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January 26, 2005
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This Week:

• The new BMW 3 Series Saloon - Unique Dynamics, Product Substance and Efficiency

• Honda Ridgeline Truck Unveiled at 2005 North American International Auto Show

• Toyota to Unveil All-New FJ Cruiser Sport Utility Vehicle at 2005 Chicago Auto Show

• Jaguar X-TYPE Diesel Now Even More Tax Efficient With EURO IV Emissions Compliance

• Hyundai and Kia Celebrate Grand Opening of a New $60 Million California-Based Proving Ground

• DaimlerChrysler Fuel Cell Vehicles Operate in Freezing Temperatures

• Mazda Europe Sales Up 20 Percent in 2004

• GM Reports 2004 Financial Results

• Ford Reports 2004 Net Income Of $3.5 Billion

• BMW: Dynamic growth in revenues in 2004 thanks to product and market initiative

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The new BMW 3 Series Saloon - Unique Dynamics, Product Substance and Efficiency

Car fans and aficionados everywhere have something great to look forward to next spring: The new BMW 3 Series is making its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show

Photo: Automotive Intelligence

World debut with four new engines

The new BMW 3 Series is entering the market with three petrol engines and one diesel. All four of these power units offer a significant increase in output, performance, motoring refinement, and economy. And each of them is a highlight in itself.

Six-cylinder with extra-light magnesium crankcase

Developing maximum output of 190 kW/258 bhp, the six-cylinder in the top-of-the-range model outperforms its predecessor by a significant 20 kW/27 bhp. Maximum torque of 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) comes consistently between 2,500 and 4,000 rpm. This is the most powerful and lightest six-cylinder in its segment.

To reduce the weight of the engine to an absolute minimum, BMW is using magnesium for the first time in volume production, with weight down by 30 per cent versus aluminium. Both the crankcase as well as the crankshaft bearings and the cylinder head cover are all made of this sophisticated ultra-light material.

The BMW 325i is also making its debut in spring 2005: Maximum output is 160 kW/218 bhp at 6,500 rpm, maximum torque 250 Nm/184 lb-ft between 2,750 and 4,250 rpm. Engine displacement, as the model designation indicates, is 2.5 litres.

BMW 320i with high-performance four-cylinder power unit

The new BMW 320i is the most powerful four-cylinder in the range. Based on the two-litre straight-four so far featured in the BMW 318i, this power unit is also equipped with VALVETRONIC and dual-VANOS variable camshaft adjustment, developing maximum output of 110 kW/150 bhp at 6,200 rpm and maximum torque of 200 Nm/147 lb-ft at 3,600 rpm. This accelerates the BMW 320i from 0-100 km/h in 9.0 seconds and gives the car a top speed of 220 km/h or 136 mph. Fuel consumption in the composite EU cycle is 7.4 litres/100 km or 38.2 mpg Imp. This increase in performance over the previous engine already acknowledged as very dynamic is attributable to detailed optimisation of the intake and exhaust ducts.

The range of petrol engines in the BMW 3 Series will naturally be enlarged step-by-step, a 'basic' four-cylinder supplementing the line-up in autumn 2005.

The 320d continuing the successful story of the Sports Diesel

Photo: BMW

In the BMW 320d diesel turns into pure dynamics. Featuring BMW's second-generation common-rail technology as well as an exhaust gas turbocharger with variable turbine geometry, this outstanding four-cylinder develops supreme output of 120 kW/163 bhp and equally supreme torque of 340 Nm/251 lb-ft at 2,000 rpm. In terms of both drive comfort and dynamic performance, the 320d is definitely 'best in segment'.

The car's acceleration obviously reflects this superior power, with acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 8.3 seconds. Top speed is 225 km/h or 140 mph, and fuel consumption in the composite EU cycle a mere 5.7 litres/100 km or 49.6 mpg Imp. And it goes without saying that the BMW 320d complies in full with the EU-4 emission standard.

Six-speed gearboxes on all models

All models come as standard with manual six-speed transmission or, as an option, with six-speed automatic. Benefitting from the additional gear, the closer gear ratios, as well as the larger increment between the smallest and largest gear, the driver is able to shift gears at exactly the right point for a smooth, ongoing surge of engine power. This is a particular advantage when setting off, with first gear being laid out for more muscle, traction and pulling force. In all, the new BMW 3 Series is more dynamic, accelerates more quickly, and offers an even higher top speed. And all this is on less fuel than before.

Starting the engine at the touch of a button

Active Steering: unique in this segment

For the first time in the midrange segment, the customer has the choice of BMW Active Steering in the six-cylinder models of the new BMW 3 Series as an option. The big advantage of this modern concept is a more direct steering transmission ratio at low speeds and a more indirect ratio at high speeds, thus providing the ideal solution to the old conflict of interests with a conventional steering between agility, stability, and motoring comfort. In the new BMW 3 Series this superiority is further enhanced by a significant everyday benefit: Applying the brakes on surfaces varying in their frictional coefficient, such as roads with patches of ice, snow and asphalt, Active Steering, intervening actively in the car's steering mechanism, stabilises the vehicle more quickly and precisely than a normal driver in such a situation.

Latest-generation DSC

DSC Dynamic Stability Control featured here in its latest generation also ensures extra safety on the road. In addition, DSC on the six-cylinder models comes with further useful functions such as dry-braking the brake discs on wet roads or brake standby by pre-setting the brake linings for a quick, smooth and firm response. And now the system also prevents the car from rolling back when setting off on an uphill gradient and avoids that usual 'dive' effect when braking shortly before the car comes to a standstill.

As a result, BMW's Sports Saloon now offers even greater leadership in driving dynamics.

ACC Active Cruise Control: the sheer pleasure of being driven.

ACC Active Cruise Control is far more than just a conventional cruise control system, since it is able to consistently monitor traffic conditions and respond accordingly: Featuring a radar distance sensor, ACC monitors the distance to the vehicle ahead and adjusts the car's speed as well as its distance in specific, pre-selected levels. This makes ACC simply ideal in traffic flowing along at a consistent speed with moderate vehicle density, ACC automatically accelerating the car to the driver's desired speed regardless of external factors and without requiring the driver to intervene. This speed is then consistently maintained and, when necessary, reduced accordingly.

To benefit from this superior comfort, all the driver has to do is set the speed he would like to have by pressing the appropriate control button. This saves and maintains the speed desired until the driver intervenes by giving gas or applying the brakes.

Distinctive design profiling the 3 Series as a dynamic and elegant saloon

Photo: BMW

In its design language, the 3 Series makes a powerful statement as a unique, self-confident, dynamic and elegant sports saloon. The new car comes right in the middle of BMW's modern design spectrum, matching the design language of the BMW Z4 or the BMW 1 Series, on the one hand, with the elegance of the 5 and 7 Series, on the other. Characteristic features are the short overhangs, the greenhouse moved far to the back, as well as the long engine compartment lid. Significantly larger both outside and inside, the interior is bright, spacious and generous, reflecting the lifestyle of its target group.

In collisions from the side: the safest 3 Series the world has ever seen

Through its design and configuration, the new BMW 3 Series is built for best results in the EuroNCAP crash test. And it is one of the first cars fully prepared for the extremely strict side-impact requirements in the USA as well as the US high-speed rear-end crash test.

Apart from the optimised belt systems, the occupant safety system comes as standard with no less than six airbags: the driver, front passenger, hip, thorax, and curtain head airbags.

Clever solutions in the interior: premium-class space and comfort

The interior is both modern and harmonious all in one, the generous ambience creating a feeling of controlled dynamics and lightness. So the driver and his - or her - passengers clearly feel the two characters combined so harmoniously by the BMW 3 Series: that of a comfortable midrange saloon and that of a sports driving machine.

Multifunction steering wheel with extra buttons for individual options

The multifunction steering wheel is a separate assistance system with its own independent functions: Various buttons arranged ergonomically on the steering wheel allow the driver to control and activate major functions as required. And in conjunction with iDrive he is also able to freely program two extra buttons as a special feature never seen before in the midrange segment.

Opening the door and starting the engine without an ignition key

With iDrive putting an end to the multitude of buttons and switches in the cockpit so typical of a conventional car, Comfort Access available as an option takes the place of a conventional ignition key: The straight-edged key referred to in this case as the 'ID sensor' allows the customer to access the car and start the engine without even having to hold the key in his hand. In conjunction with the Key Memory functions it serves furthermore to adjust the seat position, the mirrors, automatic air conditioning and even the radio station chosen in advance according to pre-programmed driver wishes, to name just some of its functions.

Infotainment systems carried over from the luxury performance class

The information and entertainment equipment featured by the new BMW 3Series comes straight from BMW's luxury performance range. As an example, the customer has the choice as an option of both the Business or Professional navigation systems, both based on DVD data. The optional Professional LOGIC7 HiFi system, in turn, offers audio quality with all surround sound features.

In conjunction with the telephone also available as an option, the driver is able to use all BMW Assist services in the interest of extra comfort and safety: the emergency call function, BMW breakdown assistance, BMW Info, traffic information, as well as mobility-related enquiry services.

(Jan. 25, 2005)