it will achieve that goal through extensive use of BMW's EfficientDynamics technology. Low drag aerodynamics, smaller engines, and high-tech electronics will combine to make the next 3-Series a step above the current car.
Aesthetically, designers will attempt to address criticisms of the current car's awkward styling and lack of interior space. The bonnet will likely sit much higher than on the current model to improve pedestrian safety, while the sides will be marked with a prominent character line and high beltline. Weight will be reduced thanks to the increased use of aluminum and other advanced materials in its construction.
A huge change for the 2012 car could be the addition of three-cylinder engines to the lineup. Though these wouldn't likely be seen in the U.S. during the first half of the next 3-series model life, they could eventually make their way across the pond if fuel efficiency and emissions regulations continue to tighten past 2016. We do know that a four-cylinder model, with turbocharging, will be offered in the U.S. with the arrival of the new car.
With a single turbo and 1.5-liters of displacement--effectively half of the current twin-turbo inline six-cylinder engine--the future three-cylinder models, meanwhile, would be good for anywhere from 150-170 horsepower and 150-220 pound-feet of torque, with the gasoline models weighing in lower on the torque scale than the diesel models. Paired with an ultra-efficient 8-speed transmission and more efficient auxiliary systems such as heating and cooling, the next-gen 3-Series is expected to deliver some seriously impressive economy.
One of the new advanced EfficientDynamics technologies to make its way into the next 3-Series will be a so-called 'air curtain'. Using a special series of ducts and vents, the system directs air in a manner such that it slips neatly over the wheels, which are normally an area of high turbulence, and therefore energy-sapping drag.
In addition to making the car more efficient overall, BMW is looking to make the next 3-Series less expensive to build and therefore to buy as it aims for larger volumes. Whether that will mean compromises in terms of total feature set or simply a lower-end range of models to entice entry-level luxury buyers is not clear, but pushing the 3-Series so far down-market could step on the toes of the 1-Series range and any future city cars coming from the Project i initiative.
Finally, as yet another measure to enhance efficiency while still delivering a BMW driving experience, expect to see the hybrid technology debuting on the X6 ActiveHybrid and ActiveHybrid 7 to eventually make its way to the 3-Series, albeit in somewhat reduced form. This technology will likely be especially targeted at U.S. buyers, since even by the car's mid-cycle revamp in 2016, there isn't likely to be widespread adoption of diesel-engined cars.
Of course, all of these details are still speculative at this point, but it's clear that BMW is pushing its mainstream offerings in a more efficient direction while still trying to maintain their engaging, driver-focused character. It is a difficult balancing act, but one that enthusiasts will enjoy seeing played out over the years to come.
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